Conversion plus the tape effect
The Crane Song HEDD is a mastering AD/DA converter with something no other converter offers: Dave Hill's Pentode, Triode and Tape Emulation algorithms running in the digital domain at the point of conversion.
The tape control
Turn the Tape control up a few units and transient peaks soften exactly the way they do on a well-aligned machine - the master gets louder without a limiter and without losing punch. It is one of the most used single controls in our entire chain.
Pentode and triode
Pentode adds odd-order edge and presence; triode adds even order warmth. On a modern master a small amount of triode is often all that separates a mix that sounds "digital" from one that sounds finished.
How it sits in our chain
The Prism Sound Dream ADA-8XR is our main DAC and ADC on the Maselec MTC-2 and the feed to the Trinnov. The HEDD is one of the alternatives on both sides of that: a selectable DAC option out of the MTC-2, and a selectable ADC option for capture when the tape, pentode and triode colour belongs on the record rather than the Prism's neutrality.
Hardware info
Hand built in Wisconsin in small numbers, the HEDD is a premium mastering converter and the tape section alone justifies its place.
Hear it on your record
Book a master
This chain is available on every stereo and stem master we deliver from Manchester.