Minimum phase shift, maximum headroom, transparency, and easy recallable settings via detent controls are hallmarks of all Maag Audio products.
The Maag Audio EQ2-500 2-band equalizer’s simplicity belies its usefulness as an effective tone shaper. The module’s front panel (signal path) starts at the bottom with an input attenuator with 0 dB at full CW and up to -12 dB when fully CCW. For an equalizer, this simple addition becomes important for properly gain-staging a recording chain when connected to a microphone preamp’s output.
To monitor the input signal, a green signal present is available that indicates signal reaching and exceeding a -20 dBu level. Conversely, there is a red peak LED that flashes when the output signal is at or near clip or +23 dBu.
Next are the low mid frequency selector and gain controls and the section’s in/out switch. The LMF equalizer provides bell-shaped, peaking equalization with switchable Q. There are both a sharp, surgical-like peak/dip position and a more broad or wider shape position useful for tracking in the studio, stereo bus, or mastering uses. Two sets of available frequencies are given on the front panel. Frequencies in the red are when the sharper Q is used and the white frequencies are for the broader q setting.
The frequencies for the sharp Q in red are: 40 Hz, 65 Hz, 150 Hz, 250 Hz, and 1 kHz. Frequencies for the broader Q setting in white are: sub (10 Hz), 57 Hz, 88 Hz, 220, 400, and 1.4 kHz.
The air band section starts with a gain control for up to 20 dB of shelving boost. There is also an air band in/out switch for quick comparison for an instant assessment of this marvelous effect. Frequencies are: 2.5 kHz, 5 kHz, 10 kHz, 15 kHz, 20 kHz, and 40 kHz.
