HAIRBALL Blue Stripe – FET/500 Rev. A – 1176 – Compressor

This is the 500 series version of the Blue Stripe and it sound identical to the Rev A rack version Blue Stripe.

Often referred to as a “Blue Stripe”. These units were the first commercial revision and have a silver panel with a distinctive blue stripe over the VU meter. The signal and line amp are based on the 1108 mic pre and use a FET as the first active component in each amp stage (all other revisions use a bipolar transistor). The gain reduction FET in this model has a unique circuitry around it, different from all other models (notably the lack of source resistor). This results in a little more distortion that helps define the “Blue Stripe” sound. This revision also has a slightly lower threshold in comparison to later revisions (about 5db) and more gain in the amplification stages (about 5db) than the Rev D. This revision is rare, limited to less than a 1000 units, and are highly sought after by many engineers and producers.

Blue anodized front panel made in Seattle, USA
PCB L-bracket made in Seattle, USA
Custom Ed Anderson O-12 reproduction input transformer made in the USA
Custom Ed Anderson 5002 reproduction output transformer made in the USA
Custom T-Pad input attenuator
Grayhill ratio rotary switch
BI260 potentiometers
Fully discrete audio path including capacitors selected by ear from Kemet, Nichicon, Panasonic, Vishay, United Chemi-Con and Elna
Bourns trimpots
1% metal film resistors
Matched FETs
Machined aluminium knobs

API (and compatible) Lunchbox and VPR500 racking systems.

Fully built and calibrated to perfection in Canada with a 1 year warranty.

Hairball FET/500 | RACK calibration

Customers who order two units will receive stereo matched FETs and a link cable

These can be also build to order.