Equalizer
Equalizers allow you to adjust the frequency spectrum of an audio signal. With an equalizer, you can boost or cut specific frequencies to shape the sound optimally and remove unwanted resonances. These devices are essential for sound optimization in any professional audio production.
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Avalon VT-737SP Limited Gold Edition | Channel StripAdd to cartGiveawayNew4.390€
- 40 years of Avalon – Limited to 40 pieces worldwide
- distinct modern tube sound
- Mic / Line / Instrument Input Level
- Opto Compressor
- 4-Band EQ
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Chameleon Labs 7603 | Preamp + EQ Channelstrip – B-StockAdd to cart360°PROMO DEALNew-13%Limited
1.549€Original price was: 1.549€.1.349€Current price is: 1.349€.- Preamp + EQ in Neve 1076 style
- 70dB preamp gain + 10dB output gain
- Relay-controlled Mic / Line / DI preamps
- High-quality switches with aluminum caps
- Selectable input impedance (300Ω / 1200Ω)
Available in our demo studio Dresden. Arrange appointment
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API 565 Filter Bank | 500 Filter EQAdd to cartGiveaway819€
- HPF, LPF, variable notch filter
- API 2520 and 2510 Op-Amps
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API 560 | 500 10-band graphic EQAdd to cartGiveaway1.088€
- Graphical 10-band EQ in 500 format
- 12 dB boost/but per band
- Bypass switch
- based on the original 1969 API 560 EQ
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SPL PASSEQ | Passive EQ – Silver/BlackAdd to cartGiveaway3.699€
- passive mastering EQ
- 3 filter bands per side
- LF + MF semi-parametric, HF parametric
- 120V-Technology
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SPL PASSEQ | Passive EQ – RedAdd to cartGiveaway3.699€
- passive mastering EQ
- 3 filter bands per side
- LF + MF semi-parametric, HF parametric
- 120V-Technology
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SPL PASSEQ | Passive EQ – All BlackAdd to cartGiveaway3.699€
- passive mastering EQ
- 3 filter bands per side
- LF + MF semi-parametric, HF parametric
- 120V-Technology
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SPL PQ | Parametric Mastering EQ – Silver/BlackAdd to cart360°Giveaway6.399€
- Mastering Equalizer
- 5 fully parametric bands
- Constant & proportional Q
- 120V-Technology
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SPL PQ | Parametric Mastering EQ – RedAdd to cart360°Giveaway6.399€
- Mastering Equalizer
- 5 fully parametric bands
- Constant & proportional Q
- 120V-Technology
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SPL PQ | Parametric Mastering EQ – All BlackAdd to cart360°Giveaway6.399€
- Mastering Equalizer
- 5 fully parametric bands
- Constant & proportional Q
- 120V-Technology
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Harrison MR3eq | 3-band EQAdd to cart419€
- Legendary Harrison sound
- Center band 400 Hz – 8 kHz, infinitely variable, proportional Q
- Bypass switch for EQ & HPF
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SSL B-Dynamics 500 Series ModuleAdd to cartGiveaway659€
- Compressor, limiter, de-esser, expander & gate functions
- Controls for ratio, threshold, release
- Side chain HPF filter
- Stereo link mode
- Bypass switch
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SSL E-Series Dynamics 500 module | Dynamics section of the 611E channel stripAdd to cartGiveaway739€
- SSL 4000 E Series circuit
- Class A VCA compressor
- Expander/Gate
- based on the classic 611E Console Channel Strip
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SSL E-Series EQ 500 module | 4-band EQ of the 611E channel stripAdd to cartGiveaway689€
- SSL 4000 E Series circuit
- Optional “Black-242” and “Brown-02” shelf EQ
- based on the classic 611E Console Channel Strip
- Variable filter quality
- Bypass switch
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SSL UltraViolet EQ – 500 SeriesAdd to cartGiveaway479€
- 4-band stereo equalizer
- FUSION Violet High and Low Shelving EQ
- 2 fully parametric mid-bands with ‘FOCUS’ mode
- Switchable high-pass filter (Off, 30, 40, 50Hz)
- Trim control for output level
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Black Box Analog Design HG-Q | 6-Band Hybrid EQ 7.090€Add to cart
- 6-band EQ (3 x boost + 3x cut)
- Remote via Plugin Alliance Plugin
- Dual Mono, Stereo Link, Mid / Side Mode
- Tube & Solid State Circuit
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AMS Neve 1073 SPX-D | Channelstrip with AD converterAdd to cart2.989€
- Class A microphone preamplifier with equalizer
- up to 24 bit / 192 kHz AD/DA conversion
- Exclusive Neve Marinair transformers at input and output
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Cranborne Carnaby HE2 | Harmonic EQ 2.249€Add to cart
- Harmonic saturation to increase/decrease frequencies
- HE2 Control for remote control and saving/recalling presets
- Dual mono, stereo, mid/side
- 3 band semi-parametric
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Dangerous Music BAX EQ | Stereo Baxandall EQAdd to cart360°Giveaway4.090€
- Stereo Baxandall Equalizer
- gridded potentiometers
- High pass and low pass filters on relays for phase alignment
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Avalon VT-737SP Black Edition | Channel StripAdd to cartGiveaway4.290€
- A Legend Channelstrip
- distinct modern tube sound
- Mic / Line / Instrument Input Level
- Opto Compressor
- 4-Band EQ
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Avalon VT-737SP Silver | ChannelstripAdd to cartGiveaway4.290€
- A Legend Channelstrip
- distinct modern tube sound
- Mic / Line / Instrument Input Level
- Opto Compressor
- 4-Band EQ
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IGS Audio 825EQ | Mastering Equalizer (6 dB version)Add to cartGiveaway3.719€
- Mastering EQ in the legendary EAR 825 style
- 6 tubes (3 per channel)
- ELMA Switches
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AMS Neve 1073 SPX | ChannelstripAdd to cart1.759€
- Class A microphone preamplifier with equalizer
- Exclusive Neve Marinair transformers at input and output
- Mic/Line and DI on the front panel
- Mic/line on the back
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Bettermaker Stereo Passive EqualizerAdd to cart2.199€
- Stereo Passive EQ with extended Air Band
- Total recall, automation and A/B from DAW
- DAW plugin with external control
- 100% analog signal path
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Bettermaker VSPE | Valve Stereo Passive EQAdd to cart3.389€
- Dual mono / stereo passive EQ
- New heat audio circuits provide warmth and rich overtones
- Handmade HQ audio transformers from Bettermaker
- New intuitive DAW plugin
- 100% analog signal path
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Bettermaker Mastering Equalizer | 4-Band Parametric EQAdd to cart3.333€
- fully parametric 4-band EQ
- 100% analog signal path
- Stereo, dual mono, mid-side
- Stereo or MS operation
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Millennia NSEQ-4 | Discrete Solid State 4-Band EQAdd to cartGiveaway5.690€
- World’s first fully discrete, differential Class A input buffer/amplifier.
- FSA-03 all-discrete EQ amplifier of the 3rd generation
- Both topologies are Class A transformerless high-voltage systems
- Four EQ bands: 20 Hz to 20 kHz center frequency, 0.4 to 4.0 Q
- Extremely low noise: -106 dBu
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Millennia NSEQ-2 | Twin Topology Parametric 4-Band EQAdd to cartGiveaway5.550€
- 300 V vacuum tube or discrete J-FET solid-state signal path Twin Topologyâ„¢
- Both topologies are Class A transformerless high-voltage systems
- Four EQ bands: 20 Hz to 20 kHz center frequency, 0.4 to 4.0 Q
- Extremely low noise: -106 dBu
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IGS Audio 825EQ | Mastering Equalizer (12 dB version)Add to cartGiveaway3.719€
- Mastering EQ in the legendary EAR 825 style
- 6 tubes (3 per channel)
- ELMA Switches
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Mäag Audio EQ4M | 6-Band Mastering EQ with AIR BandAdd to cartGiveaway3.299€
- 6-band mastering equalizer
- With the legendary AIR BAND Shelving EQ from Maag Audio
- Highly linear phase operation with minimal phase shift
What is an equalizer?
An equalizer (EQ) is an audio processor that adjusts the frequency balance of an audio signal.
It allows you to boost or attenuate certain frequencies to shape the sound to your liking. Equalizers are available in various forms, including hardware devices and software plugins.
Why do I need an equalizer?
An equalizer is essential to improve the sound quality of your audio recordings and playbacks.
With an EQ, you can reduce unwanted frequencies, emphasize certain frequency ranges and achieve an overall balanced and clear sound.
This is particularly important in music production, mixing and mastering as well as live performances.
How does an equalizer work?
An equalizer works by dividing the audio signal into different frequency bands and adjusting the volume of each band separately.
This allows precise control over the sound character of a signal.
The main types of equalizers are:
- Parametric equalizer: Provides control over the frequency, Q-factor (bandwidth) and gain of each band.
- Graphic equalizer: Has fixed frequency bands that can be adjusted in level using sliders.
- Shelving equalizer: Boosts or cuts all frequencies above (high shelf) or below (low shelf) a certain frequency.
- Bandpass equalizer: Concentrates on a specific frequency range and masks out all other frequencies.
What types of equalizers are there?
Equalizers are available in various designs, which differ in the way they work, the components used and the type of sound processing.
Here are the most important types:
1. passive equalizer
- Description: Passive equalizers consist mainly of passive components such as resistors, capacitors and coils.
They require no current and add no gain to the signal; instead, they attenuate certain frequencies and often require a downstream amplifier circuit to boost the signal again. - Sound character: Warm, musical, often with a very natural sound.
2. active equalizer
- Description: These equalizers use active components such as transistors or operational amplifiers (op-amps) to amplify and shape the signal.
They offer more precise and flexible control over the frequency bands. - Sound character: Precise, controlled, can sound very neutral or colorful depending on the circuit design.
3. tube equalizer
- Description: Tube equalizers use tube amplifiers to process the signal.
The tubes can be installed either in the amplification stage or in the entire signal path, giving the signal a characteristic tube saturation and warmth. - Sound character: Warm, round, often described as “vintage” or “musical”, with subtle distortions that make the signal sound more pleasant.
4. transformer-based equalizer
- Description: These use transformers to process the signal.
They are often used in conjunction with passive circuits to color the signal in a certain way. - Sound character: Fat, warm, often with a characteristic “bend” in the dynamics and frequency response, resulting in a pleasant sound.
What are the different types of equalizers?
There are several types of equalizers commonly used in the audio world, each with specific areas of application:
Parametric equalizer
- Parametric equalizers offer more comprehensive control options, as you can adjust the frequency, gain and Q-factor (bandwidth) of each band individually.
- Application: These equalizers are ideal for studio applications where precise control over the frequency spectrum is required.
They allow fine adjustments and targeted processing of problematic frequencies.
Semi-parametric equalizer
- Semi-parametric equalizers offer limited control options, as only the frequency and gain of each band can be adjusted individually.
The Q factor is always fixed or is automatically adjusted to the gain. - Application: These equalizers are ideal for studio applications where precise control over the frequency spectrum is required.
They allow fine adjustments and targeted processing of problematic frequencies.
Graphic equalizer
- Graphic equalizers have preset frequency bands that are controlled with sliders.
These bands are usually distributed in fixed steps, such as 1/3 or 2/3 octaves. - Use: Graphic equalizers are ideal for live sound environments and installations where quick, visual adjustments are required.
What are the different types of filters in an equalizer?
Equalizers use different types of filters to influence the sound.
Each filter type has a specific function and effect on the audio signal:
Bell filter
- Bell filters raise or lower a certain frequency and influence neighboring frequencies in the form of a bell curve.
They are often used in parametric equalizers. - Application: Ideal for precise adjustment of individual frequency ranges, e.g. boosting the presence range of a voice.
Low-pass filter (LPF)
- Low-pass filters (also known as high-cut filters) allow low frequencies to pass through and attenuate high frequencies.
They are often used to remove noise or unwanted high frequencies. - Use: In subwoofers and for reducing treble components in a mix.
High-pass filter (HPF)
- High-pass filters (also known as low-cut filters) allow high frequencies to pass through and attenuate low frequencies.
They are often used to remove hum or low-frequency noise. - Usage: Ideal for vocal recordings to eliminate pops and low frequency noise.
Band-pass filter (BPF)
- Band-pass filters only allow a certain frequency range to pass and attenuate frequencies above and below this range.
These filters are crucial for isolating specific sound characteristics. - Use: In crossovers of loudspeakers and for isolating certain instruments in a mix.
Notch filter
- Notch filters are extremely narrow-band filters that strongly attenuate a certain frequency.
They are used to eliminate interfering frequencies without affecting the rest of the signal. - Use: To remove feedback in live situations or resonances in recordings.
Shelving filter
- Shelving filters amplify or attenuate all frequencies above (high-shelf) or below (low-shelf) a certain cut-off frequency.
They offer a smooth, gradual change in sound. - Use: For overall sound adjustments in mixing and mastering processes.
What are the most important settings for an equalizer?
The most important settings for an equalizer are
- Frequency: The central frequency that you want to adjust.
- Gain: The amplification or attenuation of the selected frequency band.
- Q-factor (bandwidth): The width of the frequency band that is adjusted.
A higher Q-factor affects a narrower range, while a lower Q-factor affects a wider range. - Filter type: Types of filters such as high-pass, low-pass, band-pass, notch and shelving, which influence different frequency ranges.
How are frequency bands defined in an equalizer?
Frequency bands in an equalizer are specific areas of the frequency spectrum that can be controlled separately.
These bands are often divided into low, mid and high:
- Low (low frequencies): Typically ranges from 20 Hz to 200 Hz and affects the bass and sub-bass.
- Mid (middle frequencies): Ranges from 200 Hz to 5 kHz and is responsible for the timbre and presence of instruments and voices.
- High (high frequencies): Ranges from 5 kHz to 20 kHz and affects the treble and clarity of the audio signal.
Why is the Q-factor so important?
The Q factor determines how wide or narrow the frequency range is that a filter influences.
A high Q factor concentrates the sound change in a narrow range, ideal for precise adjustments such as removing noise.
A low Q factor affects a wider range of frequencies, which is more suitable for general sound shaping.
What is the difference between analog and digital equalizers?
- Analog equalizers: Use physical electronic components such as capacitors, inductors and resistors to filter frequencies.
They are known for their warm and often described as “musical” sound. - Digital equalizers: Process audio signals in the digital domain, making them extremely precise and flexible.
They can create complex filter structures that would be difficult to implement in the analog world and often offer additional functions such as spectrum analysis and automatic filter adjustments.
What is headroom in an equalizer, and why is it important?
Headroom refers to the distance between the nominal signal level and the point at which the signal is overdriven and distorted.
An equalizer with sufficient headroom can boost frequencies without clipping or distortion.
In professional applications, it is crucial to have enough headroom to fully utilize the dynamic range of the audio signal.
What is Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) in relation to equalizers?
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) describes the distortion that an equalizer adds to the audio signal.
These distortions are caused by non-linear processing within the device.
A low THD value is desirable as it means that the device reproduces the signal as realistically as possible and does not add any unwanted artifacts.
How does the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) influence the quality of an equalizer?
The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) measures the ratio between the useful signal and the noise level in an equalizer.
A higher SNR means that the signal is clearer and less affected by noise.
For professional applications, an SNR of 100 dB or higher is ideal to ensure that the signal remains clean, especially at high gain levels.
How do I choose the right equalizer?
When selecting an equalizer, you should consider the following factors:
- Application area: Consider whether you need the EQ for music production, live sound or broadcasting.
- Quality: Pay attention to the sound quality and the precision of the settings.
- Functions: Check what additional functions and filter types the EQ offers.
How do I use an equalizer correctly?
To use an equalizer effectively, follow these steps:
- Analysis: Listen to the recording and identify the frequency ranges that need to be adjusted.
- Setting: Select the frequency, gain and Q-factor to make the desired adjustments.
- Fine tuning: Adjust the settings until you achieve a balanced and natural sounding result.
- Test: Listen to the edited recording in comparison to the raw version to better assess the adjustments.