The Z&H Designs HVC250 Stereo 5-Band Parametric EQ is a meticulously crafted tribute to the legendary Sontec MEP-250 equaliser, redesigned from the ground up over a period of five years. In order to achieve absolute authenticity and performance, many components were produced in-house and each unit is hand-built with rigorous testing on over one hundred commercial projects before release. The result is an equaliser that delivers a musical, natural, and effortless sound shaping experience, one that never feels processed or forced.
Each channel features five fully discrete, true parallel bands offering ±12dB boost or cut (with hardware maximum at ±16dB), covering a frequency range from 15Hz to 25kHz. The EQ offers independent band bypass, Sontec-style shelving options for high and low bands, and a wide Q range of 0.4 to 4, allowing both broad tone shaping and highly surgical corrections. Despite its precision, the Z&H Designs HVC250 always maintains a smooth, natural character that stands out over software alternatives, especially when working beyond 6dB of boost or cut.
At its core, the Z&H Designs HVC250 employs 14 high-voltage discrete op-amps sourced from Nikon, Motorola, Philips, and ON, delivering superior bandwidth, dynamics, and fidelity compared to traditional IC op-amps. A custom-built 56V linear power supply provides exceptional headroom, dynamic range, and low noise, with additional expense placed on advanced cooling for stability and reliability. Each unit is handcrafted, verified by real engineers, and boutique-built to exacting standards, ensuring no compromises in quality.
Praised by producers and engineers for its transparency, flexibility, and sonic richness, the Z&H Designs HVC250 excels in mixing, tracking, and mastering environments. Whether cleaning up low-end, enhancing midrange detail, or adding high-frequency air, the Z&H Designs HVC250 remains musical and intuitive. It embodies Z&H Designs’ “Zen” sonic philosophy, offering a clean, nourishing tonal character that is both engaging and inspiring. Backed by a five-year warranty, a 14-day satisfaction guarantee, and worldwide free shipping, the Z&H Designs HVC250 is a premium tool that belongs in every serious studio.
Features
- Tribute to the classic Sontec MEP-250 equaliser
- All-discrete analogue circuit design with 14 high-voltage op-amps
- Five fully parametric bands per channel, with true parallel operation
- ±12dB boost/cut (hardware maximum ±16dB)
- Wide frequency coverage from 15Hz to 25kHz
- Sontec-style shelf mode available on HF and LF bands
- Independent bypass for each band and each channel
- Q range from 0.4 to 4 for precise or broad shaping
- 56V high-voltage linear power supply with enhanced cooling
- Clean, natural, and musical tonal shaping
- Handcrafted and tested by professional engineers
- Worldwide free shipping, 5-year warranty, and 14-day trial guarantee
