APRIL 08, 2024 UPDATE
LHZ Preamps have transitioned from the vintage LF442CN opamps to new opamps. The LF442CN has been out of production for many years, Hazlabs have moved to modern surface-mount op-amps a few years ago, and it’s our time to turn the page as well. We’ve spent the last 4 months doing exhaustive evaluations of alternative chips and have settled on 2 opamps that are sonically indistinguishable: the MC33172 and the TL1464CN.
The LF442CN has a long history with the Haz preamp, so we were as apprehensive as many of our clients: will a new chip still have that same sound and feel? To answer that question, we invite you to check out the blind audio comparison between the chips here: BLIND OPAMP COMPARISON
LHZ Preamps started as a hobby project on the TalkBass forums with a goal to recreate the vintage preamp circuit used in the 80’s HazLabs using the same circuit design and dynamics that made the HazLabs preamp unique.
After the second prototype was built we started getting messages from users asking to purchase a unit, which started the process of upgrading manufacturing and testing capabilities for retail sale.
Despite being a very niche market preamp, we’ve sold over 250 units in the first 8 months it was available for sale. We ship worldwide via our eBay store, have multiple Spector-endorsed artists supporting who have upgraded their touring basses with the LHZ, and pride ourselves on putting quality and customer support over quantity. We’d rather build fewer preamps and offer better service, instead of building a lot of preamps and just be another commodity product.
There are two version of the LHZ preamp are available:
| Item: | LHZ-01 (Solder Connection)  | LHZ-02 (Quick Disconnect)  | LHZ-03 (Universal)  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Status: | Retired | Retired | In Production |
| Price: | $140.00 USD (plus tax & shipping) | $155.00 USD (plus tax & shipping) | $145.00 USD (plus tax & shipping) |
| Connectivity: | Hard-wired connection to soldered potentiometers. | EMG quick-disconnect cables connect LHZ to EMG modular controls. | Kit cables provide connection to soldered potentiometers. EMG quick-disconnect cables connect LHZ to EMG modular controls. |
| Soldering Experience: | Recommended for users with precision soldering experience and are comfortable soldering small wires to circuit boards. | Recommended for users with limited soldering experience. | Recommended for users with limited soldering experience. |
| Size: | 31mm X 50mm | 31mm X 50mm | 29mm X 48mm |
Curious how the LHZ sounds? Check out the Sounds page for sound samples.
Need the Installation Manual? Head over to the Wiring Diagrams page to find the manual for your unit.
Want that vintage and iconic HazLabs NS2 tone from your Spector Euro or Rebop? Orders place by 10pm EST Friday are assembled over the weekend to ship on Monday! Where to Buy the LHZ Preamp