Though the term is more often applied to heads, the Demeter could be described as a “hybrid,” in terms of its integration of tube and solid-state circuits. As with hybrid heads, Demeter seeks to capitalize on each circuit’s unique benefits, without compromising overall sound. A single 12AX7 tube drives the input gain and passive tone stack, with no integrated circuits in the signal path. The fully parametric EQ is solid-state; the precision and flexibility it offers would be much more difficult to achieve with discrete, tube-driven components. Demeter sources high-end components for the signal path, including Wima capacitors, Burr Brown ICs, and the aforementioned Jensen DI. The primary circuitboard was efficiently laid out and the interconnects well stress-relieved; the HBP-1J imparts on overall sense of high-end quality.
An important facet of Demeter’s design is the preamp’s stout toroidal power transformer, which supplies nearly 250-volts to the preamp tube’s plate and is fully regulated. Rather than skimp by using a wall-wart or puny onboard transformer, the Demeter’s stable high-voltage supply gets the tube into an operating state where it can really do its tube-y thing.
The HBP-1J’s front panel is clearly laid out and offers all the functionality I appreciate in a preamp, including a control over a pro-level EFFECTS LOOP with separate SEND and RETURN level controls and a MUTE switch with status LED.
GOT IT ALL
The HBP-1J does indeed accomplish its design goal, fluidly combining the benefits of plush tube tone and solid-state flexibility and speed. Without the parametric EQ engaged, and with the tone stack set as close to flat as possible, the initial sound is poised and natural, with a colorful midrange, bouncy attack, and broad frequency response. Engaging the parametric EQ via the front-panel switch doesn’t affect the sound much until it’s adjusted, a sign of a welldesigned circuit. The two bands of parametric EQ are potent, and I found it effective for subtle tailoring in either the boost or cut direction. I tracked a couple of demo overdubs, and the Jensen DI output sounded fantastically warm, thick, and noise-free.
The HBP-1 is an excellent option for a component performance rig or a studio pre. It ably merges the tube and transistor vibes into a uniquely sweet and satisfying tone with impressive flexibility.
TECH SPECS
Input impedance 1MΩ
Tone controls Passive tone stack;
Two bands of full parametric EQ:
±15dB @ 40Hz–4.4kHz, variable Q
DI output Jensen transformerbased,
mic level; 1" TRS balanced output
Made in U.S.A.
Warranty One year limited
DEMETER HBP-1J
Direct $1,049
Pros Beautiful-sounding combination of tube warmth and solidstate precision and speed. Robust feature-set.
Cons None
Bottom Line A top-of-the-line preamp for stage or studio.
CONTACT
(805) 461-4100 www.demeteramps.com