Cheapest High End EQ?

[Soldier777c]

Originally Posted by thethrillfactor

A used pair of 9098EQ's for $1K?

Where?

You can get one 9098 and a very high quality picture of a second for $1k.

.

How about a Nightpro? It's not too versitile, but the fixed bands and "air" frequencies sound good.

Toft's pieces are pretty decent for the money, as well.

Regardless, great EQ's are going to be pricey. No way around it, unfortunately.

[rids]

Originally Posted by whitepapagold

Can you really sound GREAT(not good) for under 1000?

Good question, but that is not for me to answer. BTW, how could you complain when you have the EQs on the LTD-1s. I haven't tried them, but I heard they were top notch. I guess you're saying the GML blow them away?

Would anyone care to say that a Tube EQ like Millennia TD1 (which has to bands of the NSEQ), would give me more of what I'm after in terms of musicality, warm, and color than the Speck ASC-T? Although then again, the pre that's coupled with it doesn't seem to be one of the better pres out there (like the stuff from A Designs and Brent Averill), at least for my taste.

[whitepapagold]

Originally Posted by rids

Good question, but that is not for me to answer. BTW, how could you complain when you have the EQs on the LTD-1s. I haven't tried them, but I heard they were top notch. I guess you're saying the GML blow them away?

No, the ltds were wonderful (which is why I said in my post-I wasn't complaining about the chandlers! tutt ) but the way things were laid out (at the studio)was a nightmare. And they were in the tracking room not the room I used to mix(the owner lived in A, I got B). Routing them would have been a nightmare. Plus I prefer to be in the same room as an eq when Im turning the knobs! Not my set up- had to deal. The owner thought soft eqs sounded just fine. Id rather not committ to eq while tracking, especially when on a serious time line. On my own I track with eq all the time, otherwise...
If I had to pick, I would take the GML over the ltds in a second but as you said "not a question for you to answer", its definitely a matter of preference. I really have had a magical time with the GML. Its LEAPS AND BOUNDS above everything else Ive tried-which high end EQ wise- isn't a lot. Plus the mixes with it....well thats a whole nother thread! thumbsup

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by rids

Would anyone care to say that a Tube EQ like Millennia TD1 (which has to bands of the NSEQ), would give me more of what I'm after in terms of musicality, warm, and color than the Speck ASC-T? .

The Speck EQ is clean sounding, even with the transformer.

The GML is even more cleaner but bigger sounding.

Neither one you would consider "warm".

If you want something "warm" and musical you have to look at the usual suspects(Neve,Pultec,Massive Passive,Lang PEQ-1 and in some cases an API 550A).

[whitepapagold]

Originally Posted by thethrillfactor

The GML is even more cleaner but bigger sounding.

I would have to agree 100% with the "big" reference. Thrill, are you a fan of the Lang PEQ-1? I'd love your take cause you had posted on the GML pres a while back and I felt 100% right on. The 8200 "big" reference, again 100%-so Im curious what you think of these?The prices aren't bad. Im not uber-slutty yet but Im definitely aspiring to be!

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by whitepapagold

Thrill, are you a fan of the Lang PEQ-1?

Yeah i wish i still had one.

Sold all my Lang stuff years back but little by little its creeping back into my racks.

Problem is that the prices have almost doubled since then.

I've always liked the Lang mic pres and EQ's. thumbsup

[rids]

Originally Posted by thethrillfactor

The Speck EQ is clean sounding, even with the transformer.

The GML is even more cleaner but bigger sounding.

Neither one you would consider "warm".

If you want something "warm" and musical you have to look at the usual suspects(Neve,Pultec,Massive Passive,Lang PEQ-1 and in some cases an API 550A).

I was actually refering to the Millennia TD-1s. I was also curious where tube EQs sit in the equation.

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by rids

I was actually refering to the Millennia TD-1s. I was also curious where tube EQs sit in the equation.

The TD-1 sounds cleaner and not as processed as either the Speck or GML.

The Pultec,Lang PEQ-1 and Massive Passive are all tube EQ's.

But a lot of the sound is in the transformers.

[airmate]

Originally Posted by thethrillfactor

But a lot of the sound is in the transformers.

dare i say *most* of the sound (in terms of coloration)...

[rids]

I just found out that a Pultec style PEQ is going to be made in the lunchbox format. I think OSA maybe.... But I just bought a lunchbox off ebay and now it's time to fill it. I think I'm going for a couple A Designs P1s first. Looking forward to that Pultec EQ though. Anyone know what company is making it?

[Andreas G]

Originally Posted by echorec

Try the Siemens W295b, extremely musical if you ask me. I have the classic Neve EQs/pres in my studio but I always prefer the Siemens for ac guitar and vocals. 1k will get you 2 of these, check www.ebay.de

You have a good taste echorec

[De chromium cob]

Originally Posted by kellyd

With the exception of the Sphere eqs none of the eqs being suggested for under a grand are truly hi end eqs. And the Spheres are used.

I agree- There are deals to be found on the Sphere graphics but I think that ship is sailing pretty quick as people get more hip to them.....
Last year I found 4 of the Sphere 910s for $300 each! Just fantasic sounding units...Worth at least twice what I paid IMO.

[mixerguy]

Originally Posted by De chromium cob

I agree- There are deals to be found on the Sphere graphics but I think that ship is sailing pretty quick as people get more hip to them.....
Last year I found 4 of the Sphere 910s for $300 each! Just fantasic sounding units...Worth at least twice what I paid IMO.

LUCKY!

[AB3]

Klark Teknik DN410 was better than I thought it would be. Fairly inexpensive on ebay. Really good for removing bass and midrange build-up. High end is clean.

Not a very good eq for adding color. On the clean side. Harder to operate than the Speck to me, but more surgical.
Also, I liked the slight coloration that the Speck with the transformed added. I hope to end up with two Specks with transformers.

[Reggie Love]

The EQ on the Raindirk RM4 Pre / Eq is excellent and punches well above its weight.

[AllAboutTone]

I had read some info about the Amek 9098 in the comments above, is the 9098 Eq pre better tha the Trident s20 or the Avalon 737 crap as far as the Preamp end of it, ive heard really great things about the EQ in the 9098.

[NathanEldred]

The Buzz MPE1.1 Mono (the transformerless version) is one of the least expensive (available as new) stand alone PRO EQ's around (that I'm aware of). My criteria of 'pro' in this case is generally something I'd trust on the two bus during mix (that's just me though).

[Mario-C.]

Originally Posted by kellyd

Urie eqs worth mentioning, my favs the 546 stereo 4 band parametric and 530 dual 9 band graphic.

second that ! the 546 is damn cool

[Fleaman]

Originally Posted by AdamJay

correct. sorry..
i will clarify:
ATC-2 = High and low bands have fixed frequencies to choose from. and both channels are stereo linkable.
AFC-2 = High and low bands are completely sweepable. but both channels are NOT stereo linkable

So let me get this straight:

The ATC-2 has Linkable EQ controls in stereo mode?

So one channels EQ knobs control both sides (stereo)?

There is no mention of this on Toft's site, only that the compressors are linkable, as one would expect.

Of course the AFC-2 does not have compressors, and as one would expect, is not linkable.

???

Fleaman

[mixerguy]

Originally Posted by NathanEldred

The Buzz MPE1.1 Mono (the transformerless version) is one of the least expensive (available as new) stand alone PRO EQ's around (that I'm aware of). My criteria of 'pro' in this case is generally something I'd trust on the two bus during mix (that's just me though).

Too bad they dont make an actual stereo EQ......

[sdelsolray]

Originally Posted by squeegybug

Won't get in under $1k... the Drawmer 1961 is a "musical" EQ, IMO. Nice smooth blending action, easy to vary the input levels to drive the tube section. Or, go easy and get a strong, open sound. Switched frequencies, quick to dial in, a slight touch goes a long way.

Ditto on the Drawmer. I recently picked up a used one. Very nice. Although they list for nearly $3k, I've seen then used several times in the low teens.

Originally Posted by squeegybug

Oh yeah, another sleeper is the Pendulum Audio SPS-1. Marketed as an acoustic guitar preamp, it is actually just a really excellent solid state dual-channel mic preamp/EQ. 3-band full parametric on both channels, with direct line inputs/outputs. And the mic preamps are really nice sounding too. Around $1k used.

Also ditto. I've used a SPS-1 for years, as originally designed (gigging acoustic guitar preamp/eq) and in the studio.

[NathanEldred]

Originally Posted by mixerguy

Too bad they [BUZZ AUDIO] dont make an actual stereo EQ......

Neither does Speck, AMS-Neve, API, Chandler, Empirical Labs, Vintech, Tube Tech, Mercury, or Fearn (and there are others too). If you want stereo just buy two mono units. OR, if were talking about Buzz Audio specifically not making a 'stereo' unit, you could wait until this fall and check out the stereo Buzz Audio REQ2.2 ******//www.buzzaudio.com/products/whatsnew.htm (it's a different EQ all together than the MPE1.1, but it's also 2x's the price PER CHANNEL so it's not exactly in the spirit of this thread). If you are referring to 'linking' EQ's, it's not a common option on the market, 99% of all the EQ's out there don't link.




BTW, whoever was referring to the 'tube' EQ on the Millennia TD-1, it's a solid state EQ. The only tube input is on the DI on that unit.

[mixerguy]

Originally Posted by NathanEldred

Neither does Speck, AMS-Neve, API, Chandler, Empirical Labs, Vintech, Tube Tech, Mercury, or Fearn (and there are others too). If you want stereo just buy two mono units. (snip)...... If you are referring to 'linking' EQ's, it's not a common option on the market, 99% of all the EQ's out there don't link.. (snip)......

I myself find it easier to use a stereo EQ where the 2 channels are side by side... (as in a GML 8200) and all one piece ..... as opposed to one above each other......

YMMV

[Jim vanBergen]

No one has mentioned the Meyer CP-10 parametric.

I threw my Orban in the trash after picking up one CP-10 used and getting it back to factory spec. For precision, nothing beats it short of the GML. It's a world above the KT DN410 (which is my poor man's choice in place of CP-10.) How many EQs can you find that induce ZERO PHASE SHIFT? I can count them on one hand and they are all quite expensive, but the CP-10 is readily available used, now for sale, from a lot of PA rental houses.

My Speck ASC and ASC-T get a LOT of use for channel and group work. Great 4 band EQ, Sonically it compares to stuff worth 2-3 times its price.

hope this helps!

jim

[mixerguy]

Originally Posted by whitepapagold

... (snip).... Can you really sound GREAT(not good) (eq) for under 1000?...... (snip)....

If it exists, I'd love to know.... I have never found it.

[Bassmec]

Originally Posted by Soldier777c

You can get one 9098 and a very high quality picture of a second for $1k.

.

How about a Nightpro? It's not too versitile, but the fixed bands and "air" frequencies sound good.

Toft's pieces are pretty decent for the money, as well.

Regardless, great EQ's are going to be pricey. No way around it, unfortunately.

At about what $1k is worth in real money.
******//www.geministudios.co.uk/equipment.asp
Look why don't the thread starter just rob a bank and get a massive passive.
Investment just the one pair of tights.
Regards.•:*¨¨*:•. ¸¸.•´¯`•.Mark Fairfax-Harwood, Engineer Springvale Studios
PS Pat's 9098's are all clean and polished like new.