Marc Daniel Nelson is back with us again to share his secrets on passive EQs!
I’ve been a big fan of Audioscape’s stuff for a long time, and the biggest thing I like to use them on is my mix.
I am currently using the Audioscape Pultec EQP-A’s.
Why do I use these over my API 5500’s? As a passive EQ, they sound more ‘alive’ and enhanced than the API’s. to give you a reference point, the API 5500 EQ is a solid state EQ, and it has a lot of punch and a lot of colour. For a certain type of music, I don’t like to use the API’s depending on what kind of colour I want from it.
What the EQP-A’s do is they create and enhancing, big balloon, creamy EQ. if I want really punchy, fast and zoned-in EQ, I go with the 5500’s.
So, depending on the music, I go between two different types of EQ on my master.
The point of the EQ is to showcase what you’re hearing with the subtle use of EQ to enhance it.
Audioscape Pultec EQP-A
Audioscape Engineering has replicated Pultec’s iconic 50s EQ designs in its latest device: the EQP-A Program Equalizer. The hand-made unit is stocked with NOS components – such as tubes and carbon comp resistors – and boasts EQ curves that are said to be accurate to vintage specs. Just like its forebear, the EQP-A is also designed to be a “monster” on the kick drum and bass.
API 5500
The lineage of the API 5500 circuit can be traced back to the original 550 equalizer designed by Saul Walker, the founder of Automated Processes Inc. The 550 was designed as a console equalizer which, due to the architecture of the recording console, uses an unbalanced input. Because the ergonomics of a console dictate that the controls take up little space, sometimes the number of included functions can be limited. The 5500 is specifically designed to address these limitations. It has a balanced input, a true straight-wire bypass, an integrated power supply with noiseless muting and a range control that expands it versatility to mastering applications.
Watch the video below to learn more about Marc Daniel Nelson and his Secret Of Passive EQs!
