GML 9500 ? NSEQ-2 ? Ibis ? Maselec ?

[dhiltonlittle]

The Buzz REQ-Mastering Version is worth looking into as well.

[TanTan]

Originally Posted by dhiltonlittle

The Buzz REQ Mastering Version is worth looking into as well.

Thanks ! The Buzz looks great ! I'll check it out, I'd prefer buying a used unit in general because of the crazy expensive prices of high end mastering EQ's

[Thor]

Partly because I think it fits your bill quite well and partly because I actually have one for sale:

Weiss EQ1 Mk2. It's digital, but without sounding digital. Very precise, very flexible, excellent ergonomics and sound. 24/96k on 7 bands, M/S mode, touch sensitive detented encoders, high/low shelving, peaking, high/low cut on every band, memory storage of settings, POWr dither built in, much more.

Mine has the DYN option, giving Dynamic EQ to 4 of the 7 bands.

Weiss :: EQ1

It's digital, and it's musical.

PM me or have a look on the Classifieds for more info.

Thor

Originally Posted by TanTan

... I didn't find any digital EQ that I can really boost more than 0.5-1.5 on complex material without "harming" the source...

I'm looking for an EQ with musical behavior but not in a sense of THD and phase shift, I have other stuff for that (like the Anamod ATS-1 for example) I mean musicality coming from the actual EQ filters.. It's gotta have tight and fast bass, sweet and open sounding highs without being harsh, and an awesome mid band bells so i can boost whenever necessary...

Did anybody here ever compare between some of the EQ's mentioned or have any other cool suggestion ?

Thanks

[lu432]

You should consider a Manley Passive. It works wonders in mids and adds real nice color, however you might need something tighter for the lows.

An avalon 2077 is another eq to consider.

Just throwing it out there, however the IBIS is beast and a worthy competitor.

[Ben F]

Originally Posted by TanTan

Thanks ! The Buzz looks great ! I'll check it out, I'd prefer buying a used unit in general because of the crazy expensive prices of high end mastering EQ's

There has been a couple for sale recently at a good price.

You may need a combination of 2 EQs to get what you need though. Or turn your DIY Sontec into a stepped mastering version. The GML 9500 is very tight and fast, but would not be my first choice for mid range boosts, although it's top end really cuts through the mix. I think a Passive (maybe pultec style) is the way to go for midrange and top end boosts, then Sontec for low end. Bettermaker 232 may fit these requirements perfectly!

[WBM]

If you can't find a Buzz Eq use go with a MEA-2, nice combo with the 5500.

[TanTan]

I couldn't demo a Buzz or Maselec in Israel so I don't have any opinion on them really, I've ended up buying a GML 9500 which in my opinion is amazing.. A gigantic sounding EQ, maybe the biggest sounding EQ I've ever heard, it makes every mix sound really great without changing the original balance of the mix at all which is really amazing in my book, I don't know any othe EQ that can preserve a mix so well while manipulating it so beautifully.. I a gree about the mid range thing, sometimes it works for midrange boosts and sometimes not.. So I'm looking for a sweeter EQ for mids, maybe a MP, I've also got a Millenia NSEQ2 which i consider to keep, while not as good as the GML for mastering it's a great sounding EQ for stems ( drums, guitars, strings etc)

[Adam Dempsey]

Originally Posted by TanTan

I've also got a Millenia NSEQ2 which i consider to keep, while not as good as the GML for mastering it's a great sounding EQ for stems ( drums, guitars, strings etc)

I'd seriously consider the Forssell mod, making it an "NSEQ-F". While it's beautifully clean its broad low and high bands have a certain phase shift vibe that works incredibly musically. We find it fits perfectly with the Sontec MES units (your 9500 equivalent for the general non-intrusive "correcting" side of things).
Further along the line of "vibe" I doubt you could go wrong with the MP or API for broad work, as also works for us. Nothing like having options.

[bendermastering]

One more vote for the Maselec. It is an impressive and versatile equalizer, it is capable of so much.

It's curious how sometimes it feels like it's actually more than one EQ in the same machine, at small gains it is a totally different sounding machine than when using it with over 3dB gains, or using broad Qs over narrow ones.

[TanTan]

Originally Posted by Adam Dempsey

I'd seriously consider the Forssell mod, making it an "NSEQ-F". While it's beautifully clean its broad low and high bands have a certain phase shift vibe that works incredibly musically. We find it fits perfectly with the Sontec MES units (your 9500 equivalent for the general non-intrusive "correcting" side of things).
Further along the line of "vibe" I doubt you could go wrong with the MP or API for broad work, as also works for us. Nothing like having options.

Ill check out the forssel mod, I've heard great stuff about it and I think the high shelf is one of the Millenia's strong qualities so making it even better would be awesome, is the forssel mod includes changing the filter's electronics or is it more about the output opamp stages ?

I also consider adding a MP but just out of curiousity, you have mentioned the 5500 and the MP in the same category, is that so ? The reason I'm asking is because I think that the 5500 which I already have is a great mix bus EQ since its very intuitive and good sounding but in the same time I prefer having the mix open while using it on the bus because I'll tweak the mix a bit after engaging it, a thing I don't feel with the 9500 that can go very deep into any mix and make it better.. Is there a good enough reason for a mastering house to have both the MP and the 5500 ? You also say the NSEQ-f can compliment the Sontec/GML well, so my question is, if I already have a 9500 and a 5500 what third EQ would you choose between the MP and the NSEQ-f and why ? Thanks !

Originally Posted by bendermastering

One more vote for the Maselec. It is an impressive and versatile equalizer, it is capable of so much.

It's curious how sometimes it feels like it's actually more than one EQ in the same machine, at small gains it is a totally different sounding machine than when using it with over 3dB gains, or using broad Qs over narrow ones.

The Maselec was on my list but unfortunately I couldn't demo one.. I'm in the market for an MLA-3 and maybe also an MLA-2..

[Ben F]

Originally Posted by TanTan

Ill check out the forssel mod, I've heard great stuff about it and I think the high shelf is one of the Millenia's strong qualities so making it even better would be awesome, is the forssel mod includes changing the filter's electronics or is it more about the output opamp stages ?

I also consider adding a MP but just out of curiousity, you have mentioned the 5500 and the MP in the same category, is that so ? The reason I'm asking is because I think that the 5500 which I already have is a great mix bus EQ since its very intuitive and good sounding but in the same time I prefer having the mix open while using it on the bus because I'll tweak the mix a bit after engaging it, a thing I don't feel with the 9500 that can go very deep into any mix and make it better.. Is there a good enough reason for a mastering house to have both the MP and the 5500 ? You also say the NSEQ-f can compliment the Sontec/GML well, so my question is, if I already have a 9500 and a 5500 what third EQ would you choose between the MP and the NSEQ-f and why ? Thanks !


The Maselec was on my list but unfortunately I couldn't demo one.. I'm in the market for an MLA-3 and maybe also an MLA-2..

In my opinion, you won't really dig the maselec if you have a 9500. The GML is more precise. NSEQ is also nice but very fiddly to use. There are plenty of colour options to go with the GML, just go with a passive/tube EQ and you have most bases covered. The GML can sound different depending on what type of gear you use after it- you can get pretty close to either a maselec or sontec.

[Neil Pickles]

Originally Posted by Ben F

In my opinion, you won't really dig the maselec if you have a 9500. The GML is more precise. NSEQ is also nice but very fiddly to use. There are plenty of colour options to go with the GML, just go with a passive/tube EQ and you have most bases covered. The GML can sound different depending on what type of gear you use after it- you can get pretty close to either a maselec or sontec.

Go with a colour option. I have an GML 8200 and combine it with a Massive Passive Mastering. I am beyond happy with that combo. GML + MP =

They just work so very well together. Also I have had amazing customer service from Manley. That's worth something especially when you are spending these sums of money. It's good to know your back is covered.

[TanTan]

Happy post number 1000 !!! :-)

Originally Posted by Ben F

In my opinion, you won't really dig the maselec if you have a 9500. The GML is more precise. NSEQ is also nice but very fiddly to use. There are plenty of colour options to go with the GML, just go with a passive/tube EQ and you have most bases covered. The GML can sound different depending on what type of gear you use after it- you can get pretty close to either a maselec or sontec.

Thanks ! I agree about the NSEQ, Its hard to recall mechanical pots without numbers although it sounds very nice. I'm 100% happy with the 9500, It's a huge sounding EQ that can do many things. What kind of passive tube EQ would you recommend ?

Originally Posted by Neil Pickles

Go with a colour option. I have an GML 8200 and combine it with a Massive Passive Mastering. I am beyond happy with that combo. GML + MP =

They just work so very well together. Also I have had amazing customer service from Manley. That's worth something especially when you are spending these sums of money. It's good to know your back is covered.

The MP is my main contender at the moment, I have a 5500, 80 series Neve EQ's, Neumann EQ's and custom Pultecs but I don't find any of them a go to "color" mastering EQ's so I wanna check out the MP. I agree about Manley's customer service, it's top notch, just needed some spare parts for my 9500 and the guys at Manley are really great, it's a very important part of my decision. A big and well established company with great service that has all spare parts in stock is making the studio give a better service also. I love DIY stuff but I've experienced some issues that took months to solve so I had a good processor I couldn't use for months..

[Adam Dempsey]

Originally Posted by TanTan

Ill check out the forssel mod, I've heard great stuff about it and I think the high shelf is one of the Millenia's strong qualities so making it even better would be awesome, is the forssel mod includes changing the filter's electronics or is it more about the output opamp stages ?

Less in the signal path and improved op amps. See the Forssell mod here forsselltech.com

Originally Posted by TanTan

I also consider adding a MP but just out of curiousity, you have mentioned the 5500 and the MP in the same category, is that so ? The reason I'm asking is because I think that the 5500 which I already have is a great mix bus EQ since its very intuitive and good sounding but in the same time I prefer having the mix open while using it on the bus because I'll tweak the mix a bit after engaging it, a thing I don't feel with the 9500 that can go very deep into any mix and make it better.. Is there a good enough reason for a mastering house to have both the MP and the 5500 ? You also say the NSEQ-f can compliment the Sontec/GML well, so my question is, if I already have a 9500 and a 5500 what third EQ would you choose between the MP and the NSEQ-f and why ? Thanks !

Not so much in the "same category" but in terms of the flexibility of options, musicality and differences with the API 550m's, MP, NSEQ-F, with the Sontec 462 and 432. For gentle, broad sculpting on great mixes there are times I've used nothing but the API. If you're using one to mix through, then sure I can imagine it's likely much less of a contender than other options. By comparison (and design) the MP is "nicer", "softer" in the mids and upper mids. Its bandwidth control might as well be labeled "resonance". And indeed... we've had nothing but top service from both Manley and Fred Forssell.

[Pisi]

Originally Posted by Neil Pickles

Go with a colour option. I have an GML 8200 and combine it with a Massive Passive Mastering. I am beyond happy with that combo. GML + MP =

In a mastering environment a GML (9500 or 8200) are a great added value for transparency and transient response of the very little phase shift.
I work with a GML 8200 and an API 5500, and I'm very happy.
The Millennia is invisible, but you should add the Forsell mod to use it at 100%, in my opinion, in fact, the difference is quite evident.
The Maselec is highly regarded in many mastering rooms, I simply did not find myself confortable with it.
My suggestion is GML.
forever.

[TanTan]

Originally Posted by Adam Dempsey

Less in the signal path and improved op amps. See the Forssell mod here forsselltech.com


Not so much in the "same category" but in terms of the flexibility of options, musicality and differences with the API 550m's, MP, NSEQ-F, with the Sontec 462 and 432. For gentle, broad sculpting on great mixes there are times I've used nothing but the API. If you're using one to mix through, then sure I can imagine it's likely much less of a contender than other options. By comparison (and design) the MP is "nicer", "softer" in the mids and upper mids. Its bandwidth control might as well be labeled "resonance". And indeed... we've had nothing but top service from both Manley and Fred Forssell.

Thanks I also love the 5500 there were many times it was all i needed together with a Sonoris digital MEQ..I guess it will stay on my mixbus, for mastering from what you describe the MP is just what I'm looking for, a passive EQ which is nicer/sweeter/softer than the 5500 with more frequency options and wider bells than the 5500, I'll demo it soon..

Originally Posted by Pisi

In a mastering environment a GML (9500 or 8200) are a great added value for transparency and transient response of the very little phase shift.
I work with a GML 8200 and an API 5500, and I'm very happy.
The Millennia is invisible, but you should add the Forsell mod to use it at 100%, in my opinion, in fact, the difference is quite evident.
The Maselec is highly regarded in many mastering rooms, I simply did not find myself confortable with it.
My suggestion is GML.
forever.

I agree ! I'm also using a 9500, 5500 and LOVE em both ! but I'm still missing something "creamier".. The NSEQ-2 is a very nice sounding unit but I don't feel like I have to keep while the GML is around..