Heritage Audio HA-609A is now available as a native plugin, bringing the company’s modern take on the classic diode-bridge “glue compressor” workflow into VST3, AU, and AAX sessions. Inspired by the legendary Neve 33609 lineage and built around component-level modeling, the HA-609A plugin aims to deliver the same sense of punch, cohesion, and musical control that engineers associate with its hardware counterpart.
For producers who love the sound of a finished mixbus but want the flexibility of in-the-box processing, this release is designed to feel familiar and immediate. Heritage Audio kept the front-panel style layout and the “set it, feel it” approach, while leaning into the advantages of software: recall, multiple instances, and fast integration across modern workflows.
A Modern Take on a Studio Staple
Diode-bridge compression has a long history on mixes that need confidence and weight. Rather than presenting the HA-609A as a pure nostalgia piece, Heritage Audio positions it as an evolution: an updated interpretation that preserves the character of a classic, but is shaped for contemporary production demands.
In plugin form, the goal is straightforward: add controlled density without flattening the life out of a performance. On the stereo bus, that usually translates to the sense that the track “locks” together—kick, bass, vocals, and synths feel like they live in the same room. On stems and individual tracks, it’s about adding authority while keeping transients and movement intact.
Component-Level Modeling and “Hardware-Style” Workflow
The HA-609A plugin is built using current-generation component-level modeling, which aims to capture each stage of the signal path—how gain reduction behaves dynamically, and how the harmonic response changes as you drive the processor. In practice, that means you can reach for it when you want more than transparent level control: the plugin is designed to contribute a recognizable tone as it works.
Heritage Audio also emphasizes usability. The plugin mirrors the hardware’s intuitive control surface so that settings feel direct and quick to dial in. If you already know how to approach a diode-bridge style compressor/limiter, the learning curve is minimal. If you’re new to the flavor, it still behaves in a predictable way—making it well-suited for quick mix decisions.
Where It Fits in a DJ/Producer Workflow
For electronic music producers and DJs who mix their own material, the HA-609A plugin is aimed at those “glue” moments: tightening a drum bus, giving a synth group more impact, or adding final cohesion to a premaster. Because it’s software, you can run multiple instances where hardware would traditionally be limited to one stereo unit.
The built-in 14-day demo makes it easy to test in real-world sessions. Try it across a full track, then swap it onto buses to hear how it changes the balance and energy. The most revealing test is usually the mixbus: if the track feels more confident at matched loudness, you’ll know it’s doing what you want.
Compatibility and Formats
The HA-609A plugin is designed for broad studio compatibility. It supports Windows 10 and above, and macOS 10.15.7 and higher. Formats include VST3, AU, and AAX, making it suitable for common DAWs used in production, mixing, and post.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Classic diode-bridge style cohesion and punch, designed to add “finished” energy to buses and mixes
- Component-level modeling approach intended to capture dynamic behavior and harmonic character
- Hardware-inspired interface for fast, intuitive setup
- Multiple instances and full recall inside a DAW, which can be more flexible than a single hardware unit
- 14-day demo available to evaluate in real sessions
- Free license available for eligible Heritage Audio hardware owners (HA-609A Elite Series) and i73 PRO interface owners
Cons:
- Owners of the plugin alone will not get the “one box” tactile experience that some engineers prefer with hardware
- If you need strictly transparent dynamics, a diode-bridge flavored processor may be more characterful than required
- Availability across third-party retailers can vary by region, so some buyers may prefer purchasing direct
Pricing and Availability
The HA-609A plugin is priced at €99 / $99 and is available via the Heritage Audio online store and selected plugin retailers.
The HA 609A Elite hardware unit is available at €1850 / $1850
Heritage Audio also mentions a Plugin Loyalty Program that provides discounts on subsequent plugin purchases: 20% off a second plugin, 35% off a third plugin, and 50% off additional plugins when using the code loyaltyprogram at checkout on the company’s website.
More Info
Get more info on the official product page at Heritage Audio website.
Conclusion
With the HA-609A plugin, Heritage Audio is translating a modern diode-bridge compressor/limiter concept into a practical, DAW-friendly tool that targets one of the most desired mix outcomes: cohesion without losing impact. Between component-level modeling, hardware-inspired controls, and broad format support, it’s positioned as a straightforward option for producers who want punch and glue on buses, stems, and full mixes.
The 14-day demo makes it easy to decide if this character fits your sound, while eligible hardware owners can claim a free license. For everyone else, the $99 / €99 price point keeps the barrier to entry relatively low for a mixbus-style processor designed to deliver weight, authority, and musical control.
