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

The T-RackS EQ PA from IK Multimedia is a plug-in based on the equalizer implemented on many of the custom modular consoles of the late 60’s and 70’s. Its three-band proportional Q design has been meticulously modeled, including the entire custom op amp-based circuitry. Twenty-one center frequencies make repeatability 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. Switching the outer bands from peaking to shelving mode delivers a fat low end on kick drums, and brings out the “punch” when boosting in the 40 to 50 Hz zone. At the other end, going as high as 10 to 15 kHz will add air to the top end of acoustic guitars or vocals, while still retaining the analog character this EQ is known for.

The proportional Q design and EQ curves are closely matched so that the boost or cut is broader at lower amounts of gain and gets sharper as the level is increased. An additional switchable band-pass filter rounds out the EQ selection. The module also features a preamp stage which further expands the tonal variations, while the input and output knobs can be set from clean gain adjustments to hard-clipped distortion, adding subtle character or wild sonic textures to recording or mixing sessions.