| Chris
Jordan "...the
REQ filters seem to slightly 'change' where certain elements or
instruments sit in the mix....I have never experienced this before
with an analog equalizer." |
Greg
Calbi "Perhaps
the most interesting aspect of the REQ 2.2 is it's ability to carve
out excessive low end while still keeping the dynamics intact".
more
user comments |
We wanted to build an audio equalizer
with the sound of real passive resonant circuits (chokes and capacitors)
but without sacrificing the adjustability and flexibility demanded by
recording and mastering engineers. For many technical reasons this goal
has not been easy to achieve, but after comparing the sound of real resonant
circuits to that of electronically simulated ones, we are convinced this
is how real audio equalization should be. The passive resonant filters
coupled with our True Class A BE40
amplifier technology yields a unique product with exemplary sonic performance
and a new definition of tonality.
CLICK
FOR LARGER VIEW. ACTUAL PANEL GRAPHICS VARY SLIGHTLY FROM THIS PICTURE
The REQ is a combination
of passive filter circuits and active amplifier stages. Parallel resonant
chokes and capacitors form the frequency selective part of each band and
these are coupled into the amplifier stage via the boost/cut control.
The resulting equalisation is best described as "surreal" and
it never sounds hard or harsh. The low frequencies remain tight and powerful
with the high frequencies clear and well defined.
Many other equalizers using passive filters have limited centre frequency
choices, but the REQ boasts 72 different frequencies split over four bands
per channel. The high and low bands can be switched to bell or shelving
mode and the two bell mid bands have two centre frequency ranges. Each
band has a bandwidth
(Q) control and if the high or low bands are switched shelf mode, this
control reverts to a shelf "slope"
control. In addition a passive high pass filter and a variable "saturation"
module are provided. The saturation module converts the REQ into a more
"vintage" sounding unit by adding harmonics to the signal via
the use of a steel audio transformer driven by a "single ended"
old style Class A amplifier (see distortion specs below). The low
frequency response is also altered by the saturation control, depending
on the position of this switch.
The REQ is available in two versions;
REQ-2.2 standard recording version with +/-16dB continuously variable
boost/cut
REQ-2.2 ME mastering version with +/- 8dB boost/cut via 23 position
ELMA brand switches
[Note;
as of December 2012, the REQ-2.2 MP version previously offered
is no longer available due to the Palazzo switch factory in Italy closing
down]
All other controls on all versions are switched for repeatability. The
high pass filter of the mastering
version offers smaller steps and varying filter slopes to that on
the recording version.
Taking a look inside
the REQ chassis you will discover a vey high level of engineering and
build quality with modular construction for easy serviceability, high
quality controls, single point power supply wiring, discrete power regulators
for each band - the list goes on and on. Click on the images on the left
to see inside the Resonance Equalizer and discover for yourself why this
product is truly unique and an investment you will never regret!
|
- tracking
and stereo mix bus equalisation
- audio
mastering and restoration
- post
production sound shaping
|
|
-
No
other equalizer like it in the world.
-
Fully
discrete hi-bias wide bandwidth differential Class A amplifiers.
-
Real
choke and capacitor resonant circuits that sound fantastic.
-
-
Individual
discrete power supply regulators for each EQ band.
-
Large
easy to adjust knobs.
- High quality long
life switches and potentiometers.
-
Modular
internal construction for easy future servicing.
- Mastering and recording
versions.
-
Unique
transformer saturation module.
-
Overall
and individual band bypass switches.
- High-end balanced
input and output amplifiers.
- Input connectors
with loop through.
-
Two
output connectors on each channel.
-
Rugged
chassis construction.
Frequency Response
Measured with all eq bands ON set flat, Saturation and HPF OFF 5Hz to
125kHz +0.2/-3dB
See graphs in side
bar above for typical eq and HPF frequency response measurements.
Harmonic Distortion
At +10dBu, Saturation OFF 100Hz 0.007%...1kHz 0.004%...10kHz 0.007%...100kHz
0.013%
Saturation ON POS-1 20Hz 1.5%...100Hz 0.07%...1kHz and up 0.01%
Saturation ON POS-2 20Hz 1.5%...100Hz 0.14%...1kHz and up 0.01%
Saturation ON POS-3 20Hz 1.5%...100Hz 0.16%...1kHz and up 0.01%
Saturation ON POS-4 20Hz 1.6%...100Hz 0.17%...1kHz and up 0.01%
Saturation ON POS-5 20Hz 1.7%...100Hz 0.18%...1kHz and up 0.01%
Saturation ON POS-6 20Hz 2.0%...100Hz 0.22%...1kHz and up 0.01%
Maximum Input Level
+25dBu
Input Impedance approx 20k ohms
Maximum Output
Level +32dBu balanced…+26dBu unbalanced
Output Impedance approx 70 ohms
Input Common Mode
Rejection (ref 0dBu) 100Hz -65dB…1kHz -65dB…10kHz -60dB
Noise all bands
ON set flat -110dB below max input level A weighted
General
Power requirements 115V/230V selectable on rear panel
Dimensions 4U rack mount, 300mm deep
0dBu = 0.775V RMS in these specifications.
Specification are typical of a production unit, and subject to change
if we improve something.
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