Classic Passive-style EQ for the Modern Studio
The Bettermaker Stereo Passive Equalizer delivers the brawny analog majesty and punch characteristic of the classic passive equalizer, along with high-tech digital memory plus plug-in recall and automation control. Like all Bettermaker gear, the Stereo Passive Equalizer features a harmonious marriage of coveted vintage sonic goodness and cutting-edge modern technology manifested in its pure analog signal path and full digital control. But unlike other Bettermaker pieces, the software component for the Stereo Passive Equalizer has a highpass filter and real-time analyzer that are only available within the plug-in control window. The famous passive EQ's alluring calling card was its ability to boost and cut with broad, flattering curves across a range of selectable low and high frequencies. The Stereo Passive Equalizer takes this venerable design concept quite a bit further, offering far more versatility with an expansive range of frequency selections that extends from 20Hz all the way up to 28kHz! And the ability to control it all from your computer makes it perfect for today’s hybrid workflows. Equip your studio with the Bettermaker Stereo Passive Equalizer and treat your productions to the euphonic, larger-than-life sound that has forged countless iconic recordings.
Related Videos: Stereo Passive Equalizer with Plug-in Control
State-of-the-art reimagining of a legendary design
One look at a classic passive EQ, and you’ll see it’s not designed like your typical equalizer. The 2-band design basically gave you broad-bandwidth boost and attenuate controls that worked independently. This let you, for instance, deploy an old studio trick to add weight to the bass region while also notching a bit above the cutoff point by boosting and attenuating simultaneously. (Try this on a kick drum and you’ll never look back.) On the high-frequency side, you could set separate frequencies for the boost and attenuation so you could boost at, say, 12kHz and cut at 5k, adding air to a track without increasing presence. If you’ve never used a passive EQ, this may seem needlessly restrictive. But the gentle, forgiving, broad-brushstroke curves of 1950s EQ circuits such as the classic passive EQ and the Baxandall are a valuable complement to the surgical sculptability on tap in many modern EQs. Both deserve a place in any well-equipped studio rack.
A modern classic in its own right
The Bettermaker Stereo Passive Equalizer offers far more flexibility than the classic passive EQ. On the low side, it’s spec’d with selectable boost/cut frequency centers at 20Hz, 30Hz, 60Hz, and 100Hz. On the high side, you have a generous choice of boost frequencies at 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, and 28kHz. Independently selectable are 2, 10, and 20kHz HF cut frequencies. A bandwidth control is centrally located on the unit’s stout faceplate, letting you globally shape your curves from sharp to broad. All in all, it’s a very effective design that behaves and sounds rather like a vintage passive EQ, but with considerably more sound-sculpting capability. In operation, the Bettermaker Stereo Passive Equalizer is effortless and intuitive to use, and it’s virtually impossible to get a bad sound out of it.
Bettermaker: vintage sound for today’s hybrid workflows
Bettermaker’s approach seems simple: cherry pick the best of vintage and modern circuit topologies and combine them in products that offer the sonic integrity of analog with the speed and workflow conveniences of working “in the box.” The reality is that not all companies have the design chops to pull it off consistently. Bettermaker does. Taking a fresh approach to classic designs, modern and high-spec components are selected for long-term reliability and to help maintain transient response and the low noise floor required for today’s recording practices. At the same time, increased functionality enhances the efficiencies of — and accommodates the flexibility required by — today’s hybrid studio workflows. Where possible, Bettermaker engineers increase gain resolution and frequency response to ensure maximum sound quality. Stringent computerized instrument bench testing and subjective listening tests both play a significant role in the development of Bettermaker gear. And the results speak for themselves. At Sweetwater, we’re thrilled to offer you this impressive line of premium pro audio equipment.
Bettermaker Stereo Passive Equalizer Features:
- Frequency response: 7Hz–30kHz (-0.5dB, ISO-R40 sweep)
- Level reference: +/-0.2dB (20Hz–20kHz, ISO-R40 sweep)
- Dynamic range: 101dB (20kHz bandwidth, +24dBu)
- THD+N ratio: 0.009% (20kHz bandwidth, +4dBu, 1kHz)
- THD ratio: 0.0025% (+4dBu, 1kHz)
- CMRR: >70dB (20Hz–20kHz, IEC 60268-3)
- Crosstalk: >88dB (20Hz–20kHz, +18dBu, channel to channel)
- Max LF boost: 15dB (set to 100Hz)
- Max LF cut: 16dB (set to 100Hz)
- Max HF boost: 18dB (all frequencies)
- Low-boost/cut frequencies: 20, 30, 60, and 100Hz
- High-boost frequencies: 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 28kHz
- High-cut frequencies: 5, 10, and 20kHz
- Control resolution: 101 steps (Lo Boost, Lo Cut, Hi Boost, Bandwidth); 34 steps (Hi Cut)
- Output gain: +/-8dB (0.1dB resolution)
- Sturdy 2U rackmount chassis (depth: 140mm)
- USB Type B port for computer connection
- External power supply (included) eliminates interaction with audio circuits
