- Easy to Use and Musical 2 Band EQ
- Two Discrete Germanium Transistors Opamps
- 41 Positions Stepped Potentiometers
- Adds HF Shine and Space to the Mix Sound Stage
- NOS Military Grade Germanium Transistors made in '60s
- Separate Discrete Opamp for each Band
- +/-12dB Boost and Cut
- 4 Frequency Settings for HF Band
- 4 Frequency Settings for LF Band
- Coupled with Custom HRK Active Transformer
- On-Board Voltage 500 Rack PSU Filters
- Direct Sale - Save 30% on Distributors Fee!
Ultrasmooth 2 Band Germanium Equalizer
The EQ552 is a user-friendly, two-band equalizer that uses vintage Germanium transistors for superior sound quality. It offers four frequency settings for each band, giving you plenty of options to fine-tune your music.
What sets the EQ552 apart is its use of separate Discrete Operational Amplifiers, made with high-quality, military-grade Germanium transistors from the 1960s. This ensures a smooth and natural sound, even at high boost levels, unlike some modern equalizers that can make your music sound harsh.
The EQ552 is versatile and works well with any music genre, as it doesn’t impose a specific tone character. It enhances the details in your music while preserving its original sound.
Each band in the EQ552 has its own circuit, preventing any interference between the bands and reducing phase issues. This feature makes the EQ552 perfect for stereo operation, tracking, 2-bus processing, and mastering.
With 41 stepped potentiometer positions, the EQ552 offers precision control, making it a great tool for any music enthusiast or professional.
EQ522 Review Video – HD Audio
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Why Germanium Transistors Sound Good?
Firstly, germanium transistors are known for their warm, smooth, and vintage sound. They have a unique tonal characteristic that is often described as more “musical” compared to other types of transistors. This is due to the way germanium transistors handle signals, which results in a more pleasing harmonic distortion that many audio professionals and musicians find desirable.
Secondly, germanium transistors can operate at higher speeds and slew-rates than early silicon devices. This was an important consideration in the 1960s and is still relevant today in certain applications.
Lastly, the use of germanium transistors in studio equipment can be seen as a nod to the golden age of music production. Many classic sounds are associated with germanium-based products like EMI’s first solid-state TG mixers, Neve’s 1053 and contemporary modules, and some of the vintage Fairchild and Telefunken products.
EQ522 Demo and Introduction
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Stereo Buss Operation
- Our improved production process ensures stereo matching between units
- If you purchase two units in one order, both units are matched for stereo operation, bus processing and mastering.
HRK Active Transformer
Bart Hrk has developed a proprietary design for an Active Transformer, aimed at addressing the limitations of traditional passive transformers.
Traditional passive transformers are known to be vulnerable to electromagnetic interference, such as 50/60Hz hum and HF RF smog. Additionally, their frequency response is contingent upon load and source impedance, which adversely affects the overall performance of analog studio equipment.
The HRK Active Transformer is a game changer that not only resolves the issues associated with passive transformers but also retains and amplifies the desired characteristics of the transformer output stage. This includes the enrichment of harmonic content and the enhancement of tonal response.
What sets the HRK Active Transformer apart is its ability to deliver the rich, beloved sound that audio enthusiasts seek, including the harmonic content and tonal response, while simultaneously eliminating the drawbacks of passive transformers.
Furthermore, the Active Transformer introduces a delicate “Air” effect and boasts an extended low-frequency (LF) performance, adding depth and clarity to the sound.
Another remarkable feature of the Active Transformer is its dynamic saturation, which is dependent on the output level. As the output signal level increases, the Active Transformer exhibits greater saturation, reminiscent of the warm and rich sound produced by classic studio equipment.
In summary, the HRK Active Transformer is an innovative solution that offers superior sound quality, eliminates electromagnetic interference, and enhances harmonic content and tonal response. It is an invaluable asset for professionals and audiophiles seeking to elevate their audio experience.
Specification
- Balanced Input – Impedance 20kΩ
- Balanced Active Transformer Output – Impedance less than 50Ω
- LF Frequency Setting – 160Hz, 90Hz, 60Hz, 45Hz
- HF Frequency Setting – 16kHz, 10kHz, 8kHz, 6kHz
- LF and HF boost/cut – +/-12dB
- Nominal Gain – Knobs set to 12 o’clock – 0dB
- Typical THD+N – Less than 0.02%@1k in 10Hz-22kHz
- Noise Floor EQ Engaged – Less than -90dBu@10Hz-22kHz
- Bandwith at flat response – 10Hz – 60kHz@-1dB
- Maximum Output Level – +24dBu@0.1%THD
- Power Consuption – Less than 60mA
- Compatibile with any standard 500 Rack