The Klanghabitat Lyra Stereo Pair comprises two matched mono saturation modules in the API 500 format, engineered for precise stereo applications requiring natural-sounding vacuum tube distortion, consistent harmonic response, and detailed control over stereo image integrity and output gain structure.

Stereo Vacuum Tube Saturation Characteristics

Each unit within the matched pair features an identical high-voltage vacuum tube circuit, meticulously calibrated for stereo operation. This ensures symmetrical behaviour across the left and right channels, delivering harmonically rich saturation with a balanced stereo field. The tubes are driven into their non-linear regions, where smooth, soft-clipping occurs—yielding sonically pleasing harmonic overtones without the harshness associated with digital clipping. The result is a warm, musical THD profile ideal for stereo bus processing, mastering chains, and high-fidelity sound design.

Saturation Control

The SATURATION control on each unit pushes the respective vacuum tube from its linear region into saturation by progressively limiting its headroom. As this knob is increased, the signal is gradually driven into harmonic distortion, from gentle warmth to aggressive overdrive. In stereo use, careful calibration of both modules ensures uniform saturation across both channels, preserving phase coherence and spatial accuracy. This control allows precise manipulation of harmonic content, making it ideal for everything from transparent stereo enhancement to intense stereo signal mangling.

Parallel Processing and Output Level Management

Each module includes an INTENSITY control, which blends the unprocessed (dry) signal with the saturated (wet) signal from 0% to 100%. This wet/dry mix enables fine-tuned parallel processing, where subtle harmonic enhancement or full saturation can be layered into the stereo image without compromising the original dynamics. The OUTPUT control on each channel offers ±12 dB of gain adjustment, facilitating accurate level matching across the stereo bus and preventing unwanted gain staging issues downstream in the signal path.

Stereo-Ready MKII Enhancements

Both modules in the matched pair feature the updated MKII specification, including true bypass switches that allow each channel to be individually removed from the signal chain. This provides complete transparency when required and enables quick A/B comparisons between processed and unprocessed stereo content.

Professional-Grade Technical Specifications

The matched pair operates within two slots of a 500 series rack, each consuming 150 mA of power. Both modules handle input and output levels up to +20 dBu, with a full-range frequency response from 20 Hz to 22 kHz—ensuring fidelity even when heavily saturated. With THD+N measurements ranging from a clean 0.024% at 0% saturation to 26.3% at full drive, the Klanghabitat Lyra Stereo Pair delivers exceptional versatility and technical reliability for stereo mastering, bus saturation, and critical two-channel applications.