Analog Mastering EQ with Full Digital Control and Recall
Like all Bettermaker gear, the Mastering Equalizer features a pure analog signal path — and full digital recall.
An incredibly flexible, mastering-grade 4-band EQ for recording, mixing, and mastering, the Mastering Equalizer
can be controlled via its onboard 5” touchscreen and encoders, as well as its dedicated companion plug-in.
You can save all your settings to the internal memory, and (here's where Bettermaker really breaks away from
the pack) in your DAW project. The unit's USB data control link (which does not pass audio) lets you use the
Mastering Equalizer just as you would use a plug-in. Up to 399 presets are recallable via internal memory or
the plug-in. The mastering EQ can operate in stereo, dual-mono, or M-S modes to suit a wide variety of applications.
Packed with smart features to optimize your mixes and speed your workflow
The Mastering Equalizer sports four parametric bands plus high and lowpass filter sections.
Low and high bands may also be switched from bell curve to shelving. The unit also includes a
Pultec-style passive section plus 23kHz and 28kHz “air bands.” The display features a live
graphical representation of the EQ curve with a built-in real-time analyzer (RTA) for input/output
signal. Each EQ section can be individually enabled or disabled, and true bypass can be engaged
via a front panel switch. EQ bands may be interlocked to adjust a combination of bands in sync —
for example, to quickly make a broad EQ range brighter or darker.
The sonic integrity of analog plus "in the box" speed and convenience
Bettermaker's approach seems simple: cherry pick the best of vintage and modern circuit topologies
and combine them in products that offer the sonic integrity of analog with the speed and workflow
conveniences of working "in the box." The reality is that not all companies have the design chops
to pull it off consistently. Bettermaker does. With the Mastering Equalizer, they took a fresh
approach to classic mastering equalizer design. Modern, high-spec components were selected for
long-term reliability and to help maintain transient response and the low noise floor required for
today's recording practices. Take it from Music Experience — this is a true mastering-grade piece of kit.
Functionality was enhanced to accommodate the speed of today's hybrid studio workflow. Where possible,
they increased gain resolution and frequency response to ensure maximum flexibility. Subjective
listening tests played a big part in the development of this amazing mastering EQ. And the results
speak for themselves.
What Bettermaker says...
Bettermaker® Mastering Equalizer for those who seek outstanding EQ quality with the convenience of fast and precise recall and automation.
MEQ offers a 100% analog signal path, passive as well as parametric filters, a high-pass filter with changeable slope and resonance, stereo/dual-mono/MS operation, and a metering section with EQ curve representation.
All this with mastering-grade sound and patented recall with the speed of a native plugin.
- 100% analog audio signal path
- USB connectivity with MAC/PC
- All parameters digitally controlled via touchscreen and/or DAW (with dedicated plugin)
- 399 presets with unique names, total recall, A/B comparison
- 5-inch capacitive touchscreen with backlight, four encoders with push-button action
- Stereo, dual-mono, and mid/side operation modes with focus function
- Stereo 12 or 24 dB/oct high-pass filter with adjustable cutoff (10 Hz – 240 Hz; down to 6 Hz with resonance)
- Four stereo parametric filters with 15 dB boost/cut range, variable Q (0.2 – 7):
- EQ1: 22 Hz – 470 Hz (bell/shelf)
- EQ2: 90 Hz – 2 kHz (bell)
- EQ3: 480 Hz – 10 kHz (bell)
- EQ4: 1 kHz – 23 kHz (bell/shelf)
- Stereo passive EQ with extended hi-boost section (air bands: 20 kHz & 28 kHz)
- Stereo 12 dB/oct low-pass filter with adjustable cutoff (2 – 38 kHz)
- Adjustable output level (+/- 10 dB)
- Frequency Search, Gain Lock, Note and Auto-Q functions
- On-board PEAK/RMS metering and RTA analyzer
- Live on-screen EQ curve representation
Digital Section
The sound of the Mastering Equalizer is based on precision analog filters, matched capacitors, and inductors.
However, all control and user interaction happens in the digital domain, enabling features impossible on traditional analog EQs:
- Save and recall presets from on-board memory (400 slots)
- Instant reset of all parameters
- Rapid, precise, and repeatable adjustments
- Perfect stereo linking with single-control operation
- DAW automation and recall of all parameters
The digital section is driven by a high-speed 32-bit micro-controller with its own firmware (USB-updatable).
It controls filter parameters, user interface, preset management, audio measurement, USB connectivity,
and all Mastering Equalizer functions.
Front Panel and LCD Touchscreen
The large LCD touchscreen gives you direct control over nearly all functions. It displays a live EQ curve,
allows touch-and-drag frequency and gain adjustments (including the unique Frequency Search function),
and provides access to real-time FFT analysis, input/output metering, and preset management with an on-screen QWERTY keyboard.
The Bettermaker Mastering Equalizer communicates with your DAW via USB.
It appears as a standard HID device and can be controlled through the Bettermaker Mastering Equalizer plugin.
