in the 1K->2K bracket you have the DAV BG3 made by Mick Hinton in the UK, the guy was Decca's man for 30 years...very nice EQ for the price...unheard of... actually.
Thanks for the great video. Have you already managed to get the Buzz REQ ? Would love to hear your thoughts in comparison to the Maselec MEA2, since they are in the same $ ballpark.
Don't have the REQ yet. We added a maselec mea 2 instead as we could get hold of one straight away. Long wait on the REQ. We will get one one day. They are incredible EQs.
Had you ever tried old CLM Dynamics gear (from late 90s) and their dynamic EQ ? If so, wondered what you may have thought. I think the dynamic EQ was in the £3k mark back then ..
Love the Maag EQ4M, does wonders at the end of a vocal bus or to enhance the mix bus ! Since I already use the SSL Bus + as an insert on the SSL Fusion, would you recommend purchasing the Kush Audio Clariphonic MKII in order to use M/S for the Maag EQ4M ? What's your opinion on the API 5500, Dangerous BAX EQ, & GML 8200 ?
That is exactly how I use my maag eq4m. I have the clariohonic ms then the maag inserted to use the maag in mid side. Air band is great on the sides and sub on the mid. It's a really good combo. The clariphonic brings a special sound to the chain. The gml and api are both great EQ'S. The dangerous bax is subtle but has a specific roll in the the chain. The best bax eq I've used.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio The unit I really want is the ngTubeEQ but I can't affort one anytime soon. I have a pair of Electrodyne 511. i am looking for a unit to boost midrange on the master bus (around 1k or slightly higher).The digital recall of the Hyperion is a big advantage. However I already have an ngBusComp and a LTL Silvr Bullet MK2 which have more than 120 dB dynamic range so it would be nice not to buy something with a smaller dynamic range, although I hardly can live without the SSL G Comp 500 which is then going to be the weak link .in the chain regarding the dynamic range. Ws Audio doesn't mention nois floor or dynamic range for the Hyprion but they do so for other products so it's probably not the greatest. Another concern is that adding a digital module to the 500 rack (which is a Suprcarrier BTW) could cause side effects to the other 500 series modules in the same 500 housing.
Thanks for your recommendations! 👍🏻 Any opinion or experience with the Chandler Curve Bender, SPL PQ, Great River MAQ-2NV or Crane Song Ibis? 🤔 Saw these units in some mastering studios.
We have a SPL PQ in our mastering studio and it's a really really good EQ. Highly recommended. The curve bender I've personally never been overly impressed with. But that's just me. The great river is something I constantly hear being spoken highly of. If you can get your hands on an Ibis get one as they are great. Just hard to get hold of these days.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio 2 years later and I bought some EQs like the API 5500, Manultec Orca Bay, Zähl EQ, TK-Lizer 2, Chandler Curve Bender and Audioscape EQP-A for my studio. 😅
The Drawmer 1974? What you think about it ... It's not wide strokes EQ like Elysia Xfilter, but for surgical work like a "second" EQ unit I think is the bomb for the price. Elysia Xfilter it has to be the Mastering version, but for that price, save some more and buy a Museq.
Could it be possible to get away with using two 500 series maag eq4 for mastering? I have a Cranbourne r8 for my chassis. Would you consider that a good chassis for mastering?
A few years ago I used 500 series modules for mastering. I too had the maag eq4 and used them for mastering. I switched the 500 series for the maag eq4m 19 inch rack version. There was little to no difference. So I would say yes you can. The Cranborne racks are good.
The maag is great for sub and air band. Which is made even better using it in mid side. What I do is pair my maag with the kush clariphonic ms and turn it into a high frequency precision tool with mid side capacities. If you want more all-round it pair great with the Maselec mea-2 or if you are on a budget the Thermos v3 is brilliant.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio Another quick question - how would you compare the Maag EQ to the elysia museq? Which would you say has a better stereo image without altering sound? Also best for modern music. Clarity, etc
@@AudioAnimalsStudio What do you consider Amazing. Sorry for all the questions. I am doing a lot of research and have to rely on the internet for info. I appreciate your help. I take it Ferrofish Pulse 16 is that good or is it on par with RME?
@braxal6983 Ferrofish are on par or just below RME. I'd put brands like Burl, prism sound, Lynx etc in the top their bracket. Generally speaking, you spend good money on conversion you get good conversion.
Hi Paul, me again so I have the SSL BUS+ Next purchase is going to be the Neve Master Bus Transformer, am looking for a good EQ now to go with this set up, for my analogue mixing set up, for pre mastering. You mentioned a 4 band EQ, am looking at the Neve 8803 its affordable at £1500 but is it good enough, My dream EQ would be the maselec or the manley passive, but they are out of budget for now. I would need something with switchable frequency bands if possible, so not the MAAG EQ4, although the Air Band would give me that Pultech sound, although am looking at 2x Warm Audio EQP-WAs for this. so 1-3k budget what would you recomend me :-) thanks Phil
The bettermaker EQ could be considered. Or the Elysia xfilter is another good one that's affordable. The Neve 8803 wouldn't be a bad shout. It's good for the money. I'd go for the bettermaker myself. Instant recall and mid side built in. That's two really good selling points. But if you want more hands on less fiddly a Thermos v3 is a good option.
You mentioned something about the converters, and it made me curious your thoughts on the Dangerous audio convert AD+ was. is it a decent converter in your opinion?
Hi Paul. Love your TH-cam channel!!!. I have a question. You make many reviews and recommendations for mastering applications. I am also interested in equipment reviews for mixing. Do these EQs still apply for mixing as well? I am guessing not if units are very small fixed points. Would like a list for mixing please. Thanks so much for your help
You can use mastering units in mixing, it's just not cost effective most times to spend £5k+ on mixing gear. You can certainly use it though. Some units will have a mixing version. The Wes Audio NG Tube EQ has the ability to switch between 5db gain or 15db gain.
Only a few times. I don't own one, so I wouldn't like to comment too much. From my experience, it was an OK. A touch limited compared to other EQ's. It is not going to be your only EQ.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio Its not a plugin its built into the Reason mixer and yes actually I will be saying next that I have a SSL style mixer in software form because that's exactly what the Reason mixer was bassed off of and has identical functions, to a real SSL mixer.
Yes as a basic mastering chain of mix bus processor, comp and EQ this combination would be brilliant. Go fusion, maselec mea-2 on fusion insert to get mid side eq if needed then into the alpha comp.
No room in the £ 200 to £ 1000 range for wes audio hyperion ? what do you think about the elysia xfilter + maag eq 2 combo or maybe just hyperion ? Thansk's
The hyperion is a brilliant EQ. Plus you get recall with it. That's one thing I always found difficult with the xfilter. Recall is tricky. Brilliant sounding EQ though. A class too. The maag EQ combo is great I used to have all these EQs and the only reason I no longer have them is because I swapped out 500 series for 19" rack versions.
No, not in a mastering chain. I wouldn't recommend a pultec to anyone. Not versatile enough and you'll find it'll work great on some sources and not others. When you recommend gear to people, you have to be honest.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio By the way can you tell me if the knobs and buttons on the Elysia Nvelope are aluminum or plastic? I have the Mpressor which are aluminum but the Nvelope appears to be different?
There is a comparable difference between the plugin and hardware. Check the comparison video i shot if you haven't already. If you are on a budget I would 100% say buy plugin emulations. But if you want to achieve a master that is that 20% better an analogue mastering chain is what you will need to achieve that. For me as a mastering engineer it's always about being able to achieve a superior sound to everyone else. If that means spending 100k on an analogue mastering chain so be it.
I have a 1974 . Well nothing special i use for tracking synth or Electronic drums....it s great it has low and high cut . Not colour eq...the low is nice, you have a lot of frequencies. I think cool for cleaning more than add a mojo. I m waiting for IGS tilt n bands and sure it s totally different, way more musical and 3D (i would Say the 1974 is 2D). Also i tried the Gainlab audio empress, and yeah it s also a si nice eq (a sort of pultec on steroids !).
The issue with the Apollo is that it doesn't have high end converters. Think about what you are paying for with an Apollo interface. If it has a quad dsp chip inside that's £800 of the interface. As an interface it's an OK interface but for me it's not high end. You remove the quad ot octo chip inside and sell it without that it's a budget friendly interface for about £400 for the little due. You are paying for the DSP. To answer your question though I'd say about £4000+ for interface then add dedicated in and out converters for master for another £6000. That's the kind of interface I'd be looking at for mastering.
And on EQ’s what are your thoughts on the drawmer 1974. And how would you pit it against the Elysia xfiler?
Knif Audio Soma and the DW Fearn VT-4 and VT-4 are great options!
in the 1K->2K bracket you have the DAV BG3 made by Mick Hinton in the UK, the guy was Decca's man for 30 years...very nice EQ for the price...unheard of... actually.
What about a Drawmer 1974 but the interface is an Auident ID22? Would the converters be good enough?
You're fine. Audient stuff is great, stop listening to gate keepers.
TK Audio Tk-Lizer is quite cheap and has a good transparent sound, M/S option makes this a versatile EQ
Have you checked out the TOMA mastering EQ or the LA-117?? They're pretty incredible
The Tomo EQ is incredible. Haven't used the LA-117. Will check it out.
Thanks for the great video. Have you already managed to get the Buzz REQ ? Would love to hear your thoughts in comparison to the Maselec MEA2, since they are in the same $ ballpark.
Don't have the REQ yet. We added a maselec mea 2 instead as we could get hold of one straight away. Long wait on the REQ. We will get one one day. They are incredible EQs.
Chandler curve bender (colorful) + Elysia xfilter mastering edition (transparent) is good combination ?
Had you ever tried old CLM Dynamics gear (from late 90s) and their dynamic EQ ? If so, wondered what you may have thought.
I think the dynamic EQ was in the £3k mark back then ..
@@natdenchfield8061 I haven't actually tried any CLM gear
thank you so much for your advice I already ordered it I can't wait !!!!!! My Maselec MAE 2 coming soon
You'll love it. One of the best EQ'S available.
Love the Maag EQ4M, does wonders at the end of a vocal bus or to enhance the mix bus ! Since I already use the SSL Bus + as an insert on the SSL Fusion, would you recommend purchasing the Kush Audio Clariphonic MKII in order to use M/S for the Maag EQ4M ? What's your opinion on the API 5500, Dangerous BAX EQ, & GML 8200 ?
That is exactly how I use my maag eq4m. I have the clariohonic ms then the maag inserted to use the maag in mid side. Air band is great on the sides and sub on the mid. It's a really good combo. The clariphonic brings a special sound to the chain. The gml and api are both great EQ'S. The dangerous bax is subtle but has a specific roll in the the chain. The best bax eq I've used.
Do you think that the Wes Audio Hyperion EQ (although being sonically different) is in the same league as the XFilter regarding the sound quality?
@BertVollmer-f5m yes. I prefer the hyperion over the xfilter. Quality wise, they are both equally as good.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio The unit I really want is the ngTubeEQ but I can't affort one anytime soon. I have a pair of Electrodyne 511. i am looking for a unit to boost midrange on the master bus (around 1k or slightly higher).The digital recall of the Hyperion is a big advantage. However I already have an ngBusComp and a LTL Silvr Bullet MK2 which have more than 120 dB dynamic range so it would be nice not to buy something with a smaller dynamic range, although I hardly can live without the SSL G Comp 500 which is then going to be the weak link .in the chain regarding the dynamic range. Ws Audio doesn't mention nois floor or dynamic range for the Hyprion but they do so for other products so it's probably not the greatest. Another concern is that adding a digital module to the 500 rack (which is a Suprcarrier BTW) could cause side effects to the other 500 series modules in the same 500 housing.
Ok ok, but what about the Douk audio T8 PRO tube EQ?
Thanks for your recommendations! 👍🏻
Any opinion or experience with the Chandler Curve Bender, SPL PQ, Great River MAQ-2NV or Crane Song Ibis? 🤔
Saw these units in some mastering studios.
We have a SPL PQ in our mastering studio and it's a really really good EQ. Highly recommended. The curve bender I've personally never been overly impressed with. But that's just me. The great river is something I constantly hear being spoken highly of. If you can get your hands on an Ibis get one as they are great. Just hard to get hold of these days.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio Many thanks for your reply and all the videos! 👍🏻
How about Neve EQS?
Anybody use this British brand of EQ in their studio?
@@AudioAnimalsStudio 2 years later and I bought some EQs like the API 5500, Manultec Orca Bay, Zähl EQ, TK-Lizer 2, Chandler Curve Bender and Audioscape EQP-A for my studio. 😅
@@AlanMorrisTV are you happy with them all?
The Drawmer 1974? What you think about it ... It's not wide strokes EQ like Elysia Xfilter, but for surgical work like a "second" EQ unit I think is the bomb for the price. Elysia Xfilter it has to be the Mastering version, but for that price, save some more and buy a Museq.
Don't have much experience with it to make a full informed comment on it.
Could it be possible to get away with using two 500 series maag eq4 for mastering? I have a Cranbourne r8 for my chassis. Would you consider that a good chassis for mastering?
A few years ago I used 500 series modules for mastering. I too had the maag eq4 and used them for mastering. I switched the 500 series for the maag eq4m 19 inch rack version. There was little to no difference. So I would say yes you can. The Cranborne racks are good.
What other M/S EQ in 19inch rack do you recommend atm ? which EQ you use the most ?
I'd recommend buying a mid side processor or use the fusion ms I sent to turn any dual mono eq into mid side. The Thermos v3 has mid side built in.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio How would you describe sound of Thermos ? is it clean, surgical ? or has some colour and vibe ? what is it best for ?
@@lk0707 best thing do is watch the review I did on it th-cam.com/video/S__K0bEmDTU/w-d-xo.html
I would love you to do one of these for converters
I will add this to the list of questions, thank you
Hi thanks for the video! Which EQ would you recommend with the Maag EQ4M for mix buss - mixing modern hip hop, r&b, pop, etc.
Thank you best regards
The maag is great for sub and air band. Which is made even better using it in mid side. What I do is pair my maag with the kush clariphonic ms and turn it into a high frequency precision tool with mid side capacities. If you want more all-round it pair great with the Maselec mea-2 or if you are on a budget the Thermos v3 is brilliant.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio genius idea! If having a Neve MBP, which has the SFE - would using a Clariphonic M/S still fit, or does that not matter?
@@mixedbyedd the clariphonic has a mid side insert like the ssl fusion. The SFE on the MBP is totally different. That's basically a stereo widener.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio gotcha! Makes total sense. Thanks a lot. Keep up the great content
@@AudioAnimalsStudio Another quick question - how would you compare the Maag EQ to the elysia museq? Which would you say has a better stereo image without altering sound? Also best for modern music. Clarity, etc
Do you consider RME UFX III do be professional converters?
Rme converters aren't bad. I'd consider them in the middle. Not amazing but by no means bad.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio What do you consider Amazing. Sorry for all the questions. I am doing a lot of research and have to rely on the internet for info. I appreciate your help. I take it Ferrofish Pulse 16 is that good or is it on par with RME?
@braxal6983 Ferrofish are on par or just below RME. I'd put brands like Burl, prism sound, Lynx etc in the top their bracket. Generally speaking, you spend good money on conversion you get good conversion.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio thank you. I appreciate these quick replies. It helps me make decisions
Hi Paul, me again so I have the SSL BUS+ Next purchase is going to be the Neve Master Bus Transformer, am looking for a good EQ now to go with this set up, for my analogue mixing set up, for pre mastering. You mentioned a 4 band EQ, am looking at the Neve 8803 its affordable at £1500 but is it good enough, My dream EQ would be the maselec or the manley passive, but they are out of budget for now. I would need something with switchable frequency bands if possible, so not the MAAG EQ4, although the Air Band would give me that Pultech sound, although am looking at 2x Warm Audio EQP-WAs for this. so 1-3k budget what would you recomend me :-) thanks Phil
The bettermaker EQ could be considered. Or the Elysia xfilter is another good one that's affordable. The Neve 8803 wouldn't be a bad shout. It's good for the money. I'd go for the bettermaker myself. Instant recall and mid side built in. That's two really good selling points. But if you want more hands on less fiddly a Thermos v3 is a good option.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio awesome thanks 🙏 Paul, will go compare a few of your recommendations here
Any thoughts on the ZAHL EQ1?
I don't have much experience with it. I have heard it's good.
You mentioned something about the converters, and it made me curious your thoughts on the Dangerous audio convert AD+ was. is it a decent converter in your opinion?
It's not a bad converter. A better converter than most you will find in a standard interface. I have limited experience with it myself.
Hi Paul. Love your TH-cam channel!!!. I have a question. You make many reviews and recommendations for mastering applications. I am also interested in equipment reviews for mixing. Do these EQs still apply for mixing as well? I am guessing not if units are very small fixed points. Would like a list for mixing please. Thanks so much for your help
You can use mastering units in mixing, it's just not cost effective most times to spend £5k+ on mixing gear. You can certainly use it though. Some units will have a mixing version. The Wes Audio NG Tube EQ has the ability to switch between 5db gain or 15db gain.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio Thanks Paul
Now the SSL UV EQ is at about £500, which would you say is better? The SSL or Xfilter? Cheers!
I honestly prefer the SSL UV. It's a very good EQ at £500. The xfilter is great but 2x ultraviolets for the same price is a steal.
Hi Paul, have you tried the Drawmer 1974? I would like to know your opinion about it. Thanks in advance!
Only a few times. I don't own one, so I wouldn't like to comment too much. From my experience, it was an OK. A touch limited compared to other EQ's. It is not going to be your only EQ.
Greetings,
I love watching your videos. May I ask why you never suggest the API 5500 eq?
I'm not a huge fan of the API 5500 EQ. It's just not my cuppa tea. A good EQ but not my taste.
@AudioAnimalsStudio thanks again for a speedy and to the point reply!!!! Your page is always on point.
I love this series! I’m surprised you didn’t say SSL Ultraviolet in the $1k-2k range, I have been pretty impressed by the Ultraviolet.
That is a very good point. The Ultraviolet is a brilliant EQ for the money.
On the cheap, White Instruments 4001...lot's of inductors in one box !
Thank you Awesome
Reason DAW users dont need to buy an EQ because they already have one on each mix channel and one on the master bus compressor.
Every DAW comes with stock plugins. Next you'll be saying you've pretty much got an SSL console.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio Its not a plugin its built into the Reason mixer and yes actually I will be saying next that I have a SSL style mixer in software form because that's exactly what the Reason mixer was bassed off of and has identical functions, to a real SSL mixer.
@@HOLLASOUNDS it is just a skin. It isn't an emulation.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio That's your opinion however not fact.
@@HOLLASOUNDS compare it to a SSL console you'll see it's more fact than opinion.
Wow I guess you don't think much about UAD convertors
No, they aren't all that great, in my opinion.
massive passive ?
If i have a fusion. Would an alpha comp and a maselec eq cover my bases for a basic mastering chain? Would just like less hardware, but good quality!
Yes as a basic mastering chain of mix bus processor, comp and EQ this combination would be brilliant. Go fusion, maselec mea-2 on fusion insert to get mid side eq if needed then into the alpha comp.
No room in the £ 200 to £ 1000 range for wes audio hyperion ? what do you think about the elysia xfilter + maag eq 2 combo or maybe just hyperion ? Thansk's
The hyperion is a brilliant EQ. Plus you get recall with it. That's one thing I always found difficult with the xfilter. Recall is tricky. Brilliant sounding EQ though. A class too. The maag EQ combo is great I used to have all these EQs and the only reason I no longer have them is because I swapped out 500 series for 19" rack versions.
no Pultec's? odd..
No, not in a mastering chain. I wouldn't recommend a pultec to anyone. Not versatile enough and you'll find it'll work great on some sources and not others. When you recommend gear to people, you have to be honest.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio I use them for tracking and mixing and they are indispensable. Must be a mastering thing I guess thank you for responding.
@user-io6pe8dw7y yeah I'd agree. But in mastering you want something a bit more subtle.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio By the way can you tell me if the knobs and buttons on the Elysia Nvelope are aluminum or plastic? I have the Mpressor which are aluminum but the Nvelope appears to be different?
@user-io6pe8dw7y off the top of my head they are aluminium. I will need to check this when next in the studio. They certainly aren't plastic.
Well there you go guys buy the plug in of the 4k unit it's only a few percent off in performance and save about 3.8k .🤣🤣
There is a comparable difference between the plugin and hardware. Check the comparison video i shot if you haven't already. If you are on a budget I would 100% say buy plugin emulations. But if you want to achieve a master that is that 20% better an analogue mastering chain is what you will need to achieve that. For me as a mastering engineer it's always about being able to achieve a superior sound to everyone else. If that means spending 100k on an analogue mastering chain so be it.
Drawmer 1974?
I have a 1974 . Well nothing special i use for tracking synth or Electronic drums....it s great it has low and high cut . Not colour eq...the low is nice, you have a lot of frequencies. I think cool for cleaning more than add a mojo. I m waiting for IGS tilt n bands and sure it s totally different, way more musical and 3D (i would Say the 1974 is 2D). Also i tried the Gainlab audio empress, and yeah it s also a si nice eq (a sort of pultec on steroids !).
"uad apollo or something like that" bruh... 🤣 thats already a 1000+ audio interface
what price point is a good audio interface then?
The issue with the Apollo is that it doesn't have high end converters. Think about what you are paying for with an Apollo interface. If it has a quad dsp chip inside that's £800 of the interface. As an interface it's an OK interface but for me it's not high end. You remove the quad ot octo chip inside and sell it without that it's a budget friendly interface for about £400 for the little due. You are paying for the DSP. To answer your question though I'd say about £4000+ for interface then add dedicated in and out converters for master for another £6000. That's the kind of interface I'd be looking at for mastering.
hello, massive passive, weiss ;) cheers