Roger Mayer 456HD-500 X (Pair)

Name: Roger Mayer 456HD-500 X (Pair)
Brand: Roger Mayer
SKU: RM-456HD-500X
Price: 1490.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

£1,788.00 - inc. VAT (£1,490.00 - exc. VAT)

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The Roger Mayer 456HD-500X is a 500-series analogue tape emulation processor engineered by legendary audio designer Roger Mayer. Built on an ultra-high-speed, discrete Class-A topology, the 456HD-500X accurately replicates the dynamic compression, harmonic saturation, and low end weight of printing to an Ampex 456 tape reel on a Studer A80 multitrack recorder delivering high-definition tape character to digital recording workflows without latency, tape wear, or high-frequency hiss.

The "X" designation features Roger Mayer’s custom transformers on both input and output stages. These transformers eliminate differential signal loss issues when interfacing with DAW hardware inserts, ensuring pristine level preservation and full transformer driven depth.

The 456HD-500X naturally rounds off aggressive transients and clamps down peak levels without the unnatural pumping of conventional VCA or optical compressors. As signal levels drive closer to digital maximum ( $0\text{ dBFS}$ ), the unit progressively introduces musical 2nd and 3rd order harmonics.

Key Features

Authentic Analogue Tape Emulation: Faithfully models the harmonic and dynamic response of Ampex 456 tape running on a Studer A80 machine.
Transformer-Balanced I/O (X Version): Custom hand-wound Roger Mayer ferrite wideband transformers on input and output for seamless DAW hardware insert integration.
Discrete Class-A Circuit Path: Ultra-high-speed, zero-IC design built with selected low-noise transistors and metallised film capacitors.
Zero-Latency & Zero Hiss: Get the glue and saturation of analogue tape without tape hiss, maintenance, or tracking latency.
Analogue Dynamic Level Control: Soft-knee peak limiting controls transient spikes and increases perceived volume without loss of clarity.
Streamlined Controls: Front-panel Input, Bias, and Trim controls for fine-tuning tape drive and saturation depth.

Technical Specifications

Format: Standard Single-Slot 500-Series Module
Circuit Design: Discrete Class-A Ultra-High-Speed Analogue Topology
Frequency Response: Extended bandwidth ( $10\text{ Hz} - >100\text{ kHz}$ )
Transformers: Custom Hand-Wound Roger Mayer Ferrite Wideband I/O Transformers
Input Level: Nominal $-20\text{ dBu}$ to $+4\text{ dBu}$ (Transformer Balanced)
Input Impedance: $10\text{ k}\Omega$ or greater
Output Level: $+4\text{ dBu}$ or $3.5\text{V}$ peak (Transformer Balanced)
Output Impedance: $50\ \Omega$
Dynamic Range: $108\text{ dB}$
Internal Headroom: $20\text{ dB}$ (Max Input Level: $+32\text{ dBm}$ )
Power Requirements: $+16.2\text{V DC}$ @ $125\text{ mA}$ regulated

Product Overview

500 Series Tape Emulation Processor with Transformer Balanced Input & Output

The Roger Mayer 456HD-500X is a tape emulation processor in 500-series format from the British engineer, Roger Mayer. The 456 HD is a solid-state tape emulator, using a discrete Class-A ultra-high-speed analogue design to accurately simulate the harmonic and dynamic properties of the Ampex 456 used with a Studer A80 tape machine.

The Roger Mayer 456HD facilitates "high definition tape recording" - bring all of the desirable sonic advantages of analogue tape processing to your DAW with zero-latency and no tape hiss.

Transformer Balanced Input and Output

The 456HD-500 X's custom hand-wound ferrite wideband transformers are made in house by Roger Mayer and feature exceptional wide-band tonal transparency and are superior in performance to electronic balancing circuits.
These are the same transformers that are used in the Classic RM58 Limiter, Microphone Pre-Amplifiers and the new Rack Mounted 2U

Having true balanced transformer inputs and outputs enables this unit to be inserted in a DAW hard insert without any signal loss. Modern electronically balanced inputs are actually in fact differential inputs and this can cause signal level loss problems from unbalanced sources. By using both Balanced Input and Output Transformers an optimal successful interface is obtained in your signal processing chain.

Hand-built in the U.K. This is a completely discrete analogue design using only selected low-noise transistors, low-noise metal film 1% resistors, and metallised film capacitors from the world’s top manufacturers, all combined in a design to provide ultimate studio-quality audio.

Product Specifications

Input Level: Nominal -20dB to +4db Transformer Balanced
Input Impedance: 10K or greater
Output Level: +4dBu or 3.5V peak Transformer Balanced
Output Impedance: 50ohms
Input Impedance: 10K or greater
Dynamic Range: 108dB
Headroom: Maximum input level +32dBm – Internal Headroom 20dB
Dimensions: 38.1mm width x 185mm depth x 44mm height
Weight: 700g
Power Requirements: +16.2V DC at 125mA regulated

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Product Support

We work with some of the world’s leading audio manufacturers to provide everything from the trusted studio classics to modern, innovative technologies that help you to push sonic boundaries. We pride ourselves on offering the best support both before and after sale. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

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