Turtlerock Forum

I'm looking to get 2x 500 series EQs for my lunchbox suitable for use on the 2buss. Something like Purple Tav, API 560s but i'm up for suggestions. it doesn't have to be and inductor based graphic but i'm mainly going to use it for minor but broad changes and a bit of colouration.

Thanks

I don't think the 560 adds any colour until you make broad changes. making broad changes to a 2 buss mix could get you into sonic trouble I think.
The 560 is a superb module though, great value for money.
Heck, I'm absolutely no recording engineer, or even very skilled with EQ, but what I tend to do on the master mix is add outboard that offers a little heft without much (or any) sonic alteration. So I'm thinking Pultec or tube style outboard.
I use a couple of vintage German eq and only ever change a frequency plus or minus 2db.
There are plenty of 'vintage iron' or subtle colouration eq's in the 500 format. So I would be looking at those.
As I said, I'm not a studio engineer so take my thoughts with a pinch of salt.

JLM PEQ 500 perhaps?

Sorry to be a broken record but there are some excellent DIY options out there if you know how to solder. I just built a pair of Pultec solidstate clones that fit in my 500 rack, took me about 4 hours from start to finish. There is a also a few API clones out there and some neve clones too but they are a bit more involved.

Have a look here: http://www.groupdiy.com/index.php?topic=44035.0

There is also the linden audio eqs which look like they'd be excellent (and cheap) but I haven't tried them.

Thanks for the suggestions, very much appreciated.
I guess I should qualify that the idea of adding colour would be more for running kicks and snares and bass through it boosted. I expect that i'll really only be using it for minor changes on the 2buss. The TAV and the 560 seem pretty versatile. I am using the lunchbox like a hardware insert for my largely ITB electronic productions.

I have the JLM PEQ 500 and the imminent lindell audio PEX-500 on my short list of EQs for my lunch box.
They both seem tobe pretty good value also. Different EQ's of course.There was a bloke selling two 553 clones on here a few months back but they don't seem too flexible and don't get a very good wrap on a whole.
The Harrison 32 EQ looks great but is out of the budget for now.

I will consider DIY at some point. I have built a few projects over the years but right now i'd just like to get a couple of EQ's in the lunchbox. I currently just have an Elysia Xpressor 500 installed which i love for the versatility. after two identical EQs i'm guessing another mono colour compressor and another type of coloured EQ.

BTW the tonics sound good too but i' think they'll have to be second hand to be in the budget.
If you have any units that you are thinking of letting go. let me know.
I'm trying to keep it under $500 per module if it can. I know it's low budget, but that is the budget.



Thanks again.

I have the 553 clones (I built 4) and whilst they are not the most flexible eq they sound excellent especially for tonal shaping on the 2bus where smooth broad shifts are what you need. I also use them for gentle shaping of vocals, horns and similar sustained sounds and they were very smooth here too. Just because they are limited doesn't mean they don't serve their purpose well. Also, the clones add an additional frequency per band rather than the single fixed frequency of the original.

anguswoodhead wrote:One of the best options I found was 2 of these http://www.buzzaudio.com/products/tonic.htm

+1...Fantastic EQ.. I used to have 1 channel of it, but thought that another one would make up a great stereo EQ.
+ the designer/builder is a great guy, super service.

Just to add the 560 is awesome for drums and bass.

I've had the tonics and they are a great eq, though can get a little harsh sounding to me, but still a great eq.

Ahhem you could get the ANT/Telefunken rack I'm selling, just above your budget at $1200 but these are great eq's, especially for kicks and bass. They have higher headroom than lunchbox modules and are broadcast quality German made. They sound good on a stereo mix also, though no good for fine tweaking as they are more like and API 550a config, though bandwidth can be tweaked, unlike API. They were made in 1984 and were brand new in original boxes when I bought them a few years back.

Anyway sorry for shameless plug but these are good and will most likely suit what you want them for.

They are the little black ones in the top of my rack in these pics.
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3511&p=29165&hilit=pendulum#p29165

Thanks for the offer but i want to stick to 500 series for now. My research into getting EQs for the lunch box has turned up some great value 19" stereo units though.

Yeah no worries, mmmm when eq and rackmount are uttered in the same sentence it usually means expensive, lol.

The JLM PEQ 500 is a fantastic eq for bottom end in kicks and bass, usually immediately likeable as soon as you switch them in.

It looks like I can get a pair of API 550b for a reasonable price. I really liked the sound that i heard in a shootout recently but. I'm worried that (while easily recalled) the 2db steps might be too much on the 2buss. For colour i think they could really do the trick for me though.

I'm considering a pair of Five Fish Audio PEQ-503s for the mix buss, apparently they're pretty smooth and add some nice air & punch...
http://www.fivefishstudios.com

They are on my list also, I love the ability to change jumpers in order switch the frequencies to suit your own needs. There doesn't seem to be a huge amount of people talking about them (either negative or positive).

I think if you want a stereo bus EQ, the 2dB steps on something like the API 550B will drive you nuts. Great EQ but often when your working the 2-bus a little smidge of top or bottom goes a long way. My 2 bobs worth would be the JLM, one of the Purple Audio EQs or something else with continuously variable gain.

Thanks
I picked up a JLM PEQ500 this weekend. I'll be looking at getting another ASAP.
Thanks
Luke.