eq
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Posts: 81
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Post by eq on Mar 28, 2024 12:13:15 GMT -6
OK RGO Family,
While I really WANT a pair of RND 542's, $1700 + cost of rack is not priority and money I feel could be best spent in other areas.
I picked up a DRS-4 MK2 from ZenPro Audio, the more I use it the more I really like/love this unit but feel it could use a little more "color" "weight/thickness" the eq is very nice and the stepped knobs are great for bus duties. I feel like an eq with some more frequency points would be a nice addition.
I have been considering the 1073SPX as I was originally looking to get into the Neve sound with the added benefit of a different flavor eq and some extra frequencies, input/output transformers and inserts.
Gainlab Empress is also a consideration and Pope Audio Bax 2020R Beast.
542 great piece but I think maybe too specific, definitely looking for something a bit more versatile.
I have AS Opto and 76F so maybe another compressor with some color ?
I do like what I hear with these Pultec and Baxandall style eq nice Botton end and sparkle on the highs.
I am picking up the STL Tones control hub /tracer plugins tomorrow so I think a single channel stip could work as well based on seawall's videos I could create multiples of my hardware chain in software (I think ?)
Almost forgot Bereich Density is the only other option that I liked. HRK's version of Tape emu is good but doesn't move me.
To be clear not necessarily looking for hardware tape emu but like what I hear coming from the RND 542 demos I have heard.
As always any suggestions greatly appreciated 👍🏾
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Post by FM77 on Mar 28, 2024 13:22:15 GMT -6
Others may disagree - but I think a Pultec style EQ is a basic essential. It provides something nothing else really does. Baxandall EQs do as well, but more subtle and I don't find me reaching for it as much except in mixdown.
The Pultec style is never exciting to me but it is very right. It adds the 5%- weight, sculpt, glass etc 'something' very musically. I have a Tube-Tech PE1c and the Bettermaker Master EQ. They both offer something unique. Plus, there are so many options now for these, very good options like Audioscape. I bought mine when there weren't.
FM
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Post by jcoutu1 on Mar 28, 2024 14:21:00 GMT -6
Get a pair of CAPI BT50. Love them.
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Post by drbill on Mar 28, 2024 14:48:06 GMT -6
Others may disagree - but I think a Pultec style EQ is a basic essential.
Get a pair of CAPI BT50. Love them. Different strokes. I have owned the BT's and still own a pair of EQP's, but could easily work without either of them. Just my perspective. But I love and absolutely NEED my Miad LCPQ4040's, Avalon 2055's, API 550A's, CAPI LC25's, Eisen LilPEQr's, and the SB Air EQ's. |
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eq
Junior Member
Posts: 81
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Post by eq on Mar 28, 2024 15:10:09 GMT -6
Thanks FM77 !
Yep between the DRS-4 eq and a Pultec eq that just might do it.
I watched a demo of the Gainlab Empress (Pultec Style) tube eq it is truly something wonderful and affordable.
TubeTech is a bit pricey for my budget for a mono channel. The Bettermaker is a pretty good buy for stereo channel.
If you only could keep one which would it be the BetterMaker or the TubeTech?
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eq
Junior Member
Posts: 81
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Post by eq on Mar 28, 2024 15:12:08 GMT -6
Get a pair of CAPI BT50. Love them. Thanks will check them out |
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eq
Junior Member
Posts: 81
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Post by eq on Mar 28, 2024 15:20:50 GMT -6
Funny thing @ drill You mentioned the Avalon 2055, I used to own a 737 and that eq was my favorite Others may disagree - but I think a Pultec style EQ is a basic essential.
Get a pair of CAPI BT50. Love them. Different strokes. I have owned the BT's and still own a pair of EQP's, but could easily work without either of them. Just my perspective. But I love and absolutely NEED my Miad LCPQ4040's, Avalon 2055's, API 550A's, CAPI LC25's, Eisen LilPEQr's, and the SB Air EQ's. |
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Post by thirdeye on Mar 28, 2024 19:51:23 GMT -6
OK RGO Family, While I really WANT a pair of RND 542's, $1700 + cost of rack is not priority and money I feel could be best spent in other areas. I picked up a DRS-4 MK2 from ZenPro Audio, the more I use it the more I really like/love this unit but feel it could use a little more "color" "weight/thickness" the eq is very nice and the stepped knobs are great for bus duties. I feel like an eq with some more frequency points would be a nice addition. I have been considering the 1073SPX as I was originally looking to get into the Neve sound with the added benefit of a different flavor eq and some extra frequencies, input/output transformers and inserts. Gainlab Empress is also a consideration and Pope Audio Bax 2020R Beast. 542 great piece but I think maybe too specific, definitely looking for something a bit more versatile. I have AS Opto and 76F so maybe another compressor with some color ? I do like what I hear with these Pultec and Baxandall style eq nice Botton end and sparkle on the highs. I am picking up the STL Tones control hub /tracer plugins tomorrow so I think a single channel stip could work as well based on seawall's videos I could create multiples of my hardware chain in software (I think ?) Almost forgot Bereich Density is the only other option that I liked. HRK's version of Tape emu is good but doesn't move me. To be clear not necessarily looking for hardware tape emu but like what I hear coming from the RND 542 demos I have heard. As always any suggestions greatly appreciated 👍🏾 542s are nice, they sound great! But I think a good stereo EQ would be at the top of my list. I love our Elysia XFilter. I have the 500, but the rack one isn't super high priced IMO. |
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Post by jcoutu1 on Mar 28, 2024 20:42:56 GMT -6
Others may disagree - but I think a Pultec style EQ is a basic essential.
Get a pair of CAPI BT50. Love them. Different strokes. I have owned the BT's and still own a pair of EQP's, but could easily work without either of them. Just my perspective. But I love and absolutely NEED my Miad LCPQ4040's, Avalon 2055's, API 550A's, CAPI LC25's, Eisen LilPEQr's, and the SB Air EQ's. I have your old pair!! Plus 4 more, I think! |
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Post by niklas1073 on Mar 28, 2024 22:00:10 GMT -6
Thanks FM77 ! Yep between the DRS-4 eq and a Pultec eq that just might do it. I watched a demo of the Gainlab Empress (Pultec Style) tube eq it is truly something wonderful and affordable. TubeTech is a bit pricey for my budget for a mono channel. The Bettermaker is a pretty good buy for stereo channel. If you only could keep one which would it be the BetterMaker or the TubeTech? My IGS rubber bands stereo pultec is on my every mix since i got it. Sits in the mix bus and can’t imagine not having it there anymore. |
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Post by thehightenor on Mar 29, 2024 3:31:41 GMT -6
The Thermionic Swift is great on the stereo bus as it has,
Pultec passive inductor mids
Baxandall shelves
Maag style “Air Band”
All in one tube 3U unit
It doesn’t have the rock n roll push of something like a Curve Bender but it’s very big 3D and smooth sounding
Adds a very nice expensive sounding bigness and gloss to a mix.
Totally different world to plugin EQ.
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Post by FM77 on Mar 29, 2024 5:06:27 GMT -6
Others may disagree - but I think a Pultec style EQ is a basic essential.
I have owned the BT's and still own a pair of EQP's, but could easily work without either of them. Just my perspective. But I love and absolutely NEED my Miad LCPQ4040's, Avalon 2055's, API 550A's, CAPI LC25's, Eisen LilPEQr's, and the SB Air EQ's.
Yep, different strokes, of course. And different budgets, different needs, different expectations, different levels of experience. I went without them for years, I am just glad I have them here now, a really fast and enjoyable tool for my primitive ways.
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Post by FM77 on Mar 29, 2024 5:18:28 GMT -6
Thanks FM77 ! Yep between the DRS-4 eq and a Pultec eq that just might do it. I watched a demo of the Gainlab Empress (Pultec Style) tube eq it is truly something wonderful and affordable. TubeTech is a bit pricey for my budget for a mono channel. The Bettermaker is a pretty good buy for stereo channel. If you only could keep one which would it be the BetterMaker or the TubeTech?
Cheers, probably the BetterMaker for flexibility/stereo - dual mono, plugin recall etc. since I often consider a 2nd one. But I don't think I would want to lose the PE1c. I use it for bass as part of a simple tracking chain. I use the BetterMaker for the drum buss and for my 2 buss, but I have only had the Better maker for a year now so still experimenting. Sounds great on most sources.
Alot of choices for you, enjoy the process.
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eq
Junior Member
Posts: 81
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Post by eq on Mar 29, 2024 11:48:55 GMT -6
Hey. everybody thank you for the input, so I am going with a Pultec style eq. I have narrowed. it down to these three:
Gainlab Empress -wider selection frequencies but low end starts @30hz
Bettermaker Stereo Passive
Wes Audio Prometheus 500 series - nice way to get into 500 series for further purchases possibly a compressor for mix bus and stereo 542's
thought , opinions , comments ?
Anyon have any experience with the wesaudio prometheus ?
Thanks again
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Post by subspace on Mar 29, 2024 12:17:15 GMT -6
Hey. everybody thank you for the input, so I am going with a Pultec style eq. I have narrowed. it down to these three: Gainlab Empress -wider selection frequencies but low end starts @30hz Bettermaker Stereo Passive Wes Audio Prometheus 500 series - nice way to get into 500 series for further purchases possibly a compressor for mix bus and stereo 542's thought , opinions , comments ? Anyon have any experience with the wesaudio prometheus ? Thanks again I picked up the DRS-Q4 about the same time as you, added it to my existing outboard EQs; 2 Stam 1073EQ 2 TNC ACMP84 Tonelux Equalux 2 K-T EQP-KT SSL UV EQ stereo Tegeler Creme stereo The Phoenix and Tegeler are 100% switched and easy to recall, I also have the Wes dione and think I'd lean towards the Prometheus to add to the Phoenix in your case. |
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ericn
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Post by ericn on Mar 29, 2024 12:51:19 GMT -6
Bang for the buck if you have a 500 series chassis My 3 favorites are the CAPI BT50, the Speck ( clean problem solver with a touch of color) and I would also look at one of the many Solid State Pultec clones. I would rather an excellent SS Pultec over a cheap tube unit.
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eq
Junior Member
Posts: 81
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Post by eq on Mar 29, 2024 19:05:58 GMT -6
Thanks everyone just purchased the Bettermaker !
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Post by copperx on Mar 30, 2024 14:26:48 GMT -6
Others may disagree - but I think a Pultec style EQ is a basic essential. It provides something nothing else really does. Baxandall EQs do as well, but more subtle and I don't find me reaching for it as much except in mixdown.
The Pultec style is never exciting to me but it is very right. It adds the 5%- weight, sculpt, glass etc 'something' very musically. I have a Tube-Tech PE1c and the Bettermaker Master EQ. They both offer something unique. Plus, there are so many options now for these, very good options like Audioscape. I bought mine when there weren't.
FM
Are you referring to the mix buss or individual tracks? |
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Post by FM77 on Mar 30, 2024 17:52:17 GMT -6
Others may disagree - but I think a Pultec style EQ is a basic essential. It provides something nothing else really does. Baxandall EQs do as well, but more subtle and I don't find me reaching for it as much except in mixdown.
The Pultec style is never exciting to me but it is very right. It adds the 5%- weight, sculpt, glass etc 'something' very musically. I have a Tube-Tech PE1c and the Bettermaker Master EQ. They both offer something unique. Plus, there are so many options now for these, very good options like Audioscape. I bought mine when there weren't.
FM
Are you referring to the mix buss or individual tracks? Tube Tech and Bettermaker Mastering EQ I track with, individual tracks. Occasionally mix with the Bettermaker on the 2 buss. Baxandall on the 2 Buss. It's subtle and has a great M/S so I use it. |
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Post by Shadowk on Mar 30, 2024 17:55:05 GMT -6
Gainlabs Empress is the obvious choice here IMO.. It does the Pultec thing and it's better at it..
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Post by FM77 on Mar 30, 2024 18:09:43 GMT -6
Gainlabs Empress is the obvious choice here IMO.. It does the Pultec thing and it's better at it.. I wish they made it in black. That silver combo, for some reason... that particular layout style, I just can't get around.  Small hangup, but visual vibe is a component for me. The earlier suggestion for a Thermionics Culture Swift, seemed like a great choice, budget permitting. Gets the OP into both worlds. OP bought a Bettermaker. Plugin support is great if your racks aren't close.
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eq
Junior Member
Posts: 81
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Post by eq on Mar 31, 2024 20:03:04 GMT -6
Gainlabs Empress is the obvious choice here IMO.. It does the Pultec thing and it's better at it.. Thanks ShadowK Yeah I really did like the Gainlab demos and the fact that there are a wider range of eq frequencies. The Bettermaker's hi boost of 20 and 28khz and plugin control in daw is what put it over the top for me. Gainlab Empress and the Bettermaker would really compliment each other and I will probably pick one up as well . |
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Post by Shadowk on Mar 31, 2024 20:18:18 GMT -6
Gainlabs Empress is the obvious choice here IMO.. It does the Pultec thing and it's better at it.. Thanks ShadowK Yeah I really did like the Gainlab demos and the fact that there are a wider range of eq frequencies. The Bettermaker's hi boost of 20 and 28khz and plugin control in daw is what put it over the top for me. Gainlab Empress and the Bettermaker would really compliment each other and I will probably pick one up as well . It's the tube boost and shift that I get the most mileage out of, loud and wide with minimal effort. |
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Post by jaba on Apr 4, 2024 8:13:44 GMT -6
Get a pair of CAPI BT50. Love them. Different strokes. I have owned the BT's and still own a pair of EQP's, but could easily work without either of them. Just my perspective. But I love and absolutely NEED my Miad LCPQ4040's, Avalon 2055's, API 550A's, CAPI LC25's, Eisen LilPEQr's, and the SB Air EQ's. Just curious: you love 500A's but sold/could live without the CAPI BT50s. Is there that big a difference? |
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Post by drbill on Apr 4, 2024 9:40:38 GMT -6
Different strokes. I have owned the BT's and still own a pair of EQP's, but could easily work without either of them. Just my perspective. But I love and absolutely NEED my Miad LCPQ4040's, Avalon 2055's, API 550A's, CAPI LC25's, Eisen LilPEQr's, and the SB Air EQ's. Just curious: you love 500A's but sold/could live without the CAPI BT50s. Is there that big a difference? You mean 550A's? Yes, there was a big difference to me. I actually have/own A-1's that came out of Leon Russell's console, which are "theoretically" not as "good" as the A's - but I've use A's most of my life on the API consoles I worked on. I love those, but either way, I could never really get along with the BT's even though I tried all different kinds of opamps. I'm probably the only person though... |
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Small hangup, but visual vibe is a component for me.