Sunday, December 14, 2014

Eventide H3000 D/SE



The Eventide H3000 Ultra-Harmonizer is a family of products based around a multi-purpose programmable, digital audio signal processor. We call them Ultra because they do more than our earlier models. To begin with. they have full stereo pitch change. They also are digital reverbs. And they’re a lot more. The Eventide H3000 is capable of creating effects you've never heard before. The products that make up the H3000 family are:The Eventide H3000-S (Studio), the Eventide H3000-SE (Special Edition). The Eventide H3000-B (Bmadcut), the Eventide H3000-3+. the Eventide H3000-B/LT, the Eventide H3000-D/SX, the Eventide H3000-D/SE, the Eventide H3500-db: and the Eventide H3500-dfic/e.

Eventide DSP 4000



The Eventide series Ultra-Harmonizers are multipurpose programmable digital audio signal processors with pitch change capability. The 4000s are capable of creating effects you've never heard of before. It has a built in patch editor to let you create your own effect algorithms. Each harmonizer come equipped with hundreds of factory presets.The 4000s are fully MIDI addressable, with clickless, real-time MIDI control. A thorough understanding of the 4000's controls and connection will make ownership of the unit more fulfilling.


Cooper Time Cube




The original Cooper Time Cube was a UREI-branded, Bill Putman/Duane H. Cooper collaborative design that brought a garden-hose-based mechanical delay to the world in 1971. The limited feature set of 14ms, 16ms or a combined 30ms delay meant it was less flexible (and popular) than tape-based delays such as the Echoplex or later electronic units, and only 1,000 were ever made. However, the CTC was noted for its uncanny ability to always sit perfectly in the mix and was used on many hit records, such as “Tell Me Something Good” by Rufus and “Low Rider” by War.The Cooper Time Cube sends live audio through long pieces of tubing, not unlike a garden hose, to create a time delay. The 2' x 2' plywood housing is filled with coiled tubing, Shure mic capsules (of the SM57 variety) at both ends of each line used as speakers and pickups, and a series of tooled aluminum blocks with "tuning screws" at various places to tune the delay to a relatively flat response. The whole delay mechanism is suspended on springs within the housing to maintain "acoustical isolation," and is then filled with packing peanuts, which stay in the housing.

Saturday, December 13, 2014

Valley People Dyna-mite


The Valley people Dyna-Mite is a self contained and self powered multi-purpose processing device. In all it is capable of operating in 18 specific modes, including the basic modes of limiting, Expansion, De-essing, Noise Gating, Ducking, Keying, etc. In each operating mode, full parametric control is afforded by four continuously variable controls. Thus, while being easy to operate it is capable of performing the most critical demands. Balanced input circuitry capable of +24dBv is employed to assure compatibility with professional equipment, while the circuitry is structured to interface correctly to low level/high impedance semi-pro components. The output circuit can deliver a full +21dBm into 600 ohm loads or transformers, yet can feed a -10dBv lines with excellent noise levels and compatibility. Although it can be used as a traditional limiter or expander, the Dyna-mite’s legend is that of a creative tool capable of extreme, yet musical effects on a variety of sound sources.


SPL Vitalizer MK2-T


The SPL Vitalizer MK2-T is a popular revision which utilizes two 12 AX 7 LPS-double triode tubes. One of them is used within the Mid-Hi Tune filter to give the mid frequencies greater transparency with a soft, unobtrusive sound. The second tube is used within the Stereo Expander, where the stereo image not only gains more width, but also more depth and richness, thanks to pleasant tube harmonics. The SPL Vitalizer MK2-T has very straightforward controls for Drive, independent Equalization (Bass and Mid-Hi), Processing level, Low Cut filter with Intensity, Stereo Expansion, and Output allow set up in seconds. The Bass control lets you choose between dry, percussive bass sound or a punchy, deeper sound. Importantly, bass is accentuated without unnaturally emphasizing low-mid frequencies, and an easy-to-use compressor complements the Bass section. 


Friday, December 12, 2014

Eventide SP 2016


The SP2016 is a 3U rackmount box with vertical faders to adjust the parameters, chunky '80s buttons, and a small LED alphanumeric display — was fairly crude by modern standards, but three of its algorithms have stood the test of time: Stereo Room (with source-related stereo early reflections), Room Reverb (with a mono input) and High Density Plate. These reverb programs all sounded far more natural than any other reverb technology could manage at the time (plates, springs, tape echoes, and tiled rooms) and they always seemed to sit well in mixes. All their parameters were instantly adjustable, which was revolutionary. The SP2016 reverb sounded quite distinctive, but they were also very believable thanks to the way the unit generated a surprisingly complex early-reflection pattern, complete with a realistic build up of reverb density over time, combined with a smooth and natural decay tail.


Thursday, December 4, 2014

Roland Dimension D

                     
The Roland Dimension D has one function: The best sounding stereo chorus ever made. 
However, the Dimension D is more than a chorus; it is really a unique sound enhancer for adding spatial and stereo widening effects. This classic bucket brigade chorus 1979 Roland device has been heard on countless records, including luminaries such as Peter Gabriel, Talking Heads and INXS.

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

DBX 902


The dbx model 902 De-Esser is designed for use in the F900A mainframe or the FS900 miniframe. The 902’s unique features make it possible to achieve the exact amount of de-essing desired regardless of variations in signal levels.

Log-Domain Processing: The 902 examines the differences in dB between the high frequency and full-bandwidth portions of the signal, allowing de-essing of signals which change in level by as much as 60 dB. Conventional de-essers require readjustment of their threshold control when a vocalist drops from singing voice to a whispering voice. By contrast, the 902 does not even have a threshold control to require adjustment.

User-Defined Crossover Frequency/HF Only or Broadband Operation: The two-pole, maximally flat filter design used by the 902 in separating high frequencies from low frequencies can be user adjusted over a range of 800 Hz to 8 kHz. This, in conjunction with the HF only mode, enables the 902 to be used for special, non-vocal applications such as removing “clicks” from a close-mic’d guitar.

RMS Level Detection: dbx patented RMS level detectors enable the 902 to sense level on the same basis as the human ear -- providing a natural and accurate response to audio waveforms.


Yamaha Rev5


The Yamaha Rev5 is a highly sophisticated digital reverberation and effects system which offers warm, accurate simulations of natural and plate reverberation, extensive control, and basically superior sound quality. A total of 30 preset effect programs are provided that can be edited, re-titled, and stored in any of 60 RAM user memory locations. Programs 1 through 30 cover a range of reverb, early reflection, delay, modulation, gated reverb and pitch change effects, while programs .91 through .99 provide a unique set of “combination” programs which effectively function as several Yamaha Rev5 units in one.Individual three-band parametric EQ parameters are provided for each effect program for precise tonal tailoring. In addition to the basic effect and EQ parameters, the Yamaha Rev5 offers a list of “internal parameters” which provide exacting control over the effect sound. The REVERB programs, for example, feature a total of 12 parameters that make it possible to create precisely the required effect.

Line 6 Echo Pro


The new Echo Pro rackmount model offers virtually all the features of the pedal version, but with a better user interface, 99 programs, stereo balanced ins and outs and MIDI, including MIDI control over the unit's loop record/playback functions.To create the Echo Pro, the designers analysed original hardware echo boxes, then attempted to recreate such factors as wow and flutter, distortion and high-end loss to get their models to sound like the real thing, but without the hiss. In addition to the delay programs, there's a loop sampler capable of up to 60 seconds of loop time. Using the front-panel buttons or external MIDI controllers, a loop can be recorded, replayed, overdubbed, doubled or halved in speed, or even played in reverse.The 1U package is mains powered, with the rear-panel stereo ins and outs on both balanced jacks and XLRs, though you can use the unit in mono if you prefer. There's also a jack input for an expression pedal, as well as MIDI In and Out/Thru sockets. 

Yamaha SPX90II



The Yamaha SPX90II is an amalgam of advanced acoustical research and digital technology designed to provide musicians and home recording enthusiasts with a wide range of exciting effects. The Yamaha SPX90II Digital Multi-Effect Processor utilizes highly refined LSI (Large Scale-Integration) technology to create natural reverberation. The SPX90II can create effects for beyond mere reverberation, though that in itself is of a truly superior quality. A variety of echo, delay, and special effects each with comprehensive parameter adjustments can be accessed at the touch of a switch. And as the Yamaha SPX90II is MIDI compatible, it can be programmed to apply separate reverberation effects to a variety of MIDI compatible instruments.

Bricasti M7



A modern high resolution digital design, utilizing a stunning array of DSP processors, provides a platform for the long overdue next step in reverb processing algorithms. A separate fully differential analog section and dedicated transformer based linear power supply provide the finest analog specifications of any product of its kind.

Hardware Design Features

Dual Dedicated Power Supplies
Custom design toroidal transformer linear supply for analog
High performance switching supply for digital
Separate Digital and Analog modules
non corrosive Stainless Steel chassis and top cover
Milled anodized aluminum front panel, knobs and button caps
Positive feel 2 db stepped analog input level control
MIDI I/O

Sunday, November 30, 2014

EMT 140



German company EMT made a breakthrough in 1957 with the release of the EMT 140, which utilized a resonating metal plate to create ambience. Despite its roughly 600 pound weight, the EMT 140 plate provided a smaller solution to large echo rooms. Additionally, a remote controlled damping pad system allowed the engineer to adjust the reverb time, offering substantially more control than possible with a traditional chamber. The sheet metal plate is suspended from its frame by springs, a transducer mounted at the center of the plate drives movement, and returns consist of pickups mounted on the plate. While the 140 was originally available only in mono, EMT released a stereo model in 1961.




Sony DRE-S777 Sampling Digital Reverb




The Sony DRE-S777 Sampling Digital Reverb employs a newly developed DSP (Digital Signal Processor) which allows Real Impulse Response processing. It performs high speed, real-time processing, and provides natural reverberations based on actual acoustic spaces such as concert halls. The supplied CD ROM holds reverb data of existing acoustic spaces for the Sony DRE-S777 such as concert halls and churches, as well as a digitally simulated plate reverb which was previously impossible. Variable reverb data, with different reverb times, are provided for each sound source.The memory stick is capable of storing up to 99 reverb setups, 92 adjusted on the MIXER and SETUP displays plus 7 factory presets. A memory label can be set for each setup. This function is useful when you want to recall the status previously adjusted. Reverb programs based on famous halls, churches and natural environments worldwide are also available in the optional DASK-S70x series sampling reverb software CD ROMs.


Lexicon PCM 70




The Lexicon PCM 70 Digital Effects Processor gives you access to the same astonishing digital effects used by the world’s top artists and studios all in a compact single-space rack mount unit. The Lexicon PCM 70 offers more than 40 digital effects and reverb programs, including chorus and echo, resonant chords, multiband delays, rich chamber, rich plate, tiled room and concert hall. Add to these the 50 programs you can create and store in user registers, and you have instant access to more than 90 programs.

EMT 250


The EMT 250 Electronic Reverberation Unit is a real time audio signal processor, exhibiting high memory capacity and extensive mathematical possibilities. The 250 was introduced in 1976, and it's still regarded as one of the best-sounding reverb units ever made, the EMT 250 was the first digital reverberator to operate through a purely electronic system. 

Although only around 250 hardware units were ever built, the EMT 250 continues to leave an immeasurable mark on record-making history appearing on countless records, including Prince & The Revolution’s Purple Rain, Elvis Costello’s Spike, and modern classics like The Red Hot Chili Pepper’s Stadium Arcadium.

It provides a variety of signal processing functions, namely: 

High quality reverberation with adjustable decay time and frequency response, as well as determination of the first reflection delay for mono, stereo and quadraphonic signals.

Pure delay of an audio signal by as much as 375 ms available at four separate outputs, each with individually selectable delay time. 

"Chorus" with independent pitch variation at four fixed delay taps.

Echo with repetition time adjustable between 5 and 315ms.

Special effect reverberation (SPACE REVERB) with approximately 10s decay time.




Roland SDE-3000 Digital Delay





The Roland SDE-3000 is a high quality delay unit featuring various delay effects and also the Memory function that retains up to eight different panel settings, therefore, it is extremely helpful for both studio and live performance. The Roland SDE-3000 offers such a dynamic range of 100dB and a low harmonic distortion of 0.03%. Long Delay of 4.55 seconds is now available, which is specially useful for live performance. The input and delay output levels can be controlled, so that the lowest Signal to Noise ratio and widest dynamic range can be attainable.


TC Electronic 2290 Dynamic Digital Delay



The TC Electronic 2290 is known as the industry standard Digital Delay. The 100db dynamic range, 20 - 23000 Hz  soft roll off frequency response and 1 Mhz sample rate are part of the t.c. electronics design philosophy. In the studio it means no compromise where recordings for compact disc are concerned and to the performer, the 100db dynamic range means crystal clear sound, eliminated hiss and the headroom for all the punch needed.  Five programmable effect loops and MIDI control allow the TC Electronic 2290 to control your rack boxes and your favorite pedals simultaneously.
The Dynamic Control and Learn function provide you with a very unique tool to create new and exciting effects. The unique Dynamic Function enables you to suppress the effects when you are playing and let the effects reappear when you stop playing or the opposite.


AMS RMX 16



The AMS RMX 16 uses sophisticated 27 bit pipelined data processing and offers an 118 kHz bandwidth and a 90dB dynamic range and 0.03% distortion in delay mode; low power consumption (and therefore cool running); Once programmed, complex setups may be stored in any one of up to 99 easily accessible user memories. 
The RMX 16 also contains several very high quality special effect programmes including the already well renowned nonlin and reverse, stereo echo, image and freeze.



Lexicon 480L



The Lexicon 480L is a modular multi-machine architecture unit . Capable of simultaneous usage by two LARCs (Lexicon Alphanumeric Remote Control) sharing a single mainframe.

With resident software, the 480L has 21 Banks of 10 Presets each containing the widest variety available of premier quality algorithms, including the classic 480 Halls, and Rooms, Brick Wall, Silica Beads,and 40 Voice Effects (like the classic Vocal Whispers), Digital Compression, Stereo Adjust mastering, 3 second stereo or 6 second mono Sampler, Prime Time III, Mix Finish, Doppler and Pitch Effects, Plates, Random Halls, Rooms and Ambience (the smallest room size now extends down to 2 square meters).

Since its inception, the 480L has been used on more gold and platinum recordings, as well as top-grossing film soundtracks, than any other system of its kind. Moreover, Lexicon processing is used by over 80% of all record companies for mixing and mastering.



Lexicon 224


Developed by renowned physicist/engineer Dr. David Griesinger in 1978, the Lexicon 224 is the most ubiquitous and best-selling studio digital reverb ever made. The original 224 was a landmark achievement in digital reverb and served as the very product to put Lexicon on the studio map and a remote control on every console. The 224's Concert Hall A program is considered to be one of the finest reverbs ever made, and its plate programs practically defined the 80's drum sound.
The Lexicon 224 was well known for its spacey, extra long decays (up to 70 seconds) it used a fixed point processor, with a 16-bit word size, and a 20-bit saturating accumulator. The 224 had about 24 dB of headroom internally (4 times the max input volume).




AMS S-DMX



The S-DMX is a dual independent channel microprocessor controlled digital audio processor. It offers two completely independently delayed channels with precisely controlled delay times. The delay times are adjustable without any sacrifice in the 18kHz bandwidth which remains constant irrespective of the amount of delay selected. A total delay of over thirty two seconds is possible with this unit, split over the two channels. The S-DMX is designed as a rack mounting unit 3.5”/2U high and 12.7” deep, excluding knobs and connectors. The choice of components and quality of construction are of a high standard and because of the choice of motherboard system with plug in circuit cards and ribbon cables, maintenance problems are reduced to a minimum.


Lexicon PCM 42





The PCM 42 is a high-performance digital delay line/processor that features 2.4 seconds of high quality audio delay. Delay times are indicated by a highly accurate numeric display, which provides rapid tracking of ALL changes in delay time. The PCM 42 includes versatile audio patching and remote control facilities, and a unique synchronizing clock feature that allows highly musical usage of the very long delays of which it is capable. Long repeat loops and layering effects which were formerly confined to the studio may now be used easily and reliably on stage.

The PCM 42 provides superior audio performance through Lexicon's proprietary method of analog-to-digital encoding. An increased sampling rate gives wider bandwidth without aliasing effects. In addition. a "soft-knee" limiting circuit eliminates the unpleasant distortion that most digital circuits generate when overloaded.

Saturday, November 29, 2014

DRAWMER DS201


The Drawmer DS201 is a sophisticated dual channel noise gate incorporating a number of features pioneered by Drawmer, which are invaluable to the sound engineer, and not found on conventional noise gates.Drawmer pioneered the concept of frequency conscious gating, and the Drawmer DS201 was the first noise gate to include this feature.The very fast attack of the DS201 means that it can open in a matter of microseconds, thus preserving the natural attack of whatever sound is being gated and the comprehensive envelope controls mean that the gain can be changed at whatever rate best suits the material being processed.


Helios Type 69 EQ


Helios consoles were used to record and mix some of the finest rock, pop and reggae classics ever produced. The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Roxy Music, Queen, Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley are just a few that recorded with these amazing wrap-around consoles. Of all the Helios consoles produced between 1969 and 1979, the original “Type 69” is considered the most musical.The simple yet powerful Helios Type 69 Passive EQ adds a unique sonic texture to the music that passes through it. It can be pushed to its most extreme boost settings while retaining openness and clarity. The Type 69 Passive EQ replicates all the controls of the original hardware. The Treble band is a fixed 10 kHz shelf EQ, while the Bass band functions as a stepped 50 Hz shelf filter (-3,-6,-9,-12,-15 dB) or frequency selectable Peak EQ (60, 100, 200, 300 Hz). The Mid band operates as a frequency selectable Peak or Trough (Notch) EQ with eight frequencies (.7, 1, 1.4, 2, 2.8, 3.5, 4.5, 6 kHz). Other features include Level adjust, EQ Cut (bypassing the EQ circuit while retaining the native sound of the unit), and Phase Reverse.


The Trident A-Range EQ


The unique EQ section of the board is what the Trident A-Range sound is all about. A series of three high pass filters at 18 dB per octave and three low pass filters at 12 dB per octave are arranged at the ends of the EQ section. They are unique in that the switches can be pushed in simultaneously, offering distinct cut filter combinations with unusual filter curves. The rest of the EQ section allows four frequencies at any one time, switchable to one of four frequencies. Low Shelf: 50, 80, 100, 150 Hz; Low-Mid Bell: 250, 500 1k, 2k Hz; High-Mid Bell: 3k, 5k, 7k, 9k Hz; High Shelf: 8k, 10k, 12k, 15k Hz. With a unique tactile experience, linear faders control the gains, with around +/- 15 dB of boost/cut.



TELEFUNKEN / TAB W395A EQUALIZER


The W395 is a fully discrete Class A transformer Equalizer manufactured by TAB / Telefunken. 
It was the direct successor of the germanium-W95, with identical EQ circuit, but with improved amplifiers based on the emerging silicon transistors. In later versions of the W395a the EQ circuit was again revised and still used more complex coil filter.

 

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Neve 1081


Designed in 1972, the Neve 1081 was originally conceived as a combined mic/line preamp and equaliser section for the Neve modular consoles.The 1081 provides remarkable sensitivity, fast and musical response to transients, 5 switchable EQ bands, HP and LP selectable filters (18dB per octave) and Mic and Line inputs. Over decades engineers have found the 1081 an indispensable tool for recording and mixing drums, bass and percussion.

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Neve 1084


The Neve 1084 mic pre/EQ delivers an incredibly fat, smooth sound. While the 1084 builds on the same basic design of the world-famous 1073, it offers a significantly different palette of frequency selections. The 1084 also features a "Q" switch, allowing the user to choose between two different Q types, either narrow or wide with respect to the parametric band.  The 1084’s three EQ bands provide selectable frequency, with cut and boost capability, and a mid-frequency band which benefits from a High Q Presence switch. The high pass filter can be switched between 45Hz, 70Hz, 160Hz & 360Hz, and the low pass filter between 6kHz, 8kHz, 10kHz, 14kHz, & 18kHz. Both boast 18dB per octave slopes.





Neve 1073


Launched in 1970, the 1073 is the first choice of leading producers and artists, delivering the unique Neve sound on some of the most famous recordings of the past 40 years. The big, punchy sound of the 1073 complements any musical genre – from rock to pop, hip-hop to rap, thrash to classical. The Class A design 1073 microphone preamplifier features 3 bands of EQ, with one fixed high frequency band, two switchable bands with cut and boost capability, and a high pass filter.

The Neve 1073 mic pre and EQ combination adds warmth and depth to recordings, brings out subtle ambience, maintains spatial positioning, and more effectively captures a precise image. That’s why the 1073 mic preamp is considered by many to be the very essence of the Neve sound.



Saturday, November 15, 2014

Maag EQ4


The Maag Audio EQ4 is a one channel 6 band equalizer with AIR BAND (shelf boost from 2.5 to 40 kHz) compatible with the API 500-6B lunchbox® and 500VPR rack systems. Following its EQ3 and EQ3-D predecessors, the EQ4® provides unparalleled transparency and top end presence while maintaining the true natural sound behind the mix. EQ adjustments are obtained with minimal phase shift and detent controls allow for easy recallable settings.
Presented in the flagship lunchbox® portable format, the EQ4® offers the legendary 
AIR BAND® and five other sonically superior band passes.

API 560


The 560 was originally conceived for use in API consoles of the '60s and '70s.
The 560 offers ten bands of graphic EQ, making it an ideal tool for shaping your mix with surgical precision. API’s proprietary “Proportional Q” intuitively widens bandwidth at lower boost/cut levels and narrows it at higher levels, giving you more musical control over precise bands of your mix.


API 550A


Introduced in 1971, the 550A was the standard channel EQ module on API’s first consoles. Its sonic quality quickly reached legendary status, and the 550A and 560 modules soon gained new popularity in custom designed consoles and the personal “lunchbox” racks of audio pros.
The 550A gives you three overlapping bands of parametric EQ at 15 points with up to ±12 dB of gain, controlled by three dual-ganged rotary switches. The HF and LF bands feature individually selectable peaking or shelving modes, plus an independent 50 Hz to 15 kHz band-pass filter. It’s the perfect secret weapon for helping drums and guitars stand out in the mix.

TubeTech EQ 1A




The TUBE-TECH EQ 1A is a full range one channel unit, featuring low and high cut,
low and high shelving as well as three overlapping bands of equalization.
The cut filters are designed around unity gain amplifiers and the shelving and the bell filters are designed around two tube operational amplifiers.
The unit is all tube based except for the power supply. Input and output have fully floating transformers. All DC voltages are stabilized, except the anode voltage for the output stage.

Sunday, November 9, 2014

RETRO 2A3 Dual Program EQ



Vintage Tube Amplifiers and Custom-Designed Transformers set the soundstage. True Passive Equalization creates Bountiful and Musical Equalization curves. 
The new RETRO 2A3 is designed as an ultra High-Fidelity Program Equalizer whose sonic benefits go beyond the equalization process. Accurate to the industry-standard Pultec EQ performance, the RETRO 2A3 adds HF boost frequencies in several new sweet spots. Carefully implemented HF boost circuits capture the signature sound of the original passive equalizers.
The RETRO 2A3 passive equalizer circuits do not rely on amplifier feedback, which can cause a harsh and clinical sound in typical active equalizer designs. By incorporating pure passive Capacitor - Inductor based equalization; the RETRO 2A3 sounds so natural and effortless even with extreme boosts and cuts.


Saturday, November 8, 2014

MANLEY ENHANCED PULTEC EQP1A





MANLEY LABORATORIES is the only authorized user of the original Western Electric passive EQ circuitry previously licensed to Pulse Techniques, Inc. found in the well-known antique Pultecs.
EQ may be set to 'flat' positions or BYPASSED entirely. All BOOST and CUT controls are continuously variable conductive plastic potentiometers for absolutely silent operation and long life.
The rear mounted input switch selects 0 degrees or 180 degrees phase invert for the balanced gold pin XLR input or the transformerless unbalanced bridging input (1/4" jack) may be selected.
The Manley Enhanced Pultec has a vastly superior B+ power supply, with regulated and balanced heater supply.


PRISM - MASELEC MEA-2 MASTERING EQUALIZER




The MEA-2 is a very special equalizer that has been designed to achieve a certain sound. It has a distinctive character, discernable both sonically and in the unique shape of its EQ curves. It provides the warmth, punch or air you need with a minimum of effort and without compromising the signal path.
The Prism Sound Maselec MEA-2 is a stereo or two-channel, four-band precision analogue equalizer with variable Q/shelf, frequency and cut/boost controls on each band. 
The MEA-2 was developed for Prism Sound by engineer/producer Leif Mases. Leif's work with a diverse range of artists including Abba, Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath provided the essential experience using the "tools of the trade" needed to define and implement new and improved professional audio components. Also qualified in electronic design, Leif Mases developed the highly acclaimed Maselec 9001 retrofit equalizer for SSL 4000 mixing consoles used in top film and recording studios. Later, Leif teamed up with Prism Sound to provide the Maselec Master Series which embodies the ideals of technical excellence and creative capability that both share.


Thursday, November 6, 2014

Manley Massive Passive Mastering Version



The Massive Passive equalizer excels at everything from the drastic shaping needed for tracking to the most subtle of shadings needed for affecting vocal tracks or the whole mix.
The Manley Massive Passive Mastering Version equalizer features a simple, passive design - not a standard parametric design - for more natural, organic shaping. It also offers mechanically detented knobs for both Gain and Bandwidth controls, so you can easily repeat your settings. On the Massive Passive Mastering Version, both the Gain and Bandwidth controls intentionally interact, and the bands interact, as well - this creates an incredible-sounding result without sounding "colored" or "processed.


GML 9500




The 9500 is the Mastering Version of the 8200. 
The Gain, Frequency, and Q controls are fully-detented for absolute precision and repeatability. With 1/2dB steps of Boost and Cut and 24 different frequency choices per band, the 9500 is a powerful and comprehensive workhorse for Mastering Engineers around the world.
The 9500 is an all-discrete transistor unit, and is useful in many stages of the recording process and highly regarded for its extraordinary resolution, transparency, high headroom, broadly overlapping bands and ease of use.

GML 8200




Brought to you from the man who invented the term “Parametric Equalization”, the 8200 has been an industry standard for over twenty years, and can be found on virtually every major recording studio. Each of the five broadly-overlapping bands offers 15dB of Boost or Cut and adjustable bandwidth (or “Q”) from 0.4 to 4. 
The lowest and highest bands also can be switched to Shelf mode. Quite simply, the 8200 is the archetype Stereo Parametric Equalizer. Its extraordinary resolution, benchmark transparency, generous headroom, and surgical precision have been the reference for many other equalizers but exceeded by no other.

Chandler Limited Curve Bender




The Curve Bender was conceived by Chandler Limited designer Wade Goeke and is based on the vintage EMI TG12345 desk used to record The Beatles and Pink Floyd. This newest EMI equalizer continues the tradition of EMI EQs started in 1954 with the RS57, the 1969 TG12345, and the 1974 TG12412.
Wade turned the nine selections of the vintage version into 51 EQ points plus a multiply switch that increases the boost/cut to 15dB (as well as sharpening the Q), filters and bell/shelf selections on the high and low bands.

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Pultec EQP1A 3




The Pultec Model EQP1A 3 Program Equalizer consists of a passive equalizer, an amplifier and a self contained power supply. The amplifier restores the insertion loss of the equalizing network, thus providing a no loss, no gain unit.
Operating the key switch away from the "in" position is equivalent to returning ALL boost and attenuate controls to their zero positions. The amplifier remains in the circuit.

PULTEC HLF-3C




The HLF-3C is a very wide range Program and Sound Effects Filter. It has been designed specifically as an effective aid in the production of good music and dramatic presentations.
It provides 12 dB per octave low and high cut filters. Not only is the HLF-3C helpful for tweaking instruments, this powerful steep-sloped filter can also remove unwanted hiss and rumble from your tracks.

Pultec EQH-2



The EQH-2 is a 2 band passive program EQ that uses a 12AX7/6AQ5 tube gain stage driving a 
Triad HS50 output transformer in class A mode. The 2 Bands have selectable frequencies with continuously variable boost and attenuate functions.

Low frequencies: 20-30-60-100 Hz
Boost: 13.5 dB, attenuate: 17dB
High frequencies: 3-5-8-10-12 KHz tube
Boost: 16 dB, attenuate: 16dB (10kHz shelf only)


Tuesday, November 4, 2014

PULTEC MEQ-5





The MEQ-5 was built for mid range use and focuses in on the power range frequencies from 200Hz to 7kHZ. Essential for guitars and vocal, this equalizer features separate boost and cut bands, which can help to create powerful sounds with bite. 
The MEQ-5 Midrange EQ provides two boost bands and one dip band in the midrange region. This EQ is very useful for adding presence and punch to your tracks. It’s also helpful for clearing out problem areas in the midrange frequencies that can make a mix cloudy.

Pultec EQP-1A




The original EQP-1 was launched in 1951 by Pulse Techniques, a company formed by Ollie Summerland and Gene Shank in Teaneck, New Jersey, USA.Summerland and Shank hand-built the first units and, following a very early modification to the design, the original Pultec EQP-1A remained in production for the best part of 30 years.

The Pultec is a 3U all-valve design that makes use of EEC-82 and EEC-83 valves alongside a 6×4 rectifying valve in the onboard push-pull amplifier. The amplifier restores the signal level that is reduced when an audio signal is fed into the unit, making the EQP-1A a no-loss passive equalizer. This means that the signal level remains the same regardless of whether EQ is switched in or out, which is very useful when comparing a flat signal to an equalized one.

The low-frequency section of the EQP-1A is a shelving EQ, providing four selectable frequency bands at 20, 30, 60 and 100Hz. These frequencies can be boosted to a maximum of 13.5dB and attenuated (cut) by 17.5dB. Sound engineers long ago discovered that interesting (and useful) equalization curves could be achieved by simultaneously boosting and cutting at the same time, as the boost and cut frequencies overlap.

This has become known as the ‘low-end trick’. On a bass drum, for example, if 30Hz is simultaneously boosted and cut, the curve created gives a boost at 80Hz with a dip at around 200Hz – a very pleasing curve on some bass drums. The sound can be further sweetened using the high-frequency controls.

The Pultec’s high-frequency section features a boost-peaking EQ and offers seven centre frequencies – at 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 12 and 16kHz – which can be boosted by up to 18dB, while a Bandwidth control alters the Q of the equalization curve from sharp to broad. The high frequencies can also be cut at 5, 10 and 20kHz. This is a shelf-cut with up to 16dB of attenuation available.


Retro 176 176 Limiting Amplifier




The Retro 176 is based on a Bill Putnam classic, the UA 176.

The 176 design shares many functional details with the more commonly used 1176LN. Similarly to the 1176LN, it has a fixed threshold and input/output potentiometers to control compression and output level. This is a very intuitive design, which has proven its value over the course of more than half a century. The 176 offers four ratio settings (2:1, 4:1, 8:1, 12:1), and thus is capable of fairly mild compression as well as heavier limiting. Attack and release are fully adjustable via front-panel potentiometers, and, just as with those on the 1176LN, their fastest settings are in their fully clockwise position
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The large backlit VU meter, made by the American manufacturer Hoyt, can display gain reduction as well as input and output levels. The unit has a power switch (accompanied by a red status light), and also, just as you'd expect on a modern high-end unit, a switchable hard-wired bypass.
The Retro 176 uses six vacuum tubes, a 6BC8 dual-triode tube provides the variable gain stage, the actual compression element. A negative bias (the detector or side-chain signal) is applied to the grids of the triode elements, determining the output gain of the valve. The signal is then, via the inter-stage transformer, fed to the output amplifier, which is based on a pair of 12AX7 and 12BH7 dual triodes, operating in a push-pull configuration. The other three valves are not placed directly in the signal path, but they perform some very important duties nonetheless. Firstly, a 5Y3GT power rectifier valve is used in the power supply, a task that nowadays (apart from in certain guitar amps) is most commonly handled by silicon diodes. There's also a second, smaller 6AL5 rectifier valve for the side-chain signal and, finally, an OB2 voltage regulator valve, which feeds the 6BC8.



TubeTech SMC2BM




The TUBE-TECH SMC 2BM Stereo Multiband Compressor features three independent
optical stereo compressors.
The signal is divided into three bands (Low, Mid & High) by 6 dB/octave x-over networks with 12 selectable frequencies: 60 – 1200 Hz for Low/Mid band and 6 selectable frequencies: 1,2 – 6,0 kHz for the Mid/High band.
Switchable crossover points ensure precise control of all three bands of opto-compression.
Independent band specific Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release & Gain parameters make the SMC 2BM as flexible as it is accurate.
Gain controls are fitted with 12 position gold plated switches with 1dB/step. Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release and Balance controls are fitted with potentiometers with 31 detents.
The design of the x-over networks optimizes the summing of all three bands, resulting in a flat frequency response (within +/-0,25 dB), when the gain controls for each band are set at the same level.
The three compressors feature Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release and Gain and a display showing gain reduction. Master levels are set with Output Gain and Balance controls.
Both Input and Output are balanced and have fully floating transformers with a static screen. The power supply and the sidechain circuit is based on a solid state circuit. With the exception of the output stage all DC voltages are stabilised.


Universal Audio 175


Perhaps not as widely known as their later relative the 1176, the UA 175 and 176 Limiting Amplifiers are nonetheless still used and sought after in the audio community, and are rare on the vintage market. The design began as the 108 tube preamp, which was found in the original console at Bill Putnam’s first studio, Universal Recording in Chicago; It was also found early on at his Hollywood digs as well. This amp predates the first groundbreaking modular mic pre, the UA 610. The 175 was one of the first commercially available Universal Audio products, and was introduced in 1961. Like the Fairchild compressor line, the 175 and 176 were based around a variable-mu tube gain reduction design. This means that gain reduction is controlled by highly unique variable-mu dual triode tube, which is no longer manufactured. Variable-mu tubes have the ability to reduce their mu (gain), as the input signal increases.The 176 shortly followed the initial release of the 175 and were concurrently available models. Apparently, the original 175 was stripped, and had no Input or Output gain control. Other units such as the 175B/C and 176 had gain control for Input and Output. Later, in addition to these units there was also the 177, which was without metering.

COMPEX F760X-RS


In 1973, ADR came out with a stand-alone three-rackspace, 2-channel rackmount version that was subsequently repackaged into a two-rackspace unit and badged as the Compex Limiter F760X-RS.Renowned for decades by top engineers as the quintessential box for larger-than-life drum sounds!
The ADR Compex F760X-RS may be the best compressor/limiter available for drum room mics and drum bus duties and is also highly sought-after for the character and punch it adds to guitars along with a myriad of other sources. The Compex limiter provided peak limiting with a multi-ratio, variable threshold compressor. Ratio settings ranged from 1:1 to 20:1 and there were controls for threshold and release time. The inclusion of an expander/gate provided attenuation of the gain during pauses in the audio signal to reduce noise caused by compression; the expander/gate could also be used for special 'punchy' effects, favoured on drum and percussive sounds. Noise gates were often criticised at the time for 'hunting' around the threshold point.


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