Top 5 Hardware Modeled EQ ’ s
Most starters or even intermediate sound engineers have trouble choosing between software modeled EQs and outboard hardware gear . To be honest , its the final result that you need to focus on . Irrespective of what you used , you want your listeners to enjoy and feel your mix .
It is essential to understand why you need to equalise a certain element and how you want it to sound before you choose your plugin . Here are the top 5 hardware modeled EQ plugins that will help you get the best out of your mix .
1 . API EQ – 550A / B and 560
From the American Automated Process Incorporation ( API ) which was released in the 70s , this plugin gives us the classic American tone in your session or song . It uses the 2520 OP-Amp for its clarity and depth in their circuit . API is known for its classic deep and rich sound . The 550A EQ has 3 bands of selectable frequencies with bell and shelf options with a variable Q value for each band . The 550B has 4 bands of EQ with a great 12db boost or cut per band . The ‘ Q ’ factor knob was designed by Late Saul Walker in the 60 ’ s which gives us freedom to choose whether our boost or cut should be wide or surgical . The 560 EQ has 10 bands of Graphic EQ which was widely used in the 60 ’ s and 70 ’ s consoles to accompolish heavier tasks in the sessions . All the three API EQ ’ s have their own significant use and character to suite your musical taste .
3 . PULTEC EQ – 1A
Another classic EQ , the PULTEC was in the year 1951 as a three band EQ with a low shelf , high-peak and high shelf controls . What makes this EQ is its unique design and tonal quality . It adds good low end to your kick , bass guitars and also does a great job when used as a Master buss EQ in your sessions . It has a selectable low shelf EQ with attenuation controls and a high frequency for boosting . There is also a ‘ Q ’ value parameter to adjust the bell curve for effective use in your tracks . Although it might seem a little different in comparison with other EQs , the Pultec has its own unique signature crisp top end sound and a tight bass that is very sought after .
2 . Neve EQ – 1073 and 1084
Designed by the legendary Rupert Neve , the 1073 is known for its classic smooth Neve sound . It was originally designed in the 1970 ’ s and has three bands of EQ . It works well on most sources and in mixing as well as mastering sessions . It has a high-shelf at a fixed frequency of 12KHz and a bell curve which is selectable . Also an added feature is the High Pass filter HPF with a selectable frequency knob , which helps to cut-off the low frequency rumble in your recordings . Later the 1084 EQ was designed with both HPF and LPF and a high ‘ Q ’ Factor to enable precise control over your frequencies .
4 . SSL EQ – E / G Series EQ
This EQ was designed in the 1980 to cater to the rock and roll records . The SSL is one of the most preferred EQs for countless engineers across the world . Famous for its punch , boldness and clarity , this EQ was modeled from the original SSL 4000 E series console in 1979 . Te SSL G seires EQ was designed in 1987 with a similar look with a few minor differences in terms of features . The E-Series has 2 fully parametric bands with bellcurves and high / low shelfs .
The G-Series EQ also had 2-band fully parametric EQ ’ s but with a small twist . This series provided switches labeled “ LMF / 3 ” and “ HMFx3 ” which divided the Low Mid frequency or multiplied the High Mid frequency by a factor of three , thus allowing substantial equalization changes at the touch of a single button . While both these models have their own sound and unique character , they are widely known for that classic rock and roll sound and feel .
Author : Baba . L . Prasad . He is the owner and chief Sound / Mix and Mastering Engineer at Digi Sound Studio . He also teaches Sound Engineering and Music Production courses . For more details , visit www . digisoundacademy . com
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