Vintage Digital

Mastering

Classic Recording Studio Equipment

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.

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.
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.
The Maselec MEA-2 is a stereo or 2-channel, four-band precision analogue equalizer 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.
The Avalon AD2055 Pure Class A music equalizer is the most powerful, low noise parametric equalizer available today, or at least it was. Designed to optimize absolute signal integrity and musical performance.
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!
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.
The Maselec MLA-4 is a multiband Compressor / Expander developed from the popular MLA-3 with added expander functions for all frequencies.
The Weiss EQ1 is a seven-band stereo equalizer 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.
The Avalon Design AD2077 Mastering Equalizer is an ultraistic design optimizing 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.
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.
The GML Model 9500 Mastering Parametric Equalizer is the Mastering Version of the GML Model 8200 Parametric Equalizer.
In the SPL PASSEQ they have revived the concept of the passive equalizer that was used in the 50’s and 60’s. The charming sound of this vintage technology combined with the modern 120V technology results in a very special equalizer.
1 / 41234