Avedis E27 EQ

Klauth · 1st August 2006, 08:45 PM

Anyone done a comparison to the API 550A/550B yet?

Klauth · 12th February 2007, 10:11 AM

No comparisons yet?

stevetgn · 29th June 2007, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Klauth

Anyone done a comparison to the API 550A/550B yet?

I would also like to know?

stevetgn · 13th July 2007, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Klauth

No comparisons yet?

I guess not then!

superburtm · 13th July 2007, 11:30 AM

if you want a 550 get a 550. THis eq does not sound like a 550

rcm · 16th August 2008, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Klauth

Anyone done a comparison to the API 550A/550B yet?

I have come very close, and A-B'ed the Avedis to a 5500. They are both fantastic EQs and I would gladly work with a big rack of either of them, but if I had to pick one it would definitely be the Avedis. The Avedis seemed to have a little more depth and offer a little more flexibility.

kingsley · 17th August 2008, 03:32 AM

I have the e27, 550a, 550b and the 560.

The avedis is the cleanest of the bunch. Meaning the edges of the sound are the sharpest. It is an excellent sounding eq. In no way is it harsh, just find the freq. you need and have at it. There is something magical that happens when running audio through it. I guess you can call it (3D) i dont know. I usually use mine on the 2 buss and tracking with vox and overheads.

the 550a has the most character. It definitely softens the transients thou- sometimes thats a good thing sometimes not. It adds a nice transformer sound and softens the edges. This is my favorite tracking eq.

the 550b has more frequencies but not as sweet sounding. Can be a little harsh at times but holds the transients together very well. On drums it has a nice punch to it just running signal through it. excellent drum buss eq.

560- the same as 550b but has even more of that punch to drums and bass. Very fat punchy and direct in your face sounding.

sometimes this stuff is hard to describe.

Klauth · 17th August 2008, 03:59 AM

Great reply Kingsley, thanks...

stevetgn · 17th August 2008, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rcm

The Avedis seemed to have a little more depth and offer a little more flexibility.

How does the Avedis "offer a little more flexibility" with only 3 bands and no frequency over-lapping?

PS This is a genuine question not an argumentative response!

rcm · 17th August 2008, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevetgn

How does the Avedis "offer a little more flexibility" with only 3 bands and no frequency over-lapping?

PS This is a genuine question not an argumentative response!

Totally fair question. For one, the 28k on top of the Avedis opens up a really interesting range of options, and in general I just found the Avedis able to feel a little more musical for things like chamber music etc, but could still deliver serious rock and roll balls.

Believe me, i am not bashing the API, we are sort of debating awesome vs awesome here. Its just that when I had a chance to do some direct A-Bing, I kept finding myself digging the Avedis a little more (and I love API stuff).

xj32 · 17th August 2008, 10:35 PM

I will admit that I am unfamiliar with the API EQ sound...(I do have 2 of their 500 series pre's), but I have two of the Avedis E27s and I am in love with them.

So far I agree with the comments that there is just something so musical about them wether Rock, Jazz or even electronic Ambient.

The 28k just opens up the sound soooo nice without any hashness.

Originally I purchased a lunchbox and was going to fill it with 2 API 512c's, 2 E27's and 2 other EQ's which are yet to be determined...now I have totally changed my thought process and plan on selling the 2 512's I have, replacing them with a rack mounted 3124+, and then filling the lunch box with 4 more E27's for a total of 6.

I am thinking that the coherancy of my mixes will sound better with like EQ's, than with 3 pairs of different (but good) EQ.

Of course I also have a pair of Tone Controls and a Millennia NSEQ-2 for further EQ duties.

If Wade ever did the tone controls in a 500 series I would also consider a reack of 6 to cover the oposite end of the spectrum.

XJ

stevetgn · 17th August 2008, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rcm

Totally fair question. For one, the 28k on top of the Avedis opens up a really interesting range of options, and in general I just found the Avedis able to feel a little more musical for things like chamber music etc, but could still deliver serious rock and roll balls.

Believe me, i am not bashing the API, we are sort of debating awesome vs awesome here. Its just that when I had a chance to do some direct A-Bing, I kept finding myself digging the Avedis a little more (and I love API stuff).

Fair comment!
It's the lack of overlap on the E27 that has always concern me. Like when you say want to add a little low end to a kick drum but take out some 400Hz. You can't do the on the E27 because the mid band doesn't start until 680Hz which is too high to remove the mud in many cases.

superburtm · 18th August 2008, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevetgn

Fair comment!
It's the lack of overlap on the E27 that has always concern me. Like when you say want to add a little low end to a kick drum but take out some 400Hz. You can't do the on the E27 because the mid band doesn't start until 680Hz which is too high to remove the mud in many cases.

thats my beef with it and why i went with a 550A

stevetgn · 18th August 2008, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by superburtm

thats my beef with it and why i went with a 550A

Yeah, its a shame really because although I've not used one yet there are many things that really appeal to me about the E27. 28k Hi end, fully transformer balance in & output to name a couple. The overlap problem would make the EQ almost useless in some cases though.

superburtm · 19th August 2008, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevetgn

Yeah, its a shame really because although I've not used one yet there are many things that really appeal to me about the E27. 28k Hi end, fully transformer balance in & output to name a couple. The overlap problem would make the EQ almost useless in some cases though.

the sound is Great on this eq! Just bummer there is no overlapping freq's

stevetgn · 19th August 2008, 10:55 AM

Quote from the Avedis website FAQs:

Why don't the frequencies overlap?

Overlapping frequencies are popular with parametric eq's which typically have a bandwidth control, but overlapping is not necessary for stepped frequency type of eq. When you overlap with a stepped eq, you force each band to have a wider range of frequencies than you really want. What if you want to adjust a siblance at 5K6 but still want to boost a little bit at 20Khz- if both of these frequencies are on the same band then you cannot use both. It's much better for this type of eq to keep the bands separate but have the frequencies side by side.

I really don't understand Avedis's reasoning here. Maybe overlaps will be introduced on the E27MKII/E28

Here's hoping

Savernake · 19th August 2008, 10:59 AM

How does it compare with the A-designs PEQ? Found a good deal on a pair of PEQs but so much to be said about the Avedis... and then I gotta have a bit of API in there too... And don't even get me started on which damn pre combo to get!

stevetgn · 19th August 2008, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Savernake

How does it compare with the A-designs PEQ? Found a good deal on a pair of PEQs but so much to be said about the Avedis... and then I gotta have a bit of API in there too... And don't even get me started on which damn pre combo to get!

I\ve not used either but I would have thought it unfair and pointless to compare them as the design ethos and goals of the two EQs are totally different.

Savernake · 20th August 2008, 01:40 AM

How so? I've never come across a description of the design ethos or goals of the units so I don't understand how it could be pointless to compare them - again, not trying to be argumentative but maybe you can explain.

pan60 · 20th August 2008, 03:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Savernake

How does it compare with the A-designs PEQ?

two differant type of EQ.
the A-Designs EM-PEQ is based on a Pultec design.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Savernake

Found a good deal on a pair of PEQs

snag them ad boys up!

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevetgn

I not used either but I would have thought it unfair and pointless to compare them as the design ethos and goals of the two EQs are totally different.

stevetgn · 20th August 2008, 04:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Savernake

How so? I've never come across a description of the design ethos or goals of the units so I don't understand how it could be pointless to compare them - again, not trying to be argumentative but maybe you can explain.

Pan has kinda already explained it but the E27 is an evolution of the API550 concept using Avedis's own 1122 op-amps which incidentally can be used as direct replacements in the API units. That in itself kinda says where the eq evolved from. Its an active EQ using a proportional Q on the bell filters

And as Pan has already said, the A-Designs has its routes with Pultecs and is a passive EQ with just a high and low shelf.

So compare a rather nice rare fillet steak with a vegetarian Tofu dish, You can't really because they are so different and almost opposites to each other. Compare a 550 to an E27, they are both similar styles of EQ and comparisons can be made between the two.
Hope that helps explain my point.

stevetgn · 20th August 2008, 04:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Savernake

I've never come across a description of the design ethos or goals of the units

Hope these links help

A Designs Audio

Avedis Audio: Professional Audio Electronics, E27 Equalizer, Vintage Pro Audio, ProAudio, API, Neve & Class A Discrete

pan60 · 26th August 2008, 03:59 PM

a bump

**TonyBelmont** · 26th August 2008, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevetgn

Pan has kinda already explained it but the E27 is an evolution of the API550 concept using Avedis's own 1122 op-amps which incidentally can be used as direct replacements in the API units. That in itself kinda says where the eq evolved from. Its an active EQ using a proportional Q on the bell filters

And as Pan has already said, the A-Designs has its routes with Pultecs and is a passive EQ with just a high and low shelf.

So compare a rather nice rare fillet steak with a vegetarian Tofu dish, You can't really because they are so different and almost opposites to each other. Compare a 550 to an E27, they are both similar styles of EQ and comparisons can be made between the two.
Hope that helps explain my point.

Apparently my post got erased, but... Just for clarification, the E27 is a completely different circuit than the API 550. It does have a similar proportional Q, but that is also different.

The other thing deserving mention, is only the E27 has both input and output transformers... the API is unbalanced input.

Windshore · 27th August 2008, 12:42 AM

I've been using the E27 for over a year. I compared directly to the 550B and for my application the E27 was much better. If you are familiar with the sound of the 1122 the differences are somewhat comparable. (Tonally the E27 is warm without being harsh - The 550b sounds good to me, but I sometimes felt it was getting in the way of the true sound of the instrument being recorded. - just my opinion.)

The E27 is great for me because I very frequently only need to tweak a frequency by 1db while recording and it's great to have the flexibility to add or remove exactly as much as your ears tell you. I record primarily acoustic instruments and using this EQ makes it almost impossible to make something sound bad even when using extreme settings. I'm sure it won't be everybody's favorite, but it certainly stands on par with any high-end eq out there.

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1st August 2006, 08:45 PM	#1
Klauth Gear maniac Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: San Diego Posts: 223	Avedis E27 EQ Anyone done a comparison to the API 550A/550B yet?

17th August 2008, 10:35 PM	#11
xj32 Lives for gear Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Racine, WI Posts: 551	I will admit that I am unfamiliar with the API EQ sound...(I do have 2 of their 500 series pre's), but I have two of the Avedis E27s and I am in love with them. So far I agree with the comments that there is just something so musical about them wether Rock, Jazz or even electronic Ambient. The 28k just opens up the sound soooo nice without any hashness. Originally I purchased a lunchbox and was going to fill it with 2 API 512c's, 2 E27's and 2 other EQ's which are yet to be determined...now I have totally changed my thought process and plan on selling the 2 512's I have, replacing them with a rack mounted 3124+, and then filling the lunch box with 4 more E27's for a total of 6. I am thinking that the coherancy of my mixes will sound better with like EQ's, than with 3 pairs of different (but good) EQ. Of course I also have a pair of Tone Controls and a Millennia NSEQ-2 for further EQ duties. If Wade ever did the tone controls in a 500 series I would also consider a reack of 6 to cover the oposite end of the spectrum. XJ __________________ "...learning it is far different from getting a good sound out of it" Mike Caffrey

19th August 2008, 10:55 AM	#16
stevetgn Lives for gear Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Right here where I'm Stood Posts: 1,526	Quote from the Avedis website FAQs: Why don't the frequencies overlap? Overlapping frequencies are popular with parametric eq's which typically have a bandwidth control, but overlapping is not necessary for stepped frequency type of eq. When you overlap with a stepped eq, you force each band to have a wider range of frequencies than you really want. What if you want to adjust a siblance at 5K6 but still want to boost a little bit at 20Khz- if both of these frequencies are on the same band then you cannot use both. It's much better for this type of eq to keep the bands separate but have the frequencies side by side. I really don't understand Avedis's reasoning here. Maybe overlaps will be introduced on the E27MKII/E28 Here's hoping __________________ T: 0113 2794644 E: info@audiocooker.co.uk Pro-Audio, Recording Equipment, PA Sales and Recording Studio in the North of England. API, Buzz, Manley, SSL, Smart Research, UA, tfpro, Focusrite ISA, Focal, AEA, Sontronics, RME - Great River, to name a few all permanently on demo! *experienced audio professionals... cooking up real audio solutions.* The audio company that will brew you the best cup of Yorkshire tea ever... call in for a cup any time!

26th August 2008, 03:59 PM	#23
pan60 500 series nutjob Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: 500 series Guru SKANK! ; ) Posts: 6,200	a bump __________________ www.pan60.com A CHARTER MEMBER OF THE LA, MAFIA where is LA? IF YOU ARE NOT INTO THE 500 FORMAT, THEN YOU'RE JUST JEALOUS! quote: your secret identity is safe with me superman! Peter Montessi it is easy to sound as though one was endowed with great intelligence, whilst speaking amongst a crowd of total morons

12th February 2007, 10:11 AM	#2
Klauth Gear maniac Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: San Diego Posts: 223	No comparisons yet?

13th July 2007, 11:30 AM	#5
superburtm Lives for gear Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 2,374	if you want a 550 get a 550. THis eq does not sound like a 550

17th August 2008, 03:32 AM	#7
kingsley Gear nut Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: L A Posts: 97	I have the e27, 550a, 550b and the 560. The avedis is the cleanest of the bunch. Meaning the edges of the sound are the sharpest. It is an excellent sounding eq. In no way is it harsh, just find the freq. you need and have at it. There is something magical that happens when running audio through it. I guess you can call it (3D) i dont know. I usually use mine on the 2 buss and tracking with vox and overheads. the 550a has the most character. It definitely softens the transients thou- sometimes thats a good thing sometimes not. It adds a nice transformer sound and softens the edges. This is my favorite tracking eq. the 550b has more frequencies but not as sweet sounding. Can be a little harsh at times but holds the transients together very well. On drums it has a nice punch to it just running signal through it. excellent drum buss eq. 560- the same as 550b but has even more of that punch to drums and bass. Very fat punchy and direct in your face sounding. sometimes this stuff is hard to describe.

17th August 2008, 03:59 AM	#8
Klauth Gear maniac Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: San Diego Posts: 223	Great reply Kingsley, thanks...

19th August 2008, 10:59 AM	#17
Savernake Gear addict Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Wiltshire, UK Posts: 466	How does it compare with the A-designs PEQ? Found a good deal on a pair of PEQs but so much to be said about the Avedis... and then I gotta have a bit of API in there too... And don't even get me started on which damn pre combo to get!

20th August 2008, 01:40 AM	#19
Savernake Gear addict Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Wiltshire, UK Posts: 466	How so? I've never come across a description of the design ethos or goals of the units so I don't understand how it could be pointless to compare them - again, not trying to be argumentative but maybe you can explain.

27th August 2008, 12:42 AM	#25
Windshore Gear nut Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: LA Posts: 108	I've been using the E27 for over a year. I compared directly to the 550B and for my application the E27 was much better. If you are familiar with the sound of the 1122 the differences are somewhat comparable. (Tonally the E27 is warm without being harsh - The 550b sounds good to me, but I sometimes felt it was getting in the way of the true sound of the instrument being recorded. - just my opinion.) The E27 is great for me because I very frequently only need to tweak a frequency by 1db while recording and it's great to have the flexibility to add or remove exactly as much as your ears tell you. I record primarily acoustic instruments and using this EQ makes it almost impossible to make something sound bad even when using extreme settings. I'm sure it won't be everybody's favorite, but it certainly stands on par with any high-end eq out there.