Reimagining the Classic: Unleashing the Power of the Gainlab Audio Empress Passive Equalizer
When you think of a "passive equalizer," what comes to mind? The airy high frequencies, the robust lows, and the versatile cuts and boosts that can transform your audio landscape, right? These equalizers have been an integral part of the music industry since the 1950s. The renowned Pultec EQP-1 by Pulse Techniques was the pioneer, offering passive filter circuits combined with top-notch line amplifiers. While the EQP-1 lacked precision frequency isolation, it had the ability to shape sound like no other. Many modern equalizers draw inspiration from the original EQP-1, but they can be limiting in today's music production environments.
At Gainlab, we embarked on a mission to elevate the classic concept of passive equalizers. Our goal was to enhance versatility while retaining the signature characteristics that users expect. We started by introducing an additional mid-frequency filter between the low and high frequency filters, making the unit even more adaptable to modern music environments. We preserved the ability to simultaneously cut and boost frequencies in the low and high bands, allowing users to employ all the creative tricks they desire. Moreover, we incorporated a shift function that enables users to shift the mid-frequency point relative to the cutting and boosting range.
Through extensive testing, both in controlled laboratory conditions and real-life applications, the Empress surpassed our expectations in terms of versatility. It proved to be equally suitable for recording, mastering, and any other equalization task. This exceptional unit dominates the entire frequency range and consistently delivers outstanding performance, even in extreme conditions. It's no wonder we named it the Empress.
In summary, the Gainlab Audio Empress is a dual-channel passive equalizer featuring a tube amplifier and three bands on each side. Despite its compact design, requiring only 2U of space in your studio setup, its impact on your sound is significant. Rediscover the power of the classic passive equalizer, reimagined for the modern era, with the Gainlab Audio Empress.