The Ultimate Guide to the Analog Obsession Equalizer Bundle: How to Use and Mix with Four Classic EQs
Introduction
If you are looking for a way to add some analog warmth, color, and character to your digital audio, you might want to check out the Analog Obsession Equalizer Bundle. This is a collection of four plugins that emulate some of the most iconic analog equalizers in history, such as the Pultec EQP-1A, the API 550A, the Neve 1073, and the SSL E Series.
Analog Obsession Equalizer Bundle
The bundle is created by Analog Obsession, a plugin developer that specializes in replicating the sound and feel of vintage hardware devices. Analog Obsession offers its plugins for free on its website and Patreon page, but you can also support the developer with a donation if you like their work.
The Analog Obsession Equalizer Bundle includes the following plugins:
BritChannel: A classic British equalizer and preamp that emulates the Neve 1073 module. It features a three-band EQ with fixed frequencies and a mic/line option.
Merica: A classic American equalizer that emulates the API 550A module. It features a three-band EQ with selectable frequencies and a fixed filter.
Rare: A classic passive equalizer that emulates the Pultec EQP-1A tube unit. It features two EQ bands with separate boost and attenuation controls and a frequency range control.
SSQ: A classic solid-state equalizer that emulates the SSL E Series console EQ. It features a four-band EQ with selectable frequencies and Q values, and a high-pass filter.
Features
In this section, we will take a closer look at each plugin in the bundle and its main parameters. All plugins have a simple and intuitive interface that resembles the original hardware units. They also have an oversampling feature that can be activated by clicking on the Analog Obsession logo.
BritChannel
BritChannel is inspired by the Neve 1073 module, which is widely regarded as one of the best sounding preamps and EQs ever made. It was used on countless records by artists such as The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, and many more.
BritChannel features a three-band EQ with fixed frequencies and a mic/line option. The EQ bands are:
HIGH: A high-shelf filter with a fixed frequency of 10 kHz and a gain range of +/-15 dB.
MID: A mid-band filter with seven selectable frequencies: OFF, 0.36, 0.7, 1.6, 3.2, 4.8, and 7.2 kHz. The gain range is +/-15 dB.
LOW: A low-shelf filter with five selectable frequencies: OFF, 35, 60, 110, and 220 Hz. The gain range is +/-15 dB.
The mic/line option allows you to switch between two different input modes: mic mode adds more saturation and harmonics to the signal, while line mode is cleaner and more transparent.
Merica
Merica is inspired by the API 550A module, which is another legendary equalizer that has been used on many hit records since the 1970s. It is known for its punchy and musical sound that can enhance any source material.Merica features a three-band EQ with selectable frequencies and a fixed filter. The EQ bands are:
HIGH: A high-band filter with five selectable frequencies: 5, 7, 10, 12.5, and 15 kHz. The gain range is +/-12 dB.
MID: A mid-band filter with five selectable frequencies: 0.4, 0.8, 1.5, 3, and 5 kHz. The gain range is +/-12 dB.
LOW: A low-band filter with five selectable frequencies: 30, 40, 50, 100, and 200 Hz. The gain range is +/-12 dB.
The fixed filter is a high-pass filter with a fixed frequency of 50 Hz and a slope of 12 dB/octave. It can be activated by clicking on the IN button.
Rare
Rare is inspired by the Pultec EQP-1A tube unit, which is one of the most sought-after equalizers in the world. It is famous for its ability to boost and cut the same frequency simultaneously, creating a unique and smooth sound that can add warmth and depth to any source.
Rare features two EQ bands with separate boost and attenuation controls and a frequency range control. The EQ bands are:
HIGH: A high-band filter that can boost or attenuate the signal at seven selectable frequencies: OFF, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, and 12 kHz. The boost range is +18 dB and the attenuation range is -18 dB.
LOW: A low-band filter that can boost or attenuate the signal at four selectable frequencies: OFF, 20, 30, 60, and 100 Hz. The boost range is +18 dB and the attenuation range is -18 dB.
The frequency range control allows you to adjust the bandwidth of the low-band filter from narrow to wide.
SSQ
SSQ is inspired by the SSL E Series console EQ, which is another classic equalizer that has been used on many genres of music since the 1980s. It is known for its clean and transparent sound that can shape any source with precision and clarity.
SSQ features a four-band EQ with selectable frequencies and Q values, and a high-pass filter. The EQ bands are:
HIGH: A high-shelf filter with six selectable frequencies: OFF, 1.5, 3.3, 4.7, 6.8, and 15 kHz. The gain range is +/-15 dB and the Q value can be adjusted from sharp to broad.
HIGH MID: A high-mid peaking filter with six selectable frequencies: OFF, 0.36, 0.82, 1.8, 3.9, and 6.5 kHz. The gain range is +/-15 dB and the Q value can be adjusted from sharp to broad.
LOW MID: A low-mid peaking filter with six selectable frequencies: OFF, 0.22, 0.36, 0.82, 1.8, and 3.9 kHz. The gain range is +/-15 dB and the Q value can be adjusted from sharp to broad.
LOW: A low-shelf filter with six selectable frequencies: OFF, 30, 56, 100,180 ,and330 Hz. The gain range is +/-15 dB and the Q value can be adjusted from sharp to broad.
The high-pass filter has a fixed frequency of 18 Hz and a slope of -18 dB/octave. It can be activated by clicking on the IN button. Benefits
The Analog Obsession Equalizer Bundle can provide you with several benefits for your mixing and mastering process and results. Here are some of them:
Versatility: The bundle offers you four different types of equalizers that can suit any kind of source material and genre. You can use them to shape the tone, balance, and dynamics of your tracks with ease and flexibility.
Quality: The bundle delivers high-quality sound that faithfully emulates the analog characteristics of the original hardware units. You can enjoy the warmth, color, and character of vintage equalizers without the hassle and expense of maintaining them.
Compatibility: The bundle is compatible with most DAWs and operating systems. It supports VST, VST3, AU, and AAX formats for both 32-bit and 64-bit systems. It also has low CPU usage and latency, making it suitable for both offline and online processing.
Comparison
How does the Analog Obsession Equalizer Bundle compare to other similar plugins on the market? Here are some points of comparison:
Plugin
Price
Features
Pros
Cons
Analog Obsession Equalizer Bundle
Free (donation optional)
- Four plugins that emulate the Neve 1073, API 550A, Pultec EQP-1A, and SSL E Series EQs- Simple and intuitive interface- Oversampling feature- Low CPU usage and latency
- Versatile, quality, and compatible plugins- Faithful emulation of analog sound- Free and regularly updated by the developer
- Limited frequency and Q options- No output level control- No bypass or solo buttons for each band
Waves SSL E-Channel
$29.99 (regular price $249)
- A plugin that emulates the SSL E Series channel strip- Four-band EQ with selectable frequencies and Q values- High-pass and low-pass filters- Compressor, expander, gate, and limiter sections- Input and output level controls
- Comprehensive and flexible plugin- High-quality sound with analog modeling- Includes dynamics processing features- Compatible with Waves SoundGrid system
- Expensive (unless on sale)- High CPU usage and latency- Requires iLok authorization- No oversampling feature
PSP Audioware NobleQex
$69 (regular price $99)
- A plugin that emulates the Pultec EQP-1A tube unit- Two EQ bands with separate boost and attenuation controls- Frequency range control- High-pass filter- Output level control- Saturation feature- Smooth and warm sound- Saturation feature adds more harmonics and character- Output level control allows for easy gain staging- Low CPU usage and latency
- Limited frequency options- No oversampling feature- No bypass or solo buttons for each band- No mid-band filter
As you can see, the Analog Obsession Equalizer Bundle has some advantages and disadvantages compared to other plugins. However, considering that it is free and offers four different types of equalizers, it is definitely worth trying out and adding to your plugin collection.
Alternatives
If you are looking for some other free or paid options for analog equalizer emulation, here are some alternatives that you might want to check out:
Ignite Amps PTEq-X: A free plugin that emulates three Pultec EQ units: the EQP-1A, the MEQ-5, and the HLF-3C. It features three EQ bands with separate boost and attenuation controls, a frequency range control, a high-pass filter, a low-pass filter, a tube saturation feature, an output level control, and an oversampling feature.
Softube Tube-Tech PE 1C: A paid plugin that emulates the Tube-Tech PE 1C tube unit, which is a modern version of the Pultec EQP-1A. It features two EQ bands with separate boost and attenuation controls, a frequency range control, an output level control, and a bypass button.
Brainworx bx_console N: A paid plugin that emulates the Neve VXS console channel strip. It features a four-band EQ with selectable frequencies and Q values, a high-pass filter, a low-pass filter, a compressor, a gate, a de-esser, an input level control, an output level control, a noise feature, and an oversampling feature.
OverTone DSP AF2-10: A paid plugin that emulates the API 550A module. It features a ten-band graphic EQ with selectable frequencies and Q values, an input level control, an output level control, a bypass button, and an oversampling feature.
Solid State Logic Native Channel Strip 2: A paid plugin that emulates the SSL E Series console channel strip. It features a four-band EQ with selectable frequencies and Q values, a high-pass filter, a low-pass filter, a compressor, an expander/gate, an input level control, an output level control, a bypass button, and an oversampling feature.
Conclusion
The Analog Obsession Equalizer Bundle is a great option for anyone who wants to add some analog flavor to their digital audio. It offers four plugins that emulate some of the most iconic analog equalizers in history, such as the Neve 1073, the API 550A, the Pultec EQP-1A, and the SSL E Series. The plugins have simple and intuitive interfaces that resemble the original hardware units. They also have an oversampling feature that can improve the sound quality. The bundle is compatible with most DAWs and operating systems. It supports VST, VST3, AU, and AAX formats for both 32-bit and 64-bit systems. It also has low CPU usage and latency.
The best part is that the bundle is free and regularly updated by the developer. You can download it from the Analog Obsession website or Patreon page. You can also support the developer with a donation if you like their work.
If you are looking for a way to enhance your mixing and mastering process and results with some analog warmth, color, and character, you should definitely give the Analog Obsession Equalizer Bundle a try. You might be surprised by how much it can improve your sound.
FAQs
Here are some common questions and answers about the Analog Obsession Equalizer Bundle:
Q: How do I install the Analog Obsession Equalizer Bundle?A: You can download the bundle from the Analog Obsession website or Patreon page. You will get a zip file that contains the plugins in different formats. You need to extract the zip file and copy the plugins to your preferred plugin folder. Then you can scan them in your DAW and use them as usual.
Q: How do I activate the oversampling feature?A: You can activate the oversampling feature by clicking on the Analog Obsession logo on each plugin interface. The logo will turn red when oversampling is on. Oversampling can improve the sound quality by reducing aliasing artifacts. However, it can also increase the CPU usage and latency, so you might want to use it only for offline processing or final touches.
Q: How do I use the mic/line option on BritChannel?A: You can use the mic/line option on BritChannel by clicking on the MIC or LINE button on the plugin interface. The MIC mode adds more saturation and harmonics to the signal, while the LINE mode is cleaner and more transparent. You can use the MIC mode to add some grit and edge to your tracks, or the LINE mode to preserve the natural sound of your sources.
Q: How do I boost and cut the same frequency on Rare?A: You can boost and cut the same frequency on Rare by using the separate boost and attenuation controls on each EQ band. For example, if you want to boost and cut at 100 Hz, you can set the LOW frequency to 100 Hz and adjust the BOOST and ATTEN knobs accordingly. This will create a resonant peak at 100 Hz that can add some weight and presence to your tracks.
Q: How do I adjust the Q value on SSQ?A: You can adjust the Q value on SSQ by using the Q knob on each EQ band. The Q value determines how narrow or wide the EQ curve is. A higher Q value means a narrower curve, while a lower Q value means a wider curve. You can use a higher Q value to isolate or remove specific frequencies, or a lower Q value to affect a broader range of frequencies.
dcd2dc6462