Tube equalizer: TL Audio Eq1
TL Audio Eq1 is a semi parametric tube equalizer, with a smooth and warm sound. The EQ section uses two triode valves per channel.
There are 4 bands for each channel, one shelf for lows, one shelf for highs, and two bells for mid low and mid high frequencies; there is also a gain pot for each channel, that can be useful in mastering to calibrate the two channels. Each band can be centered around 4 different frequencies, with a stepped rotary pot; frequencies are:
This equalizer wasn't specifically designed for the mastering stage, but it is great for mastering because of its ultra musical and smooth tone, probably because of the valves and the very wide Q used.
When used for cutting, this equalizer doesn't provide surgical cuts, but very gentle and broadband cuts that sweeten the sound without sounding artificial. For example, to cure a too much harsh mix, a cut at 2,2 or 3,6 Khz with the mid high bell can give you a much warmer and balanced sound, in a very natural and musical way.
However, this tube equalizer gives its best at boosting. You can boost a lot without any artifacts and always obtaining a smooth, natural, musical sound. You can boost the lows with the shelf centered at 120 Hz without mudding the sound, you can boost the highs with the 12 Khz shelf and you can still obtain natural, super musical highs without sibilance.
You can even boost the presence with the mid high bell with great results; boosting the frequencies between 2 and 5 Khz with other equalizers can produce a too harsh, even innatural sound; with this tube equalizer, the result is "sweet", the sound becomes more aggressive, but in a natural and pleasing way.
The semi parametric designs allows to obtain these great results with minimum effort. These characteristics make this equalizer the perfect tool for gently shaping the sound of a mix with a natural and pleasing result. Used in conjunction with a precise, solid state or digital equalizer, this tool can really become a "sweetening equalizer" for the mastering stage.
There are 4 bands for each channel, one shelf for lows, one shelf for highs, and two bells for mid low and mid high frequencies; there is also a gain pot for each channel, that can be useful in mastering to calibrate the two channels. Each band can be centered around 4 different frequencies, with a stepped rotary pot; frequencies are:
- LF +/- 12dB shelving, 4 switched frequencies at 60Hz, 120Hz, 250Hz and 500Hz
- LM +/- 12dB bell, 4 switched centre frequencies at 250Hz, 500Hz, 1KHz and 2K2Hz. Q approximately 0.5
- HM +/- 12dB bell, 4 switched centre frequencies at 1K5Hz, 2K2Hz, 3K6Hz and 5KHz. Q approximately 0.5
- HF +/- 12dB shelving, 4 switched frequencies at 2K2Hz, 5KHz, 8KHz and 12KHz.
This equalizer wasn't specifically designed for the mastering stage, but it is great for mastering because of its ultra musical and smooth tone, probably because of the valves and the very wide Q used.
When used for cutting, this equalizer doesn't provide surgical cuts, but very gentle and broadband cuts that sweeten the sound without sounding artificial. For example, to cure a too much harsh mix, a cut at 2,2 or 3,6 Khz with the mid high bell can give you a much warmer and balanced sound, in a very natural and musical way.
However, this tube equalizer gives its best at boosting. You can boost a lot without any artifacts and always obtaining a smooth, natural, musical sound. You can boost the lows with the shelf centered at 120 Hz without mudding the sound, you can boost the highs with the 12 Khz shelf and you can still obtain natural, super musical highs without sibilance.
You can even boost the presence with the mid high bell with great results; boosting the frequencies between 2 and 5 Khz with other equalizers can produce a too harsh, even innatural sound; with this tube equalizer, the result is "sweet", the sound becomes more aggressive, but in a natural and pleasing way.
The semi parametric designs allows to obtain these great results with minimum effort. These characteristics make this equalizer the perfect tool for gently shaping the sound of a mix with a natural and pleasing result. Used in conjunction with a precise, solid state or digital equalizer, this tool can really become a "sweetening equalizer" for the mastering stage.
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