IK Multimedia T-RackS EQ PB – Preamp and EQ Emulation Plug-In (Download)

The T-RackS EQ PB from IK Multimedia is a plug-in based on the equalizer implemented on many custom designed modular consoles of the late ’60s and ’70s. Its four-band proportional Q design has been meticulously modeled, including the entire custom op amp-based circuitry. Seven frequency centers per band make repeatability very easy, and their selection allows for extremely musical results.

Each band has 1 dB gain-resolution, becoming 1.5 dB in the higher part of the knob throw. The four band design is particularly useful for treating midrange-critical tracks, like guitars, vocals, pianos, or strings. Having two midrange-dedicated bands that span from 75 Hz to 12.5 kHz with some overlapping, allows the EQ to perform a variety of boosts and cuts for enhanced shaping of tracks. The low and high bands can be switched to shelving mode for broader strokes if required.

The proportional Q design and EQ curves are closely matched so that the boost or cut is broader at lower amounts of gain, and sharper as the level increases. This results in minimized phase shifting with no additional controls needed for bandwidth management. Additionally, engaging the module’s preamp and boosting its gain makes all components from the filters network to the output transformer react differently, expanding the sonic possibilities. When the preamp is disengaged the gain and out controls act as clean input and output levels to the EQ section.