Equalisers for sale are listed here
In theory, equalisation is one of the simplest audio tasks. That doesn’t stop there being thousands of EQs to choose from, using hundreds of different approaches to a couple of of basic topologies
The earliest equalisers were used to flatten the frequency response of fixed telephone lines. They were typically LC (Inductor / Capacitor) equalisers followed by a valve gain make-up stage. They were designed for permanent equalisation and would have a fixed HF boost matched to the line
The advent of equalisation in sound recording and cinema audio playback led to variable equalisers like the legendary Pultec EQP-1A. The development of transistors led to equalisers with more frequency bands and greater flexibility
Cost is a big factor. Cheap EQs can work well but are likely to be limited in flexibility and precision. They are also unlikely to be easy & enjoyable to work with
At the other end of the scale, high-end equalisers like the GML 8200 and Massive Passive offer great flexibility, accuracy & repeatability – at a price
The middle ground is where the price / performance ratio works best. Great affordable, usable EQs include
- TC Electronic 2240
- Orban 622b
- Klark-Teknik DN410
- Meyer CP-10 stereo parametric
- Symetrix 552E Dual Five Band Parametric Equalizer
Equaliser Top Ten
- GML 8200
- Pultec EQP-1A
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- Massive Passive
- Neve 8108 console EQ
- Klein & Hummel UE400
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Honourable mentions
- Any Neve modular equaliser (1073, 1081, etc)
- Amek Angela console EQ
- APSI 559
- Moog MKPE Parametric Equaliser
- Klark-Teknik DN410
- TC Electronic 2240
- Orban 622b
- Symetrix 552E Dual Five Band Parametric Equalizer
- UREI 535 10-Band Graphic Equaliser
- MXR M-124 10-Band Graphic Equaliser