Mastering

Mastering gear refers to the equipment and tools used in the audio mastering process, which involves preparing a final mix for distribution by enhancing its overall sound quality and ensuring it meets certain technical standards. Mastering gear can include hardware processors such as equalizers, compressors, limiters, and analog-to-digital converters, as well as software plugins that simulate the effects of these tools.

The gear is used to adjust the tonal balance, dynamic range, stereo image, and other aspects of the mix to achieve a polished and cohesive final product. Effective use of mastering gear requires a thorough understanding of both the equipment and the mastering process itself. An experienced mastering engineer will be able to use their gear to make subtle adjustments that enhance the mix without introducing unwanted artifacts or compromising the integrity of the original recording.

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 1960 /

Fairchild 670 Limiting Amplifier

Compression Type: Variable-Mu

The Fairchild 670 Tube Limiter was the brainchild of Estonian immigrant to the USA, Rein Narma. Rein licensed the design to Sherman Fairchild and the rest as they say, is history…a legend was born.

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 1994 /

Manley Stereo Variable MU Limiter Compressor

Compression Type: Variable-Mu

There are few modern classics in the world of professional studio effects hardware, but the Manley Stereo Variable MU limiter compressor is most definitely one such processor. An all-tube limiter built in the great tradition of the Fairchild 660, the Manley Stereo Variable MU has been a cherished part of many studios for decades.

Made In U.K.

Released in 1996 /

Maselec MEA-2 Precision Stereo Equaliser

The Maselec MEA-2 is a stereo or 2-channel, four-band precision analogue equaliser with stepped Q/shelf, frequency and cut/boost controls on each band. It is designed for recording and mastering applications where ultimate sonic performance, musicality and precision are required.

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 1997 /

Avalon Design AD2055 Music Equaliser

The Avalon AD2055 Pure Class A music equaliser is the most powerful, low noise parametric equaliser available today, or at least it was. Designed to optimise absolute signal integrity and musical performance.

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 1998 /

Manley Massive Passive Stereo Tube EQ

The Manley Massive Passive is one of the very few highly regarded equalisers ever made. There is the Pultec EQ, and then there is the Manley Massive Passive. Sure, it is a parametric EQ, but with a twist!

Made In U.K.

Released in 1999 /

Maselec MLA-2 Compressor

Compression Type: Optical

The Maselec MLA-2 is a stereo or 2-channel compressor with stepped drive (input gain), ratio, attack and release time and output gain controls. For optimum transparency and freedom from noise the MLA-2 employs a non-VCA design.

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 1999 /

dbx Quantum Mastering Processor

dbx Quantum combines multiband dynamics, flexible equalisation and high-resolution digital processing into a single integrated mastering system, offering extensive control over the entire mastering chain within one unit.

Made In U.K.

Released in 2001 /

Maselec MLA-4 Multiband Compressor

Compression Type: Multiband Sidechain-Controlled

The Maselec MLA-4 splits the input into three adjustable frequency bands, each processed by its own stereo compressor/expander with selectable crossover points and independent gain controls, allowing precise dynamic shaping or equalisation of each band.

Made In Switzerland

Released in 2002 /

Weiss EQ1 Dual 7 Band Digital Parametric Equaliser

The Weiss EQ1 is a seven-band stereo equaliser in a league of its own. It is no coincidence that it has been a staple at world-class mastering and mixing studios for decades.

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 2002 /

Avalon Design AD2077 Mastering Equaliser

The Avalon Design AD2077 Mastering Equaliser is an altruistic design optimising absolute signal integrity. Design features include 100% discrete pure class A signal amplifiers, state-of-the-art passive and active filter topologies and a DC coupled minimalist signal path.

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 2003 /

GML Model 2030 Mastering Dynamic Range Controller

Compression Type: VCA

The GML Model 2030 Mastering Dynamic Gain Control is a precise tool for mastering and other critical applications where the utmost in control, flexibility, and transparency is demanded.

Made In Germany

Released in 2004 /

SPL MMC 2 Multichannel Mastering Console

SPL MMC 2 is a high-end multichannel analogue mastering console delivering exceptional headroom, dynamic range and transparency through discrete 120 volt technology, designed as a future-proof centrepiece for professional mastering environments.