Cheapest High End EQ?

[rids]

I'm looking at some cheaper alternatives to EQs like the Great River eq-2nv, API 560b, and other higher end EQs. I was looking at Speck ASC EQs that seem to be nice EQs from what I've read. I've looked at the Ordan 622 and 642 EQs, but those seem almost too cheap to be the kind of quality I'm looking for.

Someone suggested the Toft Audio ATC-2. They seem nice and sounds like they have some color, but the ATC-2 is a Stereo channel strip for around 600-700 second hand. It doesn't seem like it would satisfy my need for a musical EQ. I may be wrong and don't mean to write something off because it's cheaper. Just seems like I wouldn't as good as a EQ as I could. Does seem like a good deal though.

I'm trying to find an EQ that is very musical. I do like color as well in EQs, but as long as it's musical then I'm good. I wanted to keep it under 1K for stereo EQ. Any other suggestions?

[rids]

Forgot to mention someone suggested some Urei EQs unspecifically. I was curious about those as well.

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by rids

I wanted to keep it under 1K for stereo EQ. Any other suggestions?

Nope.

Sorry.

A good EQ will cost you.


Its one place you can't really skimp on.

[mixerguy]

Originally Posted by rids

.... (snip) ..... I was looking at Speck ASC EQs that seem to be nice EQs from what I've read.......

I was recently chatting at NAMM with the designer of great sounding gear - one of the top guys - he works at a very highly regarded boutique company that makes very good gear - (I don't want to say who) and he said that the Speck was quite good, and for the price it was amazing.

Here is a review

http://www.mojopie.com/modelasc.html

[mrbowes]

The Chameleon Labs 7602 has a nice EQ section in addition to a very nice mic pre/DI.

Two of them would set you back ~$1400, but you'd get a lot of bang-for-the-buck.

[cdog]

rids,

You named the only two new ones worth buying.

Fletcher at www.mercenary.com would probably send you a pair of Specks and the Toft to shoot out, assuming you're going to keep one.

Personally I think the Specks are a steal - its the poor mans GML 8200.

[rids]

I'll look at the Chameleon.

You mean there aren't any Urei Eqs worth considering?

[AdamJay]

Toft AFC-2 - $599 / 2 channels.
EQ section is more versatile than the ATC-2.
The low and high bands are have variably selectable frequency, rather than the 2 fixed frequencies on those bands in the AFC-2.

Plus, you save by not having to pay for a compressor section you may not use.
The only downside is it is not stereo linkable, like the AFC-2. But then again, i don' think a pair of Speck ASC-T's are linkable as well (someone correct me please, if i am wrong).

The Toft stuff has a certain tone to it though, don't write it off because of the price. You really gotta hear the EQ, use it on a few things.

The Speck is probably better, and the adjustable Q on the midbands will give you a higher degree of versatility, same goes for the transformer option. I would buy whichever EQ you can afford. They're both worth the money.

[AB3]

I checked out the Speck eq with the transformer option. It was a trial check out. I miss it. I have to save up and get a pair. I loved it.

I also have the Sphere 920s which I love them. But they are so different - one does not replace the other.

Do not let the price fool you. I think if most people did not know what they were listening to, they would think that the Speck eq cost at least twice as much per channel. And though I have large hands, I thought it was still very easy to set up. But - IMHO - get the transformer option. Clearly better to me. Besides, you do not have to use the transformer output.

My 2 cents.

[squeegybug]

Originally Posted by rids

I'm trying to find an EQ that is very musical. I do like color as well in EQs, but as long as it's musical then I'm good.

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.

I agree on the Speck, used that one a long time. Definitely with the transformer, even though it is subtle.

A real professional road warrior that every FOH engineer knows, but few studios (it seems) -- Klark Teknik DN410. Phenomenal control. Brilliant sound. No high color here -- just does frequency mod and sounds great doing it. Lots of very small knobs, have to learn it a little. Can be found used in fine condition for $500-800 or so, dual 5-band full 20-20k.

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.

Steve

[Musiclab]

You can find used Amek 9098's . While its not a "magic eq" it is very powerful, very flexible eq. The mic pre is kinda of bland in a even,clean sounding way.

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by Musiclab

You can find used Amek 9098's . While its not a "magic eq" it is very powerful, very flexible eq. The mic pre is kinda of bland in a even,clean sounding way.

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

Where?

[Fletcher]

Originally Posted by rids

You mean there aren't any Urei Eqs worth considering?

Depends on the model and your purposes.

I have a couple of passive EQ's from UA or UREi [I don't remember which] that sound great. They're top and bottom shelf and don't do anything fancy like a "little dipper" [also a UREi product] but they're an exceptional equalizer.

[SLy_drums]

Mindprint DTC - 2 high end pres + 2 tube EQ + 2 optocomp, $1800 new.

The EQ is so musical ! I love it.

[lofi]

i also needed eq...got speck asc-t... works...case closed

[kellyd]

Urie eqs worth mentioning, my favs the 546 stereo 4 band parametric and 530 dual 9 band graphic. 527A 1/3 octave graphic isn't bad either for under 200 bucks.
I'd pass on the 535s. I had 4 chs of them. Same freqs as the 560B but differnt Q and not the same impact. Not bad eqs but they are not the sought after graphics like the 530. The guy I sold mine to uses them all the time. They are ususable and cheap. I paid $75 ea for stereo units.

[rids]

Originally Posted by AdamJay

Toft AFC-2 - $599 / 2 channels.
EQ section is more versatile than the ATC-2.
The low and high bands are have variably selectable frequency, rather than the 2 fixed frequencies on those bands in the AFC-2.

Plus, you save by not having to pay for a compressor section you may not use.
The only downside is it is not stereo linkable, like the AFC-2. But then again, i don' think a pair of Speck ASC-T's are linkable as well (someone correct me please, if i am wrong).

A little confusing here. Those fixed frequencies you mentioned are on the ATC-2, not the AFC-2 right?

"The only downside is it is not stereo linkable, like the AFC-2." And here you mean 'like the ATC-2'?


Good suggestions I didn't even know about here. I checked some of the suggestions out through articles. The Mindprint DTCs seems pretty good, although I saw someone say they were disappointed with the Low End of the Eq, but said the Pre and Comp were good. Interesting suggestion. Something I might look at for future purchase, but it's out of my price range now. Are the Mindprint DTC Pres class A?

The Amek 9098 seems pretty good, but the price is up there with the likes of Great River (as far as stereo EQs) and if the Amek Pre isn't that good, it's harder for me to pay that much when the Pre is so so. I'll have to look into this more.

The Drawmer 1961 looks sweet. Too bad it's out of my price range, actually looks like they go for $2500+.

The Pendulum SPS-1 I thought was suited well for acoustics. Looking to see if I can find something for use with Vocals, bass, drums, synths. I wonder how it works with them.

What about a couple used API 560b? If I could get a good deal on them, would it be a better option than these already mentioned?

[qubi]

Another vote for the Specks. I havent really tried too many hi-end eq's, but my specks blow away all my plug ins (waves, bluetube, logic and onboard sony DMX-100 eq's). Not much else out there in that price range..

[AdamJay]

Originally Posted by rids

A little confusing here. Those fixed frequencies you mentioned are on the ATC-2, not the AFC-2 right?

"The only downside is it is not stereo linkable, like the AFC-2." And here you mean 'like the ATC-2'?
?

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

[AB3]

I am a little confused as to why stereo linkability is a benefit on an eq. It seems that if you are recording enough sources in stereo that there may be minor changes you would want on each channels eq. And if you want the same, you should be able to get them close enough by ear.
Anyone find that the lack of stereo linkability could not be made up by ear on an eq?

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

[echorec]

Originally Posted by rids

I'm trying to find an EQ that is very musical. I do like color as well in EQs, but as long as it's musical then I'm good. I wanted to keep it under 1K for stereo EQ. Any other suggestions?

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

[airmate]

Originally Posted by kellyd

Urie eqs worth mentioning, my favs the 546 stereo 4 band parametric

yes, that's a nice unit. but i wouldn't say it's a "high end" eq, though. to my ears the 546 is a nice "fx" eq. it can give a very powerful texture to a snare, a fender rhodes piano or something like that.
but it's no transparent sounding at all. you can literally destroy a clean vocal track by just running it through the 546. don't get me wrong, i think even on vocals it CAN sound nice occasionally, but for me "high end" is an eq that does not completely f*** up the transparency of a signal.
that beeing said, i really like my 546 for certain applications.

apart from that, i'd recommend checking out the speck. the toft eq also sounds amazing for the price.
moreover, there are some interesting things on the used market. manley/langevin solid state pultecs sometimes are flying around for about 850 $. i recently purchased a used manley tube pultec for 1150 $ - though it does not really sound like the original pultec, it's a great eq. more transparent than the original, which can be even better in some situations... thumbsup

[AdamJay]

Originally Posted by AB3

I am a little confused as to why stereo linkability is a benefit on an eq.

mix bus eqing.

its not a deal breaker, but its a good option to have for stereo sources.

[squeegybug]

Originally Posted by AB3

I am a little confused as to why stereo linkability is a benefit on an eq.

I like it because I don't have to adjust every setting on both channels, if I want identical settings on the mix bus (which I usually do). If I'm hunting one certain spot that needs adjustment it's a lot easier to just grab one knob to sweep the range instead of two. And then to have to adjust them to be the same takes some time... Live sound folks used to put rubber bands around the knobs to tie the channels together.

If I'm tweaking a stereo mix, I can usually hear the subtle phasing/cancelling that goes on when the settings are different... try it with headphones and this can become pretty obvious.

Good luck finding such a thing, they are pretty rare in my experience. I think that Toft being discussed only links the compressors, not the equalizers, that's the typical design for those kind of comp/eq units. I may be mistaken.

Steve

[warhead]

Originally Posted by AdamJay

Toft AFC-2 - $599 / 2 channels.
EQ section is more versatile than the ATC-2.
The low and high bands are have variably selectable frequency, rather than the 2 fixed frequencies on those bands in the AFC-2.

Plus, you save by not having to pay for a compressor section you may not use.
The only downside is it is not stereo linkable, like the AFC-2. But then again, i don' think a pair of Speck ASC-T's are linkable as well (someone correct me please, if i am wrong).

The Toft stuff has a certain tone to it though, don't write it off because of the price. You really gotta hear the EQ, use it on a few things.

The Speck is probably better, and the adjustable Q on the midbands will give you a higher degree of versatility, same goes for the transformer option. I would buy whichever EQ you can afford. They're both worth the money.

I share Adam's opinion 100%, the AFC-2 just has a more versatile and musical EQ and is overall more useful than the ATC-2. For $599 and pre / EQ only the AFC-2 is a killer choice. And yes, they're the same preamps as the ATC-2. The guys next door use 'em next to their Neves and Daking stuff, they're not stopping them from making records.

Speck is great stuff too, you cannot go wrong with either of these.

Used the dbx242 are very versatile 5 band parametrics, the last Orban design, and work on loads of stuff.

War

[kellyd]

"yes, that's a nice unit. but i wouldn't say it's a "high end" eq, though. to my ears the 546 is a nice "fx" eq. "

Never said I thought the 546 was a hi end eq. I was just answering someone's post about Urei eqs. Those are the units I like.

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.
There are usable eqs for a cheap but we get what we pay for.

[nukmusic]

Originally Posted by thethrillfactor

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

Where?

must have meant each?? I see them used for about that.

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by nukmusic

must have meant each?? I see them used for about that.

I had a pair a while ago i bought used for around $1500.

I've never seen them lower than that though.

[Musiclab]

Originally Posted by thethrillfactor

I had a pair a while ago i bought used for around $1500.

I've never seen them lower than that though.

Yeah I meant each. I've seen them used for close to 800. Which is a crazy price for that box.

[whitepapagold]

Great posts. I just got a GML 8200 and its changed EVERYTHING.Before the 8200 I used filters(for hi/lowpass) and steered clear of eqs cause the soft ones always sound crappy to me and the nice ones were WAYYYYY expensive. I would really like another flavor other than the gml but withOUT the 5000 price tag.
At the studio, its a working mans shop- not major label- we only had soft eqs and the ones on the chandler ltds (not complaining about that). At work I put up with crap eqs but at home I couldn't stand them. The GML has changed HOW I think about EQ, how much to use when and where, and my mixes have a lot more umph! I definitely would like another option but it has to stand next to the GML. I also hear the specks are nice. So toft and specks so far..... My question is the GML can push CRAZY HOT without sounding crappy, is there any way to get close(HONESTLY) without spending the cash. I see Thrillfactor says probably not and after my experience with the GML, I tend to agree. I know, repetative, but the GML changed EVERYTHING! But again I have limited experience with hardware eqs. Can you really sound GREAT(not good) for under 1000?

And yes, I am just beginning to play with the big boys on my own (goodbye studio)so I was always stuck with good work horse gear and am blown away by the difference when you spend real money. Now my vocal chain is GML pre to GML eq to 1176ln to la2a to ad8000se and I find it hard to go backwards but Ive run out of disposable income!!!