HUM Audio N-TROPHY (Analog Console — 8-Channel Section) is the eight-channel in-line module of the N-TROPHY console — the fundamental building block of the system, available as a standalone purchase for expanding an existing console or as the starting point for a new setup. Each 8-channel section adds 57 cm to the console's width and contains eight complete channel strips with the same full processor chain found in any N-TROPHY configuration: discrete Class-A preamp based on Jensen JE990 opamps (topology similar to the flagship RP-2 preamp, up to 66 dB gain), switchable input transformer, THD stage with five saturation types, tube optical compressor on NOS Mullard tubes, a 6-band passive EQ, and an insert matrix. Modular sections can be joined in any order and purchased individually, without requiring a new console purchase.
Channel architecture — preamp, THD, tube compressor, passive EQ
The mic/line/tape preamp based on Jensen JE990 opamps delivers up to 66 dB of gain with an optional switchable input audio transformer offering five coloration types: German, Silicon (asymmetrical), and Soft/Mid/Hard (symmetrical). The THD stage — an original HUM Audio design — adds harmonics deliberately, with adjustable intensity and saturation character; Soft mode is particularly suited to analog tape simulation. The per-channel tube optical compressor on NOS Mullard tubes offers continuously adjustable characteristics from slow, gluey optical-style compression (LA-2A type) to fast, FET-style limiting (1176-type), with an HPF in the detection circuit, external KEY input, and stereo link. The 6-band passive EQ with HPF and LPF on rotary switches provides full recallability and perfect matching between channels. Processor order (compressor/EQ/insert) is freely configurable per channel. The insert loop with a Dry/Wet Blend control enables parallel processing with any external unit. Each channel uses a 100mm stepped motorized fader built on fixed resistors — a unique HUM Audio design that eliminates the matching and repeatability limitations of conventional analog faders.
Routing, aux, sidechain, and DAW integration
Channel strips are 7 cm wide — wider than most large-format consoles — with solid machined aluminum knobs and custom fader caps. Each channel includes a rotary B Fader with Pan and Level controls, fader flip capability, and routing to Group 1/2 or the Main MIX Bus; a PAN MODE switch (L‹PAN›R) allows hard-panning for absolute stereo separation beyond what a standard pan pot provides. Routing to Main MIX Bus and four group pairs (eight mono group buses) with SOLO SAFE and MUTE. Eight mono aux sends pre- or post-fader per channel; AUX 7 and AUX 8 function as global sidechain buses for all channel compressors and the master compressor — key signals from different channels and groups can be mixed freely for unlimited creative compression configurations. Fader A controls the corresponding DAW fader when selected in Center Section's Automation Setup; the N-TROPHY fader scale matches Pro Tools exactly. The 3U rack power supply is passively cooled — one unit powers up to 32 channel strips; larger configurations require two units. Tube compressors can be powered off independently, conserving energy and extending tube life.
KEY FEATURES
- 8 complete in-line channel strips — adds 57 cm to the console width
- Discrete Class-A preamp on Jensen JE990 opamps — up to 66 dB gain
- Inputs per channel: Mic (XLR), Tape (XLR), Line (XLR/Jack), Insert Return (XLR)
- Outputs per channel: Insert Send (XLR), Direct Out (XLR)
- Switchable input audio transformer — 5 coloration types (German, Silicon, Soft/Mid/Hard)
- THD Stage — 5 harmonic saturation types with adjustable intensity
- Tube optical compressor (NOS Mullard) — LA-2A to FET/1176-type with HPF, KEY, stereo link
- 6-band passive EQ + HPF/LPF on rotary switches (full recallability, perfect channel matching)
- Insert with Dry/Wet Blend — parallel processing with any external unit
- Configurable processor order: compressor/EQ/insert
- 100mm stepped motorized fader on fixed resistors (unique HUM Audio design)
- Rotary B Fader with Pan, Level, and flip to Fader A
- PAN MODE switch (L‹PAN›R) — hard-pan for absolute stereo separation
- Routing to Main MIX Bus and 4 group pairs (8 mono groups)
- 8 mono aux sends pre/post-fader; AUX 7+8 as sidechain buses for all compressors
- Moving fader DAW automation (fader scale = Pro Tools)
- Tube compressors independently switchable — power saving, extended tube life
- Sections orderable and expandable individually; joinable in any order
- Production: hand-built, Poland
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: 8-channel in-line module for N-TROPHY console
- Preamp: discrete Class-A, Jensen JE990 opamps, up to 66 dB gain
- Inputs per channel: Mic In XLR, Tape In XLR, Line In XLR/Jack, Insert Return XLR
- Outputs per channel: Insert Send XLR, Direct Out XLR
- Input transformer: switchable, 5 coloration types
- THD Stage: 5 harmonic saturation types
- Compressor: tube optical, NOS Mullard, slow/gluey to fast/FET-type
- EQ: 6-band passive + HPF/LPF on rotary switches
- Insert: external with Dry/Wet Blend
- Fader: 100mm stepped motorized (fixed resistors)
- Aux sends: 8 mono pre/post-fader per channel
- Routing: Main MIX Bus + 4 group pairs (8 mono groups)
- Channel strip width: 7 cm
- 8-channel section width addition: 57 cm
- Power: +/-24V, passively cooled 3U rack PSU (1 unit powers up to 32 channels)
- Production: hand-built, Poland
