EQ169+
Equalizer
The EQ169+ is a mono mastering equalizer inspired by the revered Studer 169 console topology, refined for modern precision and flexibility. Designed for mastering, mix bus, and detailed track shaping, it delivers unmistakably musical tone control with fully stepped operation, extended frequency options, and dual gain ranges. From subtle corrective moves to confident tonal sculpting, EQ169+ preserves clarity, balance, and depth while offering the control demanded in today’s critical workflows. It’s a classic circuit, carefully evolved for engineers who value precision without sacrificing character.
EQ169+ is built around the original Studer 169 EQ topology, a design born in an era when tonal balance was critical for vinyl mastering. Its character remains smooth, natural, and authoritative, now enhanced for contemporary use.
Mastering-Grade Control
Fully stepped controls across all bands ensure repeatability and precise recall. Dual gain ranges (±5 dB and ±15 dB) allow both ultra-fine mastering adjustments and more assertive tonal shaping when required.
Extended Low-End Precision
A newly added high-pass filter with 10 selectable frequencies works seamlessly with the low shelf, tuned at 20 or 60 Hz, enabling tight low-end control without sacrificing weight.
Musical Midrange Shaping
Two Presence filters provide access to 22 carefully voiced midrange frequencies from 150 Hz to 7 kHz, ideal for clarity, definition, and mix balance.
Natural High-Frequency Air
The high shelf delivers open, elegant top-end enhancement at 20 kHz or 35 kHz, adding air without harshness or fatigue.
Built for Accuracy
Precision resistors, capacitors, and discrete through-hole components ensure consistent performance and ±0.1 dB gain matching between units.
FEATURES
- Studer 169–inspired mono mastering EQ topology
- Fully stepped controls for precise recall
- Dual gain ranges: ±5 dB or ±15 dB
- Low shelf with selectable 20 Hz or 60 Hz tuning
- High-pass filter with 10 selectable frequencies
- Two Presence filters with 22 midrange frequencies (150 Hz – 7 kHz)
- High shelf at 20 kHz or 35 kHz for natural air
- 100% discrete through-hole analog design
- Precision-matched components for mastering accuracy
Specifications
| EQ Type | Classic semi-parametric EQ based on Studer 169 console topology |
| Control Design | Fully stepped 11-position rotary switches on all controls |
| High-Pass Filter | 10 frequencies: 12, 16.4, 20.6, 25.0, 30.9, 42, 55, 78, 110, 160 Hz + bypass |
| Low Shelf Frequencies | 20 Hz (original) or 60 Hz |
| Mid (Presence) Frequencies | 22 values from 150 Hz to 7 kHz, Q ≈ 1.0 |
| High Shelf Frequencies | 20 kHz (original) or 35 kHz |
| EQ Gain Modes |
Standard: ±12 dB Presence / ±15 dB Shelves Hybrid: ±12 dB Presence / ±5 dB Shelves Mastering: ±5 dB Presence / ±5 dB Shelves |
| Output Gain Trim | ±3 dB in 0.5 dB steps |
| Input / Output | Transformerless, transparent signal path |
| Bypass | Relay-operated true bypass |
| Maximum Level | +22 dBu (input & output) |
| Input Impedance | 48 kΩ |
| Output Impedance | 50 Ω |
| THD | 0.005% @ 0 dBu |
| Frequency Response | ±0.1 dB from 5.4 Hz to 25 kHz+ |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | >108 dB |
| Gain Matching | ±0.1 dB between units |
| Manufacturing | Designed and assembled in Saint-Vérand, France. Components sourced from France & Europe. |
