500 Series Program Equalizer ---> Limited Edition!!!

EisenAudio · 21st December 2007, 08:58 AM

After many requests and much research....

EISEN AUDIO brings you the LILPEQr Program Equalizer for the API(TM) 500 Series modular system. $500 USD

While utilizing solid-state circuitry, the LILPEQr sonic characteristics were inspired by classic tube-based (aka valve) program equalizers, such as the Lang PEQ-1 and Klangfilm RZ062.

- Big sound, small package.
- High and low frequency shelving EQ with minimal controls and major vibe. 12 dB boost/cut @ 5, 10, or 28 kHz, and 20 dB boost/cut @ 50, 80, or 160 Hz
- As simple as it gets: a passive tone control circuit (just resistors and film/foil capacitors ) wrapped around a single discrete, class A transistor amplifier, with transformer-balanced I/O.
- The passive transformer input circuit can be bypassed (by selecting "IN - DIRECT"), for injecting signal directly into the EQ section. While unfortunately resulting in an unbalanced input and less available HF boost, this also yields greater bandwidth and clarity, for instances where you don't want such a distinctively colorful transformer adding its effect.
- Hardwire bypass for better comparisons.
-Fits all API(TM) and compatible (e.g. BAE, OSA, Avedis, A-Designs, Purple Audio) 500 Series lunchboxes and racks - a popular modular format for 40 years and counting. VPR Alliance application pending.

This Limited Edition of 60 units utilizes vintage Marinair/St. Ives LI.31267 line input transformers. These were used in all of the classic 80 Series Neve(TM) consoles and EQ modules (e.g. 8014, 8068, 1073, 3104), and this particular batch was salvaged from some previously cannibalized Neve 8014 console frames. We jumped at the chance to use this unique transformer because of its rich tone, and designed the rest of the LILPEQr circuitry to sound complementary.

$500 USD each. Modules begin shipping the first week of January. ---> To reserve yours, send an e-mail to sales@eisenaudio.com with a) your shipping address, and b) desired quantity of modules. Within 24 hours (excluding sundays), you should receive an e-mail invoice for the total cost. You will have until January 22, 2008 to pay this invoice before we cancel it, and offer your reserved module(s) to whomever is next on the waiting list.

I will try to post better photos, detailed specs, and sound samples between now and then. In the meantime, let the questions begin!

Please note: A-Designs, API, Avedis, BAE, OSA, and Purple Audio are trademarks of their respective owners, where applicable. Eisen Audio is not affiliated with these parties.

superburtm · 21st December 2007, 09:13 AM

oh crap the bed this looks cool

gm5k · 21st December 2007, 09:30 AM

she will be mine, OH YES she will be mine

supaheef · 21st December 2007, 11:28 AM

Man, do I ever need to get on this 500 train...

You mention that THIS batch will be with the Maranair trannies, is there another batch with less special transformers coming as well?

heath.

tdr · 21st December 2007, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EisenAudio

We will try to post....and sound samples between now and then. In the meantime, let the questions begin!

I think those sound samples will answer all my questions

The price point of those is really attractive, I might reconsider making certain future purchase to use this one time only offer.

pan60 · 21st December 2007, 03:15 PM

very nice!

WTMNMF · 21st December 2007, 03:35 PM

He said "LILPEQr"

Brad McGowan · 21st December 2007, 04:04 PM

Good job Jens! And love that carpet too.

Are those Black Gate electrolytics? Also are there any plans to have a non-limited version using an off the shelf input transformer?

thanks,
Brad

EisenAudio · 21st December 2007, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by supaheef

You mention that THIS batch will be with the Maranair trannies, is there another batch with less special transformers coming as well?

No, we were not planning on making any more. It was designed around the Marinair transformer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brad McGowan

Are those Black Gate electrolytics?

No. The output coupling cap (1000u/16V) is an ELNA RBD Series bipolar - one of their "specifically for audio" products, which sounds quite neutral to my ears. The power supply decoupling caps (220u/25V) are Panasonic FM Series, which I also think sound fairly neutral - more so than the rest of the Panasonic stuff. I've tried Black Gates too, and I don't see the need for them with caps like these at my disposal.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brad McGowan

Also are there any plans to have a non-limited version using an off the shelf input transformer?

No such plans at the moment. I suppose if there was enough demand after this batch I would source more of the LI.31267, or have new ones made.

pan60 · 21st December 2007, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by supaheef

Man, do I ever need to get on this 500 train...

heath.

yes it is a must:)~

bgrotto · 21st December 2007, 09:05 PM

Email sent...I'm in. For a pair.

I so can't afford this...

bgrotto · 21st December 2007, 09:07 PM

Heh. Just noticed you posted that at 4am, Jens. Burnin' the midnight oil on this one, were we?

drastic · 21st December 2007, 09:46 PM

Aw man, right @ x-mas. Your killin me!!

pan60 · 21st December 2007, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drastic

Aw man, right @ x-mas. Your killin me!!

me two :(~
i just cant take the plunge at the moment.
i wish the best for Jens but i hope i am not the only one broke at the moment.

PlugHead · 21st December 2007, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drastic

Aw man, right @ x-mas. Your killin me!!

Word.

Tho I'm broke, I'm in for a pr. as well.

I think you're gonna see some choice items of mine in the GS classifieds over the next while...

TEMAS · 21st December 2007, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EisenAudio

- The passive transformer input circuit can be bypassed (by selecting "IN - DIRECT"), for injecting signal directly into the EQ section. While unfortunately resulting in an unbalanced input and less available HF boost, this also yields greater bandwidth and clarity, for instances where you don't want such a distinctively colorful transformer adding its effect.

This is a good idea, especially if these may be stacked in sequence with other outboard.

How broad are the eq curves? Could this be used as a LPF + HPF?

screamingcatfish · 22nd December 2007, 12:55 AM

hope it's not prepubescent....cause i'd like some hair on my lilpeqr.....

bgrotto · 22nd December 2007, 02:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by screamingcatfish

hope it's not prepubescent....cause i'd like some hair on my lilpeqr.....

Ew...creepy...

gm5k · 22nd December 2007, 02:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by screamingcatfish

hope it's not prepubescent....cause i'd like some hair on my lilpeqr.....

jokes only a gearslut would get...

TAVD · 22nd December 2007, 02:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by screamingcatfish

hope it's not prepubescent....cause i'd like some hair on my lilpeqr.....

Don't give him any ideas. I don't want to see the xfmr/direct switch relabeled as hairy/smooth.

mahasandi · 22nd December 2007, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pan60

me two :(~
i just cant take the plunge at the moment.
i wish the best for Jens but i hope i am not the only one broke at the moment.

ditto

Isle of Weight · 22nd December 2007, 06:55 PM

great deal, but...

Quote:

Originally Posted by pan60

i just cant take the plunge at the moment...
hope i am not the only one broke at the moment.

I'm afraid not

AA

drastic · 23rd December 2007, 01:51 AM

Email sent yesterday Jens

EisenAudio · 23rd December 2007, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drastic

Aw man, right @ x-mas. Your killin me!!

Yes, I know the timing is bad. I've just updated the first to state that you'd have until January 22, 2008 to pay. I apologize for the added anxiety that this missing information may have caused anyone.

I will be posting more details this afternoon (and responding to the many e-mails!). Thanks for your patience!

drastic · 23rd December 2007, 03:41 PM

Awesome! Thanks.

ToneRanger · 23rd December 2007, 08:25 PM

Any other finishes/knob options available??

How about the bypass, does the transformer in/out switch have a middle position to bypass the unit?

More details! De-tails!!

Chris · 23rd December 2007, 09:10 PM

So what exactly would the "character" be? :)

TAVD · 23rd December 2007, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ToneRanger

Any other finishes/knob options available??

How about the bypass, does the transformer in/out switch have a middle position to bypass the unit?

More details! De-tails!!

Looks like it's in the middle position in the top picture. Says "hardware bypass" also in the 1st post.

EisenAudio · 23rd December 2007, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ToneRanger

Any other finishes/knob options available??

How about the bypass, does the transformer in/out switch have a middle position to bypass the unit?

More details! De-tails!!

All switches have three positions. Bypass is in between the two "IN" modes. No, there aren't any other finish/knob options available.

More answers and information on the way.

EisenAudio · 24th December 2007, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TEMAS

How broad are the eq curves? Could this be used as a LPF + HPF?

Program EQ implies for program material, meaning the whole mix. Unlike channel EQ, which is good for sculpting, the LILPEQr is designed for overall tone control - like the bass and treble knobs on a guitar amp or stereo receiver. It assumes that you've already adjusted the midrange character and relative balance of each instrument in the mix and now you just want to make the entire program brighter/darker and/or bigger/smaller in the most straight-forward, flattering, and texturally relaxed way possible. Of course, this is not to say that you can't use it on individual tracks!

To answer your question directly, the curves are very broad. At full boost/cut the slopes are even gentler than a first order (6dB/octave) high or low pass filter. They start gradually deviating from unity at either side of the 800Hz to 2kHz region and never really flatten out like true shelving would - the response just keeps rising (or falling as the case may be) until the module's bandwidth runs out. ---> This will make more sense once I get my Audio Precision to print out some response graphs. You almost never see 6dB/octave filters in practice, because they;re not very useful; most units employ a 12 or 18dB/octave slope. I would say that unless your goal is to, very gently, simulate a limited bandwidth environment with some analog texture to it (e.g. early recording mediums, transmission lines, etc.), then the LILPEQr will not do you much good as a filter set. Specifically, I often find it useful on a somewhat harsh-sounding digital mix to insert a pair of vibey, analog program EQs on the mix buss, and cut some highs (above 10k) and boost some lows (e.g. near 100Hz) to yield a "tape-like" laid back response. This is not something you'd necessary use filters for, and yet typical channel equalizers would not be very good at it either.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris

So what exactly would the "character" be? :)

Well, it's hard to say. I've already mentioned the sonic benchmarks, namely Lang PEQ-1, but I'm not so cocky as to think the LILPEQr sounds just like one of these $5,000 tube and inductor-based monsters! The LILPEQr sounds sweet enough to serve a similar purpose, but it's no clone.

I think the best description I've come up with thus far is that the LILPEQr sounds like the high and low shelving bands of a Neve 1073 (or 1064, 3104, etc.) EQ

21st December 2007, 08:58 AM	#1
EisenAudio Gear nut Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: L.I.C., New York, U.S.A. Posts: 104	500 Series Program Equalizer ---> Limited Edition!!! After many requests and much research.... EISEN AUDIO brings you the LILPEQr Program Equalizer for the API(TM) 500 Series modular system. $500 USD While utilizing solid-state circuitry, the LILPEQr sonic characteristics were inspired by classic tube-based (aka valve) program equalizers, such as the Lang PEQ-1 and Klangfilm RZ062. - Big sound, small package. - High and low frequency shelving EQ with minimal controls and major vibe. 12 dB boost/cut @ 5, 10, or 28 kHz, and 20 dB boost/cut @ 50, 80, or 160 Hz - As simple as it gets: a passive tone control circuit (just resistors and film/foil capacitors ) wrapped around a single discrete, class A transistor amplifier, with transformer-balanced I/O. - The passive transformer input circuit can be bypassed (by selecting "IN - DIRECT"), for injecting signal directly into the EQ section. While unfortunately resulting in an unbalanced input and less available HF boost, this also yields greater bandwidth and clarity, for instances where you don't want such a distinctively colorful transformer adding its effect. - Hardwire bypass for better comparisons. -Fits all API(TM) and compatible (e.g. BAE, OSA, Avedis, A-Designs, Purple Audio) 500 Series lunchboxes and racks - a popular modular format for 40 years and counting. VPR Alliance application pending. This Limited Edition of 60 units utilizes vintage Marinair/St. Ives LI.31267 line input transformers. These were used in all of the classic 80 Series Neve(TM) consoles and EQ modules (e.g. 8014, 8068, 1073, 3104), and this particular batch was salvaged from some previously cannibalized Neve 8014 console frames. We jumped at the chance to use this unique transformer because of its rich tone, and designed the rest of the LILPEQr circuitry to sound complementary. $500 USD each. Modules begin shipping the first week of January. ---> To reserve yours, send an e-mail to sales@eisenaudio.com with a) your shipping address, and b) desired quantity of modules. Within 24 hours (excluding sundays), you should receive an e-mail invoice for the total cost. You will have until January 22, 2008 to pay this invoice before we cancel it, and offer your reserved module(s) to whomever is next on the waiting list. I will try to post better photos, detailed specs, and sound samples between now and then. In the meantime, let the questions begin! Please note: A-Designs, API, Avedis, BAE, OSA, and Purple Audio are trademarks of their respective owners, where applicable. Eisen Audio is not affiliated with these parties. __________________ -Jens J. http://www.eisenaudio.com/

21st December 2007, 09:30 AM	#3
gm5k Lives for gear Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: 500 Series Land/SATX Posts: 1,338	she will be mine, OH YES she will be mine __________________ "I remember one time Kevin Garnett was mushing him, and shoving him in the face; and Tim Duncan didn't do anything, he didn't react. He just kicked Kevin Garnett's a--, and won the damn championship. You know what I'm sayin'? That's gangsta. Everybody can show emotion, dunk on somebody, scream and be real cocky; but Tim Duncan is a ... he's a pimp."-Ron Artest

21st December 2007, 11:28 AM	#4
supaheef Gear maniac Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: In a small box full of flashing lights - Brisbane, Australia Posts: 245	Man, do I ever need to get on this 500 train... You mention that THIS batch will be with the Maranair trannies, is there another batch with less special transformers coming as well? heath. __________________ Control freak for www.myspace.com/thisisheathskerman

21st December 2007, 03:15 PM	#6
pan60 500 series nutjob Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: 500 series Guru land ; ) Posts: 5,208	very nice! __________________ www.pan60.com it is easy to sound as though one was endowed with great intelligence, whilst speaking amongst a crowd of total morons quote: The Hammer is like sonic crack. I'm actually afraid to use it for tracking Brad McGowan quote: Watch it Goatee boy.... not_so_new quote: your secret identity is safe with me superman! Peter Montessi

21st December 2007, 04:04 PM	#8
Brad McGowan Lives for gear Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 2,484	Good job Jens! And love that carpet too. Are those Black Gate electrolytics? Also are there any plans to have a non-limited version using an off the shelf input transformer? thanks, Brad __________________ http://www.myspace.com/lrws Now open to Bay Area freelance engineers

21st December 2007, 09:13 AM	#2
superburtm Lives for gear Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 2,260	oh crap the bed this looks cool

21st December 2007, 03:35 PM	#7
WTMNMF Gear maniac Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 158	He said "LILPEQr"

21st December 2007, 09:05 PM	#11
bgrotto Lives for gear Join Date: May 2005 Location: Cambridge, MA Posts: 867	Email sent...I'm in. For a pair. I so can't afford this... __________________ Ugh. Myspace. In the can/on the horizon: Jules Shear, Dresden Dolls, Solace, Dixie Witch, Aerosmith, Jim Jones, Mike Stern, Tony Furtado, Smif n Wessun, James Montgomery, DJ Kurrupt, Dave Weckyl, A Thousand Knives of Fire, Dipset, The Skatalites, Roadsaw, Mess With The Bull (Scissorfight/Lamont), Ironweed, Never Got Caught (Clutch and Tree), JR Writer, Humankind, The Indefinite Article, Elisabeth Whithers, etc, etc, et ceteraaaa...

21st December 2007, 09:07 PM	#12
bgrotto Lives for gear Join Date: May 2005 Location: Cambridge, MA Posts: 867	Heh. Just noticed you posted that at 4am, Jens. Burnin' the midnight oil on this one, were we? __________________ Ugh. Myspace. In the can/on the horizon: Jules Shear, Dresden Dolls, Solace, Dixie Witch, Aerosmith, Jim Jones, Mike Stern, Tony Furtado, Smif n Wessun, James Montgomery, DJ Kurrupt, Dave Weckyl, A Thousand Knives of Fire, Dipset, The Skatalites, Roadsaw, Mess With The Bull (Scissorfight/Lamont), Ironweed, Never Got Caught (Clutch and Tree), JR Writer, Humankind, The Indefinite Article, Elisabeth Whithers, etc, etc, et ceteraaaa...

21st December 2007, 09:46 PM	#13
drastic Gear maniac Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 174	Aw man, right @ x-mas. Your killin me!!

22nd December 2007, 12:55 AM	#17
screamingcatfish Gear maniac Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 228	hope it's not prepubescent....cause i'd like some hair on my lilpeqr.....

23rd December 2007, 01:51 AM	#23
drastic Gear maniac Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 174	Email sent yesterday Jens

23rd December 2007, 03:41 PM	#25
drastic Gear maniac Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 174	Awesome! Thanks.

23rd December 2007, 08:25 PM	#26
ToneRanger Gear maniac Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 226	Any other finishes/knob options available?? How about the bypass, does the transformer in/out switch have a middle position to bypass the unit? More details! De-tails!!

23rd December 2007, 09:10 PM	#27
Chris Lives for gear Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 985	So what exactly would the "character" be? :)