Description
C533 | Analog Saturation Colour Processor with TILT EQ
- Add Analog Saturation to your Music!
- Series Operation with Drive/Cut Knobs
- LF/HF TILT EQ with MID Dip Mode
- 3 Colour Modules Slots
- 1:1 Ratio Gain/Trim Colour Drive Circuit
- +20dB Colour Drive Gain Range
- Bypass Switch for Each Colour Modules
- -12dB Active Input Signal Attenuation
- High-Quality ALPS Potentiometers
- Studio-Grade Low Noise Opamps
- Balanced Input
- Balanced Output
- Compatible with DIYRE Colour Format
- Direct Sale – Save on Distributors Fee!
The C533 is a Mono Series Saturation Processor with three Colour Module slots, designed to process the sound with the use of Colour Modules adding subtle harmonics to the signal, similar to the harmonics added by the vintage studio equipment.
Each Saturation Colour Module stage has Drive/Trim circuit with 1:1 Ratio potentiometer. As a result, the colour module drive level increases while the output level remains the same.
-12dB Active Input Signal Attenuation feature reduces the input signal level without adding any extra noise usually associated with the passive input attenuators.
Each Colour Module stage has the Bypass Switch which allows the easy A/B operation. The LED indicates the active Saturation Module.
The Smart Tilt EQ
The C533 Smart Tilt EQ is a special type of the shelf EQ which can boost / cut the LF or HF using only one knob.
The Smart Tilt EQ is based around the passive EQ filter circuit.
Turn the knob right to increase the amount of HF while reducing the amount of the LH band.
Turn the knob to the left to emphasize the low end while reducing the amount of HF.
The Smart Tilt EQ has the MID DIP feature which attenuates the Mid Band by -4dB@1.5kHz greatly increasing the functionality of the EQ.
The EQ section can be bypassed for easy A/B comparison.
C533 Signal Flow Diagram
The picture below shows the simplified signal flow diagram for C533 Processor. It is important to understand how C533 operates. Please read the User Manual before using the C533. Click the picture to enlarge.
-12dB Active Input Signal Attenuation
The C533 has the active signal attenuation feature which reduces the input signal by -12dB without adding any noise.
The typical passive attenuators may add extra noise due to the use of additional resistors on the input.
Passive attenuators may also change the input impedance if engaged, changing the frequency response of the signal source.
The C533 Active Attenuation Circuit eliminates all problems associated with the passive counterparts.
The noise has ultra-low levels and the input impedance stays the same even if the signal attenuation is engaged.
Active Low Noise Colour Drive Circuit
The C533 has an active Gain Control Circuit. The first half of the Gain/Trim Dual Potentiometer is actively changing the Drive Gain.
Less Drive = less Gain, which means less noise in the background.
C533 will always deliver the lowest possible noise floor level.
The C533 was designed from the beginning to be used by professionals in demanding studio applications.
HRK Colour Modules – True Analog Plugins!
Colour Modules are Hardware Analogue Plugins made with NOS Discrete Components and Valves which add pleasing harmonics and subtle saturation to the signal, delivering the sonic results of the Vintage Studio Equipment for a fraction of the Price!
Each Colour Module is different and uniquely impacts the sound. You can use the Colour Modules for Recording, Tracking and Mastering.
Demo Video
Louder Than Liftoff Mister Focus vs HRK C533 – Comparison Table
| LTL Mister Focus | HRK C533 | |
| Number of Colour Modules | 2 | 3 |
| Front Panel Attenuation Switch | NO | YES -12dB |
| Drive Range | -6db / + 18dB | 0 / +20dB |
| EQ Type | Tilt EQ | Tilt EQ with MID DIP Feature |
| Input | Electronic Balanced | Electronic Balanced |
| Output | Electronic Balanced | Electronic Balanced |
DIYRE Colour 500-Series Palette mkII vs C533 Saturation Colour Processor – Comparison Table
| DIYRE Colour Palette mkII | HRK C533 | |
| MIC INPUT | NO | NO |
| LINE INPUT | YES | YES |
| DRIVE RANGE | 0 – 18 dB | 0 – 20dB |
| DRIVE CONTROL | MULTI-DETENT (21) POTENTIOMETER | POTENTIOMETER – MIDDLE DETENT |
| MIC PREAMP | INTEGRATED CIRCUIT THAT Corp. 1256 | LOW NOISE OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIERS |
| NOISE PERFORMANCE | INFO NOT PROVIDED | -90dBu Noise Flor – no colour modules |
| PAD | NO | YES -12dB |
| MAIN OUTPUT CONTROL | +/-6dB | NON |
| EQ | NO | YES – TILT EQ |
| COLOUR MODULE SLOT | 3 | 3 |
| OUTPUT | BALANCED ELECTRONIC | BALANCED ELECTRONIC |
The C533 is fully compatible with the DIYRE Colour Format and The DIYRE Colour Modules. All DIYRE Colour Modules are compatible with the C533.
User Manual:
Please read the User Manual before the use of the C533.
Links:
Read more about the Colour Modules Idea – Colour FAQ Section
