The Ingram Engineering EQ52 is a 500-series equalizer module that contains extremely versatile, musical sounding Low-Cut, High-Cut, and See-Saw filters. The unique See-Saw filter is a combined bass and treble frequency control that allows broad frequency response adjustments with a single control knob. A new EQ52 feature, rarely implemented in analog filters, is the ability to sweep the See-Saw pivot frequency. The low phase shift filters have broad and gentle roll off that enable transparent control of audio timbre without artifacts. With its features and sound quality, the unit can be used for virtually any task, from subtle EQ'ing during mixing or mastering to sidechain filtering for compressors or extreme filtering for effect. These key filter functions are provided with a simple and intuitive user interface. The unit includes a hardwire bypass.
The EQ52 features differential input and output. Both input and output can operate in differential or single-ended, unbalanced modes. A high current active output buffer mimics the behavior of a transformer, providing constant gain for balanced or unbalanced operation, when either the positive or negative output signals are grounded. Therefore, the output can drive differential or single ended output with no extra user configuration needed.
The simple controls and circuit layout belie the finely tuned and expertly engineered design. Extremely high input common mode rejection capability is realized, even down to critical power supply frequencies. High quality film caps, low distortion resistors and excellent quality integrated active stages realize a high headroom, low noise, and low distortion equalizer with superb audio quality that is ideal for individual tracks or for mixing and mastering stereo signals when the modules are used in pairs.
The following files show the capabilities of this equalizer. Various music was recorded then equalized to show the effects of the Low Cut, High Cut, and See-Saw filters.
The following audio samples were recorded by Michael Frasinelli of Audio Producer News. The samples include isolated bass, vocals, and a master mix. Michael did a great job showing how the equalizer can be used to fine tune the music to bring out its best character. For comparison, samples with no EQ are included, as well as some samples that use EQ plugins. The plugins provide a very good contrast to the Ingram Engineering equalizer's silky result.
For offline, high resolution A/B comparisons, .WAV files can be downloaded, then loaded into your DAW.
Bass Samples
Master Samples
Slap Bass Samples
Vocals Samples
Linked below is information on the EQ50, which is the predecessor of the EQ52. The EQ50 contained the same basic features as the EQ52, but without the continuously variable See-Saw pivot frequency. The performance and features of the EQ50 model became the baseline from which the innovative features of the EQ52 could be launched.