EQ169+
Equalizer
EQ169+ is built around the original Studer 169 EQ topology, a design born in an era when tonal balance was critical for vinyl mastering. Its character remains smooth, natural, and authoritative, now enhanced for contemporary use.
Mastering-Grade Control
Fully stepped controls across all bands ensure repeatability and precise recall. Dual gain ranges (±5 dB and ±15 dB) allow both ultra-fine mastering adjustments and more assertive tonal shaping when required.
Extended Low-End Precision
A newly added high-pass filter with 10 selectable frequencies works seamlessly with the low shelf, tuned at 20 or 60 Hz, enabling tight low-end control without sacrificing weight.
Musical Midrange Shaping
Two Presence filters provide access to 22 carefully voiced midrange frequencies from 150 Hz to 7 kHz, ideal for clarity, definition, and mix balance.
Natural High-Frequency Air
The high shelf delivers open, elegant top-end enhancement at 20 kHz or 35 kHz, adding air without harshness or fatigue.
Built for Accuracy
Precision resistors, capacitors, and discrete through-hole components ensure consistent performance and ±0.1 dB gain matching between units.
FEATURES
- Studer 169–inspired mono mastering EQ topology
- Fully stepped controls for precise recall
- Dual gain ranges: ±5 dB or ±15 dB
- Low shelf with selectable 20 Hz or 60 Hz tuning
- High-pass filter with 10 selectable frequencies
- Two Presence filters with 22 midrange frequencies (150 Hz – 7 kHz)
- High shelf at 20 kHz or 35 kHz for natural air
- 100% discrete through-hole analog design
- Precision-matched components for mastering accuracy
Specifications
| EQ Type | Classic semi-parametric EQ based on Studer 169 console topology |
| Control Design | Fully stepped 11-position rotary switches on all controls |
| High-Pass Filter | 10 frequencies: 12, 16.4, 20.6, 25.0, 30.9, 42, 55, 78, 110, 160 Hz + bypass |
| Low Shelf Frequencies | 20 Hz (original) or 60 Hz |
| Mid (Presence) Frequencies | 22 values from 150 Hz to 7 kHz, Q ≈ 1.0 |
| High Shelf Frequencies | 20 kHz (original) or 35 kHz |
| EQ Gain Modes |
Standard: ±12 dB Presence / ±15 dB Shelves Hybrid: ±12 dB Presence / ±5 dB Shelves Mastering: ±5 dB Presence / ±5 dB Shelves |
| Output Gain Trim | ±3 dB in 0.5 dB steps |
| Input / Output | Transformerless, transparent signal path |
| Bypass | Relay-operated true bypass |
| Maximum Level | +22 dBu (input & output) |
| Input Impedance | 48 kΩ |
| Output Impedance | 50 Ω |
| THD | 0.005% @ 0 dBu |
| Frequency Response | ±0.1 dB from 5.4 Hz to 25 kHz+ |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | >108 dB |
| Gain Matching | ±0.1 dB between units |
| Manufacturing | Designed and assembled in Saint-Vérand, France. Components sourced from France & Europe. |