|
|
Post by OtisGreying on Nov 1, 2023 14:59:15 GMT -6
I’m looking to get 6-8 channels of analog EQs, for basic mixing duties and getting sounds working faster.
I’m considering the Speck EQF 810 because I wanted SSL but I really want the HPF/LPF filters which SSL dont sell. But am unsure if this is a good investment to buy many clean analog eqs at 1000$ each in 2023. I’ve considered other options like the Seventh Circle Audio H32 filters (300 each$) and maybe getting some CAPI BT50s(750$ ea) in combination with that.. or just going all out and getting 8 missing links CAPI filters and 8 CAPI BT50s for 8 full eq channels of API sound. But I do really like the workflow of SSL type EQs, but I’m open to all options not just ssl/api type.
If you were looking for best analog EQs and needed filters as well what direction would you go? Thanks for any suggestions.
|
|
ericn
Temp
Balance Engineer
Posts: 16,099 
|
Post by ericn on Nov 1, 2023 15:27:44 GMT -6
The idea of best really doesn’t fit here, and I’m not sure if I would jump into 8 ch of one type and character. I do love Speck EQ’s and could certainly live with 8ch, especially with the filters, but Zi would itching for tone EQ’s like Iron AGE, API 550’s or Neve 10 series. The Seventh circle would probably solve my itch for filters, EQ wise a rack of IAA, CAPI AND SOME NEVE 10 series would fill my need for tone. My knock on the Speck is Clean EQ is something plugins do pretty well, but if I had the Seventh Circle filers I could get by with something like the little Speck 500 series, SSL or My Lawson that is a Neve prism clone for problem solving.
There is also the middle ground, the Great River Harrison EQ, not quite clinical clean nor the color machines the Discrete EQ’s are.
If you are comfortable going DIY there are a ton of affordable options.
|
|
|
|
Post by ragan on Nov 1, 2023 18:42:19 GMT -6
Great River Harrison 32EQ have been my workhorse analog EQs for years. I really like them. Flexible, smooth sounding.
|
|
|
|
Post by jacobamerritt on Nov 1, 2023 19:36:17 GMT -6
500 series?
Kush Electra are versatile and amazing
Ive not used them, but the Chambord CA-250 seem pretty awesome, and folks speak highly of Chambord. I almost got them but went with the Kush.
|
|
|
|
Post by bradd on Nov 1, 2023 19:51:44 GMT -6
I did this earlier this year. I went with all CAPI (4 BT50s, 2 LC25s, and 2 LC40s).
|
|
|
|
Post by ab101 on Nov 1, 2023 20:28:01 GMT -6
Tree Audio 500 eqs are great if you can find them. You can find used Inward Connections Brats which I believe are the same.
For bass - I really like the Heritage 73 eq jr.
|
|
|
|
Post by lee on Nov 1, 2023 23:10:53 GMT -6
Pair of SSL 611
Pair of Harrison 32
Especially if you like the SSL thang. I do, too.
Pair of Avedis E12G
Pair of Iron Age LH95
|
|
|
|
Post by drbill on Nov 1, 2023 23:40:27 GMT -6
I’m looking to get 6-8 channels of analog EQs, for basic mixing duties and getting sounds working faster. I’m considering the Speck EQF 810 because I wanted SSL but I really want the HPF/LPF filters which SSL dont sell. But am unsure if this is a good investment to buy many clean analog eqs at 1000$ each in 2023. I’ve considered other options like the Seventh Circle Audio H32 filters (300 each$) and maybe getting some CAPI BT50s(750$ ea) in combination with that.. or just going all out and getting 8 missing links CAPI filters and 8 CAPI BT50s for 8 full eq channels of API sound. But I do really like the workflow of SSL type EQs, but I’m open to all options not just ssl/api type. If you were looking for best analog EQs and needed filters as well what direction would you go? Thanks for any suggestions. - (2) Miad LCPQ 4040's - top of the list. - If Filters are needed - add (2) CAPI VC528 - Missing Links. - (2) Avalon AD2055's. Used of course. A bit pricey but worth it. - (2) API 550A's vintage, or A-1's. - if you must (2) SSL EQ's. You can really carve with em. - honorable mention if it fits your EQ esthetic : CAPI LC25 (preferably because of the EQ points - or LC40's. |
|
|
|
Post by anders on Nov 2, 2023 0:55:04 GMT -6
Link Audio Design are doing clones of SSL EQs of various vintages. They have HPF and LPF, but at fixed frequencies due to the size constraints of a single 500 module. They are sold as DIY kits, but are also offered as assembled. Fun builds that sound and look great. www.linkaudiodesign.de/ |
|
|
|
Post by lowlou on Nov 2, 2023 1:47:43 GMT -6
I too recommend RTZ PEQ 1569.
|
|
|
|
Post by Vincent R. on Nov 2, 2023 5:35:30 GMT -6
Look at Link Audio. The have multiple versions of SSL Preamps, EQs, and now DYNX modules for the 500 series. You can buy them as a kit or get them assembled. www.linkaudiodesign.deI have a pair of their SL4K-E01 preamps, which are their SSL 4K transformer based preamps. This can be set up with a line in or pad, depending on how you want to use it. It has a variable high pass built in. They also have a slot for a Colour Module. I have a Royal Blue module in there for a bit of Neve color when I want it (usually tracking). I also have a pair of their SLQ51X Brown SSL 4K brown knob EQs. The EQs have a built in -12dB high pass. You have to select where when you build it. There are a few options. Mine are set at 70 hz. Both of these go into a pair of SSL 611 DYNs. At the time Link didn’t have a dynamics module. They recently released one. I love these channel strips and highly recommend them if you are looking for SSL. http://instagram.com/p/Cf4To0UOtZw |
|
|
|
Post by thirdeye on Nov 2, 2023 6:35:44 GMT -6
I recently did this too. Got two Great River 32 EQs, two CAPI LC25, and four Tonelux EQ5P. Only the Great River have HP/LP filters.
|
|
|
|
Post by matt@IAA on Nov 2, 2023 9:11:52 GMT -6
Shoot me an email, I have some custom project designs we’ve delivered that aren’t on the website you may be interested in. Or a couple of V2s may suit straight away.  |
|
|
|
Post by frans on Nov 2, 2023 9:24:10 GMT -6
Hicut/lowcut, clean EQ for when you like Speck, SSL and Amek: www.totalaudiocontrol.com/pr/show/1 - much too cheap for what they do if you ask me. They should cost twice as much so people take notice. |
|
|
|
Post by shakermaker on Nov 2, 2023 10:07:33 GMT -6
I wanna try those link eqs. I could see a rack of those fo sure. It's cool you can change the fixed point of the filters.
LOW CUT Resistor changes
Change these to the same value RH8,RH9,RH10
50Hz - 33k
60Hz - 27k
80Hz - 20k (standard value supplied with the kit)
100Hz - 16k
120Hz - 13k
160Hz - 9.1K
HIGH CUT Resistor changes
Change these to the same value RL10,RL8,RL9
5Khz - 330R
6Khz - 270R
8Khz - 200R (standard value supplied with the kit)
10kHz - 160R
12Khz - 130R
16Khz - 91R
|
|
|
|
Post by eyebytwomuchgeer on Nov 2, 2023 16:07:33 GMT -6
I did this earlier this year. I went with all CAPI (4 BT50s, 2 LC25s, and 2 LC40s). Creeeepy....I'm at 4 BT50, 3 LC25 and 1 LC40! I like the cut of your jib.
Also 2 AML 500 Pultecs
|
|
|
|
Post by subspace on Nov 3, 2023 9:44:24 GMT -6
I’m looking to get 6-8 channels of analog EQs, for basic mixing duties and getting sounds working faster. I’m considering the Speck EQF 810 because I wanted SSL but I really want the HPF/LPF filters which SSL dont sell. But am unsure if this is a good investment to buy many clean analog eqs at 1000$ each in 2023. I’ve considered other options like the Seventh Circle Audio H32 filters (300 each$) and maybe getting some CAPI BT50s(750$ ea) in combination with that.. or just going all out and getting 8 missing links CAPI filters and 8 CAPI BT50s for 8 full eq channels of API sound. But I do really like the workflow of SSL type EQs, but I’m open to all options not just ssl/api type. If you were looking for best analog EQs and needed filters as well what direction would you go? Thanks for any suggestions. I like a nice carving pair for kick and snare, I bus the inside/front and top/bottom mics to one EQ for each, usually the Tonelux Equalux, punchy. I may use a bit of channel EQ on each mic, either the Trident Trimix 4-band or an outboard 1073 or 1084 before the desk channel, but I lean on the bus EQ once the balance is set so I'm not squeezing a balloon with the channel EQs. The desk EQ is a fixed HPF and 100Hz low shelf, so outboard EQ required for anything with a bit of ass to it; Pair of Stam 1073EQs, pair of TNC ACMP84s, pair of EQP-KTs and the SSL UltraViolet stereo EQ all handle the bottom better. I tend to use the EQP-KT on bass at tracking and then the pair on guitar bus at mix. The UltraViolet is a nice carving EQ and then works well as a utility bus EQ, though the 2-bus has been getting the Tegeler Creme since it arrived for the EQP smile. |
|
|
|
Post by ragan on Nov 3, 2023 10:40:23 GMT -6
Man I’ve hardly used my SSL Ultraviolet EQ. Not cause it doesn’t sound good, I just haven’t been in a mixing phase (where I would use it). Looking forward to getting more time with it.
|
|
|
|
Post by dreamsambas on Nov 3, 2023 11:10:12 GMT -6
Been looking for a few channels of character EQs myself.
What do the Miads do well? Are they broad sweetening type EQs?
And can the IAA V2 do the API 550 mid-push thing? I loved my 550's for making guitars and vocals jump out of speakers.
|
|
|
|
Post by drumsound on Nov 3, 2023 20:59:19 GMT -6
RTZ PEQ 1569 might be a good choice. rtzaudio.com/peq-1549/I will also say, unless you're really really married to the idea of having a LP filter, the Kush Electra eqs are fantastic and cover a lot of ground. Note that Undertone Audio is coming out with 500 series parametric EQ as well.
I too recommend RTZ PEQ 1569. Those look super versatile |
|
|
|
Post by jaba on Nov 4, 2023 8:06:18 GMT -6
And can the IAA V2 do the API 550 mid-push thing? I loved my 550's for making guitars and vocals jump out of speakers. I haven't used the V2s, but the IAA LH95 definitely does, I'd say more than the 550. Especially its mid band. I do love 550s though and I feel are more versatile overall. But since you already have some... |
|
|
|
Post by deaconblues on Nov 4, 2023 8:42:10 GMT -6
RTZ PEQ 1569 might be a good choice. rtzaudio.com/peq-1549/I will also say, unless you're really really married to the idea of having a LP filter, the Kush Electra eqs are fantastic and cover a lot of ground. Note that Undertone Audio is coming out with 500 series parametric EQ as well.
I too recommend RTZ PEQ 1569. Those look super versatile I've almost picked up those RTZ's a couple of times, but was concerned the knobs may be too small/fiddly. For any users, how are the ergonomics on these? I don't have snickers bars for fingers, so maybe I'd be alright? I'm interested in the Undertone offering as well...really sharp looking design. To OP's original question, for SSL style eq on stereo sources like synths, drum machines, etc. the Zähl EQ1 is phenomenal. I would love a whole chassis of those for my busses. No LPF, but it does have HPF. |
|
|
|
Post by kbsmoove on Nov 4, 2023 11:22:07 GMT -6
And can the IAA V2 do the API 550 mid-push thing? I loved my 550's for making guitars and vocals jump out of speakers. It can, but its different. The 550 is super tight in the low end and somewhat brash in the upper mids/top. the V2 feels similar down low - maybe a bit more lush - but with much smoother upper mids/top. I like really aggressive guitar tones, and i often use the V2 to boost upper mids in the guitars as the 550s seem a bit too pokey to me at times. from around 1.5k and down i use them pretty interchangeably though. V2 is killer and a great value. I'd have way more of them if they had 4 bands! |
|
ericn
Temp
Balance Engineer
Posts: 16,099
|
Post by ericn on Nov 4, 2023 11:38:55 GMT -6
And can the IAA V2 do the API 550 mid-push thing? I loved my 550's for making guitars and vocals jump out of speakers. It can, but its different. The 550 is super tight in the low end and somewhat brash in the upper mids/top. the V2 feels similar down low - maybe a bit more lush - but with much smoother upper mids/top. I like really aggressive guitar tones, and i often use the V2 to boost upper mids in the guitars as the 550s seem a bit too pokey to me at times. from around 1.5k and down i use them pretty interchangeably though. V2 is killer and a great value. I'd have way more of them if they had 4 bands! The other thing to remember is Matt at IAA has a number of Opamp options and transformers. While not completely custom IAA’s stock product line can get you closer to what you want. Just ask Matt. |
|
|
|
Post by jmoose on Nov 4, 2023 13:12:26 GMT -6
I’m looking to get 6-8 channels of analog EQs, for basic mixing duties and getting sounds working faster. I’m considering the Speck EQF 810 because I wanted SSL but I really want the HPF/LPF filters which SSL dont sell. SSL doesn't include hi / lo pass on their EQ because they consider it part of the mic / line amp. Technically if your working on an actual 4/9k desk filters are the very first thing audio passes through... Anywhoo. If I wanted to get analog EQ for mixing SSL would be one of the last things I'd ever consider and I'll boil it down to one word - Recall. They're just too damn fidgety for intensive mix work if you need 95-100% recall... those 500 units only ever seem to come back about 75% which, maybe that's good enough for some cases but not all. Past that? To me they lack tone and soul. And honestly its one piece where I feel the better plugs absolutely hang and are equal to the physical gear. I've done the real time A/B with UAD SSL against a 4000G multiple occasions and I just can't tell a damn difference. Not reliably anyway. Might as well flip a coin. Speck ASC? I've had a pair for 20 years? Bought in on the first run I think one is sn# 75 or 78? While they look similar to the SSL its a completely different vibe & tonal carve... to the point where I'd say they're not very interchangeable. IMO they're more like a poor mans GML 8200... clean but have weight. Sure they get used for tracking & general mix duties but most of the time they're smacked across the 2-mix insert and/or get pressed into whatever mastering work comes though. If I could only have a couple channels of analog outboard? It'd probably be a pultec style or something like a Massive Passive. That's the one place where I feel even the best plugs fall way short... I have an old Dave Hill era summit EQP and even the most deafened stoner rock guitarist can hear the difference between the plugs and outboard. "Oh whoa. So that's what the money does" Yup. Not subtle. Steve Jackson's modern Pultec gear is beyond excellent. I'd start there? |
|
