SPL AUDIO PQ Mastering Equalizer
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Home / SPL AUDIO PQ Mastering Equalizer
The Pinnacle of Dual-Channel Parametric Equalization
In the world of high-end mastering, an equalizer must offer both structural surgical precision and transparent musicality without introducing unwanted phase shifts or signal degradation. The SPL PQ fulfills this demanding role by providing two entirely independent channels, each packed with five fully parametric EQ bands.
Designed for flawless stereo accuracy and modern hybrid workflows, every single potentiometer on the PQ is motorized. This allows engineers to control the analog hardware remotely via specialized software plug-ins or save detailed snapshot setups for instantaneous, frame-accurate recall. Whether sculpting subtle top-end air or correcting complex lower-mid build-ups, the PQ reshapes acoustic profiles with absolute authority.
Unrivaled Headroom with 120V Rail Technology:
Like all flagship processors in SPL's mastering tier, the PQ operates on a high-voltage plus/minus 60V DC internal audio rail system—effectively doubling or quadrupling the operating power of common pro-audio gear. This immense electrical framework provides a massive +32.5 dBu of clean headroom, a vast 135 dB dynamic range, and a total harmonic distortion rating of just 0.0005%. Densely packed mixes and highly dynamic acoustic transients pass through the equalizer with complete transparency, retaining their original depth, imaging focus, and transient impact without experiencing internal signal compression.
Dual Filter Topologies: Constant-Q and Proportional-Q:
Each of the five bands on the PQ features a dedicated toggle switch that allows the engineer to choose between two fundamentally distinct equalizer characteristics per band:
Constant-Q Mode: The bandwidth (Q-factor) remains completely fixed, regardless of the amount of boost or cut applied. This is ideal for surgical corrections, notches, and isolating problematic frequencies with clinical accuracy.
Proportional-Q Mode: The bandwidth becomes progressively narrower as the boost or cut is increased. At subtle settings, the curve is wide and gently musical, making it perfect for program material sweetening and natural tonal adjustments.
Continuous Multi-Band Precision Matrix:
The PQ divides the entire human frequency spectrum across five highly overlapping, versatile bands that can be independently engaged or bypassed to compare processed and unprocessed signals instantly:
LF (Low Frequency Band): Sweeps from 10 Hz to 330 Hz, giving engineers absolute control over the foundational sub-bass, kick drum weight, and low-end definition.
LMF (Low-Mid Frequency Band): Operates between 33 Hz and 1 kHz, ideal for carving out lower-mid mud or adding body to vocals, bass guitars, and snares.
MF (Mid Frequency Band): Spans 128 Hz to 4.1 kHz, covering the crucial midrange core where presence, intelligibility, and instrumental balance reside.
HMF (High-Mid Frequency Band): Ranges from 310 Hz to 10 kHz, perfect for taming harshness, managing sibilance, or pushing instruments forward in the mix.
HF (High Frequency Band): Adjusts from 760 Hz all the way to 24 kHz, letting you introduce premium top-end sheen, open up air frequencies, or smooth out the high-frequency response.
120V DC OPERATING VOLTAGE: Powered by SPL’s proprietary 120V rails for unmatched analog headroom and zero internal signal compression.
5G SUPRA OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIERS: Utilizes Fifth-Generation custom op-amps optimized for ultimate thermal stability and open, transparent sound.
5 parametric BANDS PER CHANNEL: Five highly versatile, overlapping EQ bands provide granular frequency management across the entire audio spectrum.
CONSTANT & PROPORTIONAL Q: Selectable filter characteristics per band allow engineers to toggle between surgical correction and musical enrichment.
MOTORIZED AUTOMATED RECALL: Every potentiometer is motorized, enabling total hardware snapshot saving and recall via DAW control software.
135 dB DYNAMIC RANGE: Provides an ultra-wide dynamic soundstage that easily accommodates high-resolution modern mastering formats.
LINK FUNCTION FOR BALANCED STEREO: Instantly links both channels together to maintain an identical, balanced stereo center during adjustments.
GAS-SEALED GOLD RELAYS: All internal switching points deploy gold-plated relays to eliminate cross-talk, distortion, and switching artifacts.
ULTRA-LOW DISTORTION PATH: Achieves a vanishingly small THD+N rating of 0.0005% to protect the core integrity of the master source.
INTUITIVE AUTO BYPASS: An adjustable audition timer automatically toggles processing on and off for objective, unbiased listening assessments.
| Feature | Specification |
| Device Type | Fully Parametric 5-Band Dual-Channel Mastering Equalizer |
| Analog Inputs and Outputs | XLR (Balanced) |
| Maximum Input and Output Gain | 32.5 dBu |
| Input Impedance | 20 kΩ |
| Output Impedance | 75 Ω |
| Common Mode Rejection | -82 dBu |
| Frequency Range (-3 dB) | 10 Hz – 100 kHz |
| THD & N (+30 dBu, 1 kHz) | 0.0005 % |
| Noise (A-weighted) | -94.3 dBu |
| Dynamic Range | 135 dB |
| Power Supply Type | Internal Linear Power Supply with Shielded Toroidal Transformer |
| Operating Voltage (Analog Audio) | +/- 60 V |
| Operating Voltage (Relays and LEDs) | + 12 V |
| Mains Voltage (Selectable) | 230 V AC / 50 Hz; 115 V AC / 60 Hz (See fuse chamber) |
| Fuse for 230 V | T 3.15 A |
| Fuse for 115 V | T 6.3 A |
| Power Consumption | Max. 100 VA |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 482 x 177 x 300 mm (19 x 6.97 x 11.8 inches) |
| Unit Weight | 15.2 kg (33.51 lbs) |
| Shipping Weight (Incl. Packaging) | 17.8 kg (39.24 lbs) |
| Reference Parameter | 0 dBu = 0,775V (Specifications subject to change without notice) |
1 x SPL AUDIO PQ 5-Band Parametric Mastering Equalizer Main Unit (4RU)
1 x Standard AC Grounded IEC Power Cable
1 x Set of Premium Rackmount Chassis Washers
1 x Official SPL Mastering Series Operation, Automation Setup, and Manual
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