Current parametric EQ'S ?

kenackr

kenackr

Well-known member
I'm in the process of rebuilding my sound studio. Even though I recently started looking on the internet, and saw some parametrics, I'm not sure what is current AND good.

I at least want 3 bands if not 4 or 5. I'm thinking single channel but probably 2 or 3 units. Preferably rack mount so I can set them up with a patchbay.

Not looking for junk but can't afford top end either, somewhere in the middle.

Any suggestions? - parametrics only please

Ken :beer:
 
Well, there's a huge price spread on parametrics. On the lowest end, you've got a Presonus unit for about $150... not the best from what I've heard. But on the top end, they can run as high as $4500 per channel. So middle-priced in this case is a range of about $1200 - $2500.

Rane makes one that runs about $600 (Rane PE17). It's a 5-band, single-channel unit. Or you can get the dual-channel, digital version for about $800 (PEQ55).

Might also look a the Summit Audio FeQ-50. About $1000 per channel, but so worth it.
 
C2V,

Thanks for the reply! I did see the Rane PE17 but haven't had time to Google for reviews on it. I will definitely look into the dual.

Have you worked with the Summit? If so, what were your opinins on it?

I also saw a TL audio Ivory series 5013 (I think) tube parametric that looked interesting but I'm not sure what flavor of color it packs. I'll try Googling that tonight to see if I can raise a review - same on the Rane.

Ken
 
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I've always found Summit to be pretty sweet. Don't own one, wish I did from using in other studios.

Don't let "tube" entice you without cause... that's a catch phrase nowadays. Some companies throw tubes in just for sales (read: Behringer), which ends up ruining the signal chain. Of course, the right tube in the right machine is golden. I'm not familiar with the TL Audio Ivory series, but they do look pretty nifty.

If I were you, I'd get three different units, maybe one tube and two solid state. Maybe one Rane, one Summit, and one TL? That'll give you some tasty options in the rack!
 
whats your main use going to be?


kenackr said:
I'm in the process of rebuilding my sound studio. Even though I recently started looking on the internet, and saw some parametrics, I'm not sure what is current AND good.

I at least want 3 bands if not 4 or 5. I'm thinking single channel but probably 2 or 3 units. Preferably rack mount so I can set them up with a patchbay.

Not looking for junk but can't afford top end either, somewhere in the middle.

Any suggestions? - parametrics only please

Ken :beer:
Click to expand...
 
C2V,

I just got through looking at reviews for: The Summit, TL Ivory, and both Ranes (17 & 55).

My conclusions are that the Rane PeQ 55 is the best bang for the buck, gets universal high marks for being clean with low noise and very little coloration. It also is the most flexible in terms of being able to bypass each filter separately or a complete channel to A/B the effect.

Oddly enough, the Summit is the least flexible with only 6 detent Freq positions per range and only 2 detent positions for Q, so none of it is continuously variable. Bummer.

TL is a UK firm that is completly tube oriented and has been for years. They've been making EQ's, mic pre's, compressors, channel strips, and studio boards for quite awhile, all of which have tubes. The Ivory 5013 gets very good marks sonically for being clean and quiet, and having the ability to add warmth and character unlike solid state digital units.

I'm begining to think I'll try either the Rane 55 or the TL Ivory 5013 first.

Thanks for your input! Now all I have to do is figure out where to hear them.

Ken
 
Rippie,

Main use will be in tone shaping during mixdown. I write & compose songs as the muse wills it. Many times I need to cut to separate the instruments in the mix or add some air in top end. I also do all of the music beds for my video projects too.

Ken
 
kenackr said:
Rippie,

Main use will be in tone shaping during mixdown. I write & compose songs as the muse wills it. Many times I need to cut to separate the instruments in the mix or add some air in top end. I also do all of the music beds for my video projects too.

Ken
Click to expand...


What system (software) are you running? If you're in something like Cubase or ProTools, Waves Renaissance EQ and Q10 are both very capable parametric EQ plug-ins.
 
Im guessing since you want outboard that you're "not" using a non linear prog to do your work.
But i'll tell ya as an owner of some very high end class A gear (from my studio days), including neve stuff, api's..etc..

You might want to concider getting software based EQ plugs.

The compressors and eq's you can get now (emulations of the real thing)
are absolutely smokin, and going to be way higher quality of something in a similar
price range thats actual hardware.

Just something you should look into.


I have urei software compressors, SSL channel strips, etc..etc all for peanuts compared to the real thing.
 
perhaps http://www.mhsecure.com/v5mm/ULN2_2dExpanded.html

has on board dsp so no computer resources are utilized. near zero latency processing. i use its big brother the 2882. can also be bus powered. easily interfaces with daws. EQ(6 to 12 band that you can stack on each other ie 36+ bands and can shape the curve adjust Q etc) , reverb, compressor, gate etc. mac only

you can save user settings and use it without computer. however, if you need to tweak something it must be through the computer
 
Rippie said:
...You might want to concider getting software based EQ plugs.

The compressors and eq's you can get now (emulations of the real thing)
are absolutely smokin, and going to be way higher quality of something in a similar
price range thats actual hardware.

Just something you should look into.


...
Click to expand...

i LOVE the old analog gear also, that's what I grew up on and recorded on for decades, but this dang fangled new gizmo digital stuff is really excellent once you make the jump. I agree it's something to look into before you buy another piece of outboard.
 
C2V,

I'm not running any music software. I once used Studio Vision for sequencing and it was great, but alas it gave up the ghost. I also tried some of the Stienberg CRAP and got so turned off that I never looked back. Call me a Neandrathal, but I just don't like having to play a computer to make music!

Rippie,

I hear you about the EQ's and I may be persuaded to try one sometime, but I really don't like using a computer to make music. I think there are too many links in the chain and as far as I know you loose your Real life control surface (mixer) in order to use one. I just want a box I can insert on a real channel strip.

I use Final Cut for an NLE but that is not used to make music on.

TVsound,

I'll check it out, I'm not yet familiar with it.

10s,

From my limited POV in not having checked out this great white computer way to make music, it seems to me that you have to invest in some "mother-ship" platform and then start buying all these add on, plug in things which in turn means making a commitment to go all in on computer.

Are there any standalone EQ programs that don't plug into something else?

All,

I do appreciate your suggestions and thank you for offering them. If there is such a thing as a standalone EQ program I will probably try it.

Thanks!

Ken
 
A laptop with firewire will do! Just get a firebox or something silmilair for the I/O and you can have a hybrid system, and have a laptop for going on line, etc... It's really worth the effort to see what it has to offer. A parametric EQ is just one small plug-in feature that comes inside a program like Audition; there's 4 or 5 parametrics actually. The reverbs sound nice, all sorts of goodies, guaranteed you'll like it. So many of my friends are resistant having grown up around the old school gear. After they see what a simple digital system can do they start to relax, although it's still cheating to them! ;) Just make an effort.
 
I too love real consoles, real outboard..
but there is a time to finally suck it up and go for the computer based stuff.
you're going to have to do it eventually, its just putting off the inevitable


The fact that you can buy a urei LA2A (in my opinion the absolute king of all kings in music compression for vox) software version for a couple hundred bux
and use as many as your computer can handle..

compared to over 2grand "per" ..in a hardware version..

and really not be able to tell the difference...

its a no brainer.

Yes there is nothing like the feel of knobs, but get a control surface and "learn" to
deal. You'll be glad you did when you realize you can run a VERY high end signal chain
as long as you have good pre's.

(thats why i kept my neve's and api's)


Think about it, do you really want to deal with "ok" "so-so" hardware that gives you an "ok" sound just because it has real knobs..
or 10x better quality and "learn to deal" with software.

To me, the most important thing is the end result.

Just my opinion and trying to help :D
 
10s,

It is, I'm afraid, cheating to me to. I'm a tactile addict who likes to feel strings under fingers, drum sticks in hand, and a keyboard with only white & black keys and no numbers or letters on them and knobs & faders on control surfaces. I do make an effort every time I pull out Hannon, etc. I do understand where you're coming from, but my path is different than yours, that's all. Not better, just the way I like to make music.

Rippie,

Yes, quality sound is something I desire and strive for and try to get the best equipment I can afford up to a point. My aspirations, however, are only to please myself and no one else.

I do realize you're trying to help and I do not want to appear unsympathetic or ungrateful to that. Thanks.

I play only to please myself and do not require external stimuli to validate my ego or self worth. I have no visions of gaining income or celebrity and just answer to the muse when she calls. The same goes for my video projects that I do sound beds for.

I want real knobs & things to play with, a virtual mistress just won't do.

Ken
 
OK you win, you sound just like my brother! Go for the Rane. They make really good gear for a decent price.
 
kenacker,

I came out of razors and splicing tape and miss it to some extent. But for audio post the DAW is it. Since you don't need to follow the industry you should borrow a computer and cruz eBay. The prices of hardware are ridiculously low. I have a fair amount of outboard gear because I love it but sadly don't get that much chance to use it.
good luck.
Cheers
SK
 
Noiz2,

Sorry If I gave the impression that I don't use computers or don't have one. At the moment I have 4. That's how I'm able to communicate on line like right now. That's also how I edit my video projects. I'm also a member on ebay and have bought music equipment there.

Thanks for your reply, :dankk2:

Ken
 
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