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A-Designs
Audio EM-PEQ Description
Hear it in the Clipalator now!
New 500 Series module sonically nods
to the classic Pultec EQP-1A sound.
The classic all-tube Pultec
EQP-1A goes down on the record books as one of the most venerated equalizers of
all time, cherished by recording and mastering engineers for its almost
mythical ability to improve the sound of just about anything running through
it. Finally, after much research and development, A-Designs Audio announces
that it has managed to capture much of the essence of the famed EQ in a new
product – and one that fits in a compact 500 Series module frame size, no less!
Dubbed the EM-PEQ, A-Designs
Audio was able to ‘shrink’ this highly sought after filter design into the now
red-hot 500 Series format without compromise to either build quality or sonics.
The EQ section design and
control layout of the classic EQP-1A has been meticulously maintained, as well
as its wonderfully smooth musicality.
Makeup amplification is
achieved through the use of the same discrete Class AB amplifier found in
A-Designs Audio’s popular solid-state Pacifica mic pre, putting a slightly
unique twist on the classic design of yesteryear. Additional features include a
nickel core output transformer, gold Grayhill rotary switches, Wima caps, and a
true hard bypass. Instead of using common off-the-shelf chokes, A-Designs uses
a custom-wound tapped inductor wound to the original values. Fully balanced,
noise-free operation with modern impedance specs make for dummy- proof
operation and fast studio integration.
The new EM-PEQ is an
approved API™ ‘VPR Alliance’ product and may also be used in Brent Averill
Enterprises racks and A-Designs Audio’s 500 HR. The EM-PEQ does require 48v to
operate so please check your racks for this feature.
A-Designs Audio is fast becoming a leader in all
things 500 Series. The blend of classic sound and modern function offered by
the new EM-PEQ is further proof of a company on the rise, putting quality and
creative design above all else.
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A Designs EM-PEQ Review /
See All ZenPro Audio Reviews Here: Review Page
Electricity. The EM-PEQ sounds like electricity. It really does, with this
somewhat tingle-y and vibrant sound that just MOVES like current through your
ears. Euphoric character with just the right points available to be effective
on most any source, this Pultec based EQ for 500 series is simply a huge change
in tone you can bring to your rig.
The ability to boost and attenuate
the low end at the same time may seem strange to some, but it has this widening
effect that is enormous but controlled. Boost a kick drum at 60hZ and work in
some cut at the same time, you’ll know what I mean. Bass guitar = same thing,
massive size. The midrange has Q (width) control from “S” to “B” (sharp to
broad) and it is very effective. With selectable points between 3k and 16k and
boost only, you can find the sheen you need and bring it in big amounts without
harsh artifacts. This is one EQ that you could almost overdo it since it is so
pleasing. Rounding out the EMPEQ we have top end attenuation, which allows you
to create your own sort of curve from the mids to the top end. In other words,
boost a center frequency of say 3k on a kick drum for snap, then attenuate from
5k or 10k to rein in cymbal bleed etc. If you’re looking for bright but not
real airy, start cutting 20k from the top down while boosting 12k or 16k and
close things at the extreme top up nicely.
Conclusion: It seems like a very
limited EQ, and in some regards it is with limited bands to choose from. TONE
wins with the EM-PEQ, as well as the fact that most EQ isn’t carving stuff up
surgically but rather enhancing one or two bands. You can have all the
parametric boring stuff in the world and still wish it imparted such useable
flavor as this.
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