The Bettermaker Mastering Equaliser is a mastering-grade analogue hardware processor designed for high-end audio mastering, stereo bus processing, and professional audio workflows. It combines a 100% analogue signal path with digitally controlled processing, offering precision EQ capabilities and seamless DAW integration for modern hybrid studio environments.
Engineered for mastering, mixing, and recording engineers, the Mastering Equaliser integrates parametric EQ processing, passive equalisation, and precision filtering into a single unit. The hybrid analogue-digital architecture allows for rapid and repeatable mastering settings while preserving the integrity and transparent sonic performance of the analogue signal path. All parameters are digitally controlled via an integrated touchscreen interface or a dedicated DAW plugin, enabling precise audio control without compromising the analogue signal chain.
The core processing features include a four-band stereo parametric EQ section with variable Q control and selectable bell or shelf operation on the outer bands. Each band offers a ±15 dB boost/cut range. The frequency ranges are defined as: EQ1 (22 Hz – 470 Hz, bell/shelf), EQ2 (90 Hz – 2 kHz, bell), EQ3 (480 Hz – 10 kHz, bell), and EQ4 (1 kHz – 23 kHz, bell/shelf). In addition to the parametric section, the unit incorporates a stereo passive equaliser with extended high-frequency enhancement capabilities, including dedicated air bands at 20 kHz and 28 kHz, as well as low boost and low cut controls.
Advanced filtering capabilities include a stereo high-pass filter with 12 dB/oct or 24 dB/oct operation, an adjustable cutoff frequency from 10 Hz to 240 Hz (extended to 6 Hz with resonance enabled), and resonance functionality. A stereo low-pass filter provides 12 dB/oct operation with an adjustable cutoff frequency from 2 kHz to 38 kHz. The unit supports stereo, dual mono, and Mid/Side operation modes, with a focus function allowing engineers to listen to specific channels in Mid/Side or dual-mono configurations.
The front-panel control system is built around a 5-inch capacitive touchscreen with integrated encoder control. Four knobs labeled LEVEL, P1, P2, and P3 are placed on endless rotary encoders, with the LEVEL knob adjusting output level and the others controlling selected filters. The interface includes PEAK and RMS metering, a real-time FFT analyser, live EQ curve representation, and input/output level monitoring. The digital section is based on a high-speed 32-bit microcontroller that manages analogue filters, user interface, presets, audio measurement, and USB communication.
For studio integration, the Mastering Equaliser connects via USB to Mac or PC, appearing as a HID device managed by the Bettermaker plugin. This allows for full DAW automation, preset save and recall, rapid A/B comparison, and precise stereo linking. The internal preset system supports 399 onboard presets with unique names, instant parameter reset, and total recall. The unit features a relay-based true bypass function and an adjustable output level range of ±10 dB.
Features
- 100% analogue audio signal path with digitally controlled processing
- Four stereo parametric filters with ±15 dB boost/cut and variable Q (0.2 – 7)
- Stereo passive equaliser with extended air bands at 20 kHz and 28 kHz
- Stereo high-pass filter (12/24 dB/oct) and low-pass filter (12 dB/oct) with adjustable cutoffs
- Stereo, dual mono, and Mid/Side operation modes with focus function
- 5-inch capacitive touchscreen with four velocity-sensitive rotary encoders
- 399 onboard presets with unique names, total recall, and A/B comparison
- USB connectivity for Mac/PC with dedicated DAW plugin for automation
- Integrated RTA analyser, PEAK/RMS metering, and live EQ curve visualization
- Frequency Search, Gain Lock, Note, and Auto-Q functions