Analog Domain EQs

Socprof,

Your analysis is the same as mine: I don't want a digital EQ in my signal chain if there is hi-res source material playing. That leaves analog EQs as the only choices. Not many options, outside of Rives' solution and studio EQs. I'd be sure that you can define the frequencies, the Q, and the amount of attenuation (or gain) that you want to provide. Many of the studio EQs have few predefined freq bands, and limited ability to control Q outside of "narrow" and "wide" settings". If you find something of interest, please post - i'm quite interested.

You will not be able to find high quality non-XLR pro EQs. If you have flexibility on that requirement, then you should consider the Manley Massive Passive, the Millennia NSEQ-2 or the GML models. These are all very high quality units and can be quite useful for some purposes, but they cannot do what the sophisticated programmable digital EQs can do to alleviate room problems.

" I don't want a digital EQ in my signal chain if there is hi-res source material playing. "

IMNSHO, Get over it. It's a farce to think that you can hear the difference resampling would make. Don't obsess over minutae like this (typical audiophilia...we are all guilty at times of it)... just listen and then judge. Blind if possible. Who's to say the analog domain EQ's sound better? They undoubtedly have colorations of their own.

As an FYI, Pro EQ's are designed usually for different signal levels than consumer gear, I believe.

Leftitself: gain is usually not recommended. most EQ users live by the credo 'cut only'. Don't try to fill in dips...

Digital Parametric with Q to 1/10 octave or better is the only way to go, IMHO. Treat the room as best you can first.

-Ed