Sontec Parametric EQ

I have several EQs to select from in my Mastering studios, the Sontec Parametric EQ was made specifically for mastering studios and is my first choice. In fact, the MES-430 has been recognized by professional Mastering studios as the most popular mastering EQ ever produced although different models gradually appeared with added features tailored for specific uses, but wavering ever slightly from the circuit architecture derived from the original designs.

It also has some features that are designed with disk cutting in mind. The MES-430 can conveniently equalize program and preview material simultaneously as it is "dual stereo". Moving one knob moves the preview channel as well as the master channel for the cutting lathe. Also, the EQ bypass can be linked to the cutting system. Additionally, two units can be cascaded and automatically switched, allowing the ability to jump back and forth between set ups for the various tunes on a record side; a breakthrough feature, considering the lathe was unable to stop for making changes.

The most amazing feature of the original Sontec Parametric EQ is musicality. Unlike many parametric EQs, which can have as much negative as positive effect on your audio, the Sontec Parametric EQs made by ITI and Sontec are hard to get a bad sound out of.

In addition to the Sontec EQs produced by Burgess MacNeal, George Massenburg has his own EQs under his GML brand: one for tracking and mixing called the 8200, and one specifically for mastering called the 9500. These units also adhere closely to the original parametric EQs and are highly respected. Another fantastic mastering EQ called the Maselec MEA-2 is produced by Prism Sound. The Maselec was collaboratively designed with audio engineer and producer Leif Mases, hence the name. For the most part, all of these EQs and many others adhere to a similar design-the same layout that was thoughtfully created for the first parametric EQ. Why not? Good design tends to last!

The Sontec EQ was first introduced to the music world at the AES show in New York in 1971. In fact it was the first time any electronic device had ever been displayed not to mention demonstrated at an electronics show.

Santec Parametric EQ