HVC250
Stereo 5-Band Parametric EQ
The HVC250 is Z&H Designs’ powerful tribute to the legendary Sontec MEP-250, built unapologetically in the expensive way. Featuring 14 independent high-voltage discrete op-amps and a robust 56V linear power supply, it delivers immense headroom, bandwidth, and clarity. Its smooth response curve remains musical even under heavy boosts, preserving depth and subtlety without sounding processed. With overlapping bands, wide Q control, and shelf options on air and sub frequencies, HVC250 invites both surgical precision and broad tonal shaping. This is analog equalization at full strength — authoritative, spacious, and unmistakably alive.
True Sontec-Inspired Analog Tone
Built on the classic Sontec EQ topology, HVC250 delivers a smooth, natural response curve that remains musical no matter how far you push it. Even beyond 6 dB of boost or cut, it preserves clarity and dimension without sounding artificial or processed.
All-Discrete High-Voltage Architecture
Inside are 14 independent high-voltage discrete op-amps that outperform traditional IC designs in bandwidth and dynamics. Premium components from trusted manufacturers and fully discrete circuit boards ensure every nuance of the signal is preserved.
56V Linear Power Supply
A high-voltage 56V linear power supply forms the backbone of its expansive, detailed sound. This time-tested approach delivers superior headroom, extended dynamic range, and remarkably low noise, supported by enhanced cooling for long-term reliability.
Flexible, Musical Control
Each band offers ±12 dB of gain (with hardware capability up to ±16 dB), individual bypass switches, overlapping frequency ranges, and Q control from 0.6 to 4. Shelf options on high and low bands provide classic air and sub shaping with intuitive operation.
Handcrafted for Professionals
Every unit is individually tested and signed off by experienced engineers before shipping, reflecting boutique-grade craftsmanship and meticulous attention to performance standards.
FEATURES
- All-discrete analog circuit design
- 14 independent high-voltage op-amps
- Classic Sontec-inspired topology
- 56V high-voltage linear power supply
- Five overlapping parametric bands
- ±12 dB gain per band (hardware maximum ±16 dB)
- Q control from 0.6 to 4
- Shelf options on high and low bands
- Individual band bypass switches
- High bandwidth and exceptional headroom
- Low-noise, high-dynamic performance
- Premium-grade electronic components
- Hand-tested and engineer verified
Specifications
| Frequency Range | 15 Hz – 25 kHz |
| SNR | Left: -97.092 dBV Right: -96.021 dBV |
| Form Factor | 2 channels, 5 bands fully parametric |
| Low Frequency (LF) | 15 Hz – 800 Hz Q: 0.67 – 4 or shelf ±12 dB boost/cut |
| Low-Mid Frequency (LMF) | 15 Hz – 800 Hz Q: 0.67 – 4 ±12 dB boost/cut |
| Mid Frequency (MF) | 160 Hz – 8 kHz Q: 0.67 – 4 ±12 dB boost/cut |
| High-Mid Frequency (HMF) | 450 Hz – 25 kHz Q: 0.67 – 4 ±12 dB boost/cut |
| High Frequency (HF) | 450 Hz – 25 kHz Q: 0.67 – 4 or shelf ±12 dB boost/cut |
| Distortion (Channels Off) | 0.0008% |
| Distortion (Channels On) | 0.0015% (20 Hz – 20 kHz) |
| Chassis Size (H × W × D) | 130 mm × 404 mm × 254 mm |
| Panel Size (H × W) | 133 mm × 483 mm |
| Voltage Selector | 110 V / 220 V |
“Totally unique in a really fun and interesting way. The curves I can create are unlike anything I’ve seen. The kind of curves you can make with ease in the plugin world now available with ease in the analogue world.”
Paul Ashmore, owner of Audio Animals Ltd
“Beautiful, flexible and dependable. After months of testing and abuse, the HVC250 has saved my graces multiple times when tracking, mixing or mastering. Extremely thankful this unit exists.”
George Lever, engineer / producer / mix & master
“The HVC250 sounded different than all those others – it sounds more drastic as well as expensive. It’s quite difficult to go wrong with it because it’s such a high quality EQ.”
Bram Fidder, This Mix Is Sick
“I like this a lot because I don’t have anything like this that allows me to go in and really sculpt that kind of detail and be very transparent.”
David Vignola, audio engineering teacher & influencer
“It helps me a lot during the mastering session to clean the too much low end and to boost a bit the kick drum. I feel the mid frequencies work really really well. I feel that also the Q factor is really well engineered.”
Mad Steex, sound engineer & creator
“This is a perfect addition to my set up and workflow. I can make it sound silly when I want to, gritty when I want to. With overlapping bands I can use it very creatively, just like an old Pultec.”
Espen Kraft, Nordic synth artist & YouTuber
