HUM Audio N-Closure (module) is a single channel strip module — the N-Strip — designed for installation in the N-Closure 2 housing (4U, up to 2 modules) or N-Closure 6 housing (11U, up to 6 modules). Electronically identical to the N-TROPHY console channel strip, without the console-specific Center Section functions (aux routing, group routing, panning, MixB section). Each module is a self-contained Class-A signal path with a full complement of processing tools: a discrete Mic/Line/Hi-Z preamp based on Jensen JE990 opamps (0–66 dB gain), a switchable input audio transformer, a THD stage with five saturation types, a tube optical compressor using an ECC88 tube, a 6-band passive EQ with HPF/LPF, an insert loop with Dry/Wet Blend, and an output trim with source selector. All signal routing is relay-switched with gold-plated contacts throughout. Hand-built in Poland.
Preamp, transformer, and THD stage — three coloration layers at the input
The Mic/Line/Hi-Z preamp based on Jensen JE990 opamps, using a topology derived from HUM Audio's flagship RP-2 preamplifier, delivers 0–66 dB of gain in 12 stepped positions. Microphone input impedance is 3.5 kOhm, line is 10 kOhm, and Hi-Z exceeds 1 MOhm; maximum input level is +22 dBV; 48V phantom power is switchable. An optional input transformer (X-FORMER) can be engaged via relay between the preamp and EQ, adding subtle harmonic enhancement at low frequencies and a gentle analog roll-off at extreme levels without loss of detail. The THD stage offers five harmonic saturation types: ASYMMETRICAL Germanium, ASYMMETRICAL Silicon, and SYMMETRICAL Soft/Medium/Hard — covering the range from gentle analog warmth through deliberate germanium or silicon transistor-style drive. A Tape input with a 0/+6/+12 dB gain switch is included. Phase inversion is available independently per input type (Mic, Line, Tape).
Tube optical compressor, passive EQ, and configurable processor order
The tube optical compressor with an ECC88 tube offers continuously variable behavior from slow, gluey optical-style compression (LA-2A type) to fast, FET-style limiting (1176-type) on a single morphing control — no threshold selection needed. A Dry/Wet Blend enables parallel compression at any ratio. An HPF in the internal sidechain detection circuit, two external KEY inputs (KEY1/KEY2), stereo link, and AUX 7+8 as sidechain buses support advanced dynamic processing configurations. The tube circuit can be bypassed independently from the compressor function — allowing clean compression without tube saturation, and preserving tube life when compression is not in use. A Sifam VU meter displays Post Gain, Gain Reduction, Trim, or Input (active only when insert is engaged). The 6-band passive EQ features separate Boost and Cut controls per band; HF and LF bands switch between Peak and Shelf modes; HPF and LPF at 6 dB/oct each with frequency selection on rotary switches for full recallability. External insert loop with balanced XLR connections and Dry/Wet Blend for parallel external processing. Processor order in the signal chain is freely configurable via relay switching across six permutations of Preamp / EQ / Compressor / Insert. Output Trim with source selector and level control.
KEY FEATURES
- Single N-Strip module — electronically identical to N-TROPHY console channel (without Center Section functions)
- Designed for N-Closure 2 housing (up to 2 modules, 4U) or N-Closure 6 housing (up to 6 modules, 11U)
- Discrete Class-A Mic/Line/Hi-Z preamp on Jensen JE990 — 0–66 dB gain, 12 positions
- Input impedances: Mic 3.5 kOhm / Line 10 kOhm / Hi-Z above 1 MOhm
- 48V phantom power; phase inversion per input type; Tape input with 0/+6/+12 dB gain switch
- Switchable input transformer (X-FORMER) — harmonic enhancement LF, analog HF roll-off
- THD Stage: 5 saturation types (Germanium, Silicon asymmetrical; Soft/Medium/Hard symmetrical)
- Tube optical compressor ECC88 — continuous Comp→Lim morph, Dry/Wet Blend, stereo link
- Sidechain: internal HPF, KEY1/KEY2 external inputs, AUX 7+8 as sidechain buses
- Independent tube bypass — clean compression without tube saturation; tube life preservation
- 6-band passive EQ with separate Boost/Cut per band; switchable Peak/Shelf on HF and LF
- HPF and LPF 6 dB/oct with frequency selection on rotary switches
- External insert loop XLR balanced with Dry/Wet Blend — parallel processing
- 6 freely configurable processor orders in signal chain (relay-switched)
- Sifam VU meter: Post Gain / Gain Reduction / Trim / Input (with active insert)
- Output Trim with source selector and level control
- All signal routing via relay switches with gold-plated contacts
- 100mm stepped motorized fader on fixed resistors (identical to N-TROPHY)
- Hand-built in Poland
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: single channel strip module (N-Strip) for N-Closure 2 or N-Closure 6 housing
- Signal path: discrete, Class-A, balanced, relay-switched throughout
- Preamp: Jensen JE990, gain 0–66 dB (12 steps)
- Input impedance Mic: 3.5 kOhm; Line: 10 kOhm; Hi-Z: above 1 MOhm
- Maximum input level: +22 dBV
- Phantom power: 48V
- Input transformer: switchable (X-FORMER, optional in signal path)
- THD Stage: 5 types (Germanium, Silicon, Soft, Medium, Hard)
- Compressor: opto with ECC88 tube, continuous Comp→Lim morph, Dry/Wet, stereo link
- Compressor sidechain: internal HPF, KEY1/KEY2 external, AUX 7+8
- EQ: 6-band passive, separate Boost/Cut per band, switchable Peak/Shelf on HF/LF
- HPF/LPF: 6 dB/oct, frequency selectable on rotary switch
- Insert: balanced XLR, Dry/Wet Blend
- Processor order: 6 configurations (relay-switched)
- VU meter: Sifam, modes Post Gain / GR / Trim / Input
- Fader: 100mm stepped motorized (fixed resistors)
- Routing: relay switches with gold-plated contacts throughout
- Production: hand-built, Poland
