The elysia xfilter qube is a true stereo 4-band EQ that delivers pristine audio quality and highly flexible tone shaping in a sleek desktop chassis. Based on elysia’s acclaimed xfilter 500 Series module, this unit features discrete Class A circuitry for an open, high-end sound with outstanding transient detail and punch — perfect for shaping instruments, buses, or full mixes. A switchable low-cut filter helps tighten the lows while enhancing clarity up top, and mid-peak filter options make precise tonal sculpting easy. Stepped controls ensure fast, accurate recall, making the xfilter qube equally at home in recording, mixing, or mastering environments.
The xfilter qube offers four powerful active bands with impressive flexibility. The high and low shelves can be switched to resonant high- and low-cut filters, while two fully parametric mid bands provide both narrow and wide Q options. Additional low-cut stages with shielded coils help produce a smooth, polished high end. A unique passive highpass filter — which elysia calls “Passive Massage” — adds a subtle resonance peak around 12kHz before gently rolling off from 17kHz. This results in a sweet, airy brilliance that’s especially effective during mastering.
Using traditional stereo EQs or dual mono units on a mix bus can lead to channel mismatches and phase inconsistencies due to normal component tolerances. The xfilter qube eliminates this problem with genuine stereo architecture controlled by a single set of precision-stepped knobs, ensuring both channels react identically. This means stable imaging, consistent tonal balance, and zero stereo drift — even during detailed mastering work.
To achieve this level of stereo accuracy, elysia employs computer-selected dual- and quad-layer potentiometers along with custom low-tolerance capacitors. Every control is bench-tested using specialized Audio Precision measurement systems and proprietary software. Only the most precisely matched components make it into production, giving the xfilter qube the kind of boutique, custom-shop build quality rarely found in stereo EQs. The result is exceptional reliability, repeatability, and sonic integrity for demanding studio professionals.
The elysia xfilter is a high-end 4-band stereo equalizer built for engineers who demand musical precision and sonic openness. Whether you're recording, mixing, or mastering, xfilter reveals detail, depth, and clarity that standard EQs simply can’t match. Designed with pristine analog circuitry and intuitive controls, it allows you to shape tone transparently while preserving the integrity of your source. A/B your signal and you’ll immediately hear the difference — more dimension, more brilliance, more life.
Applying EQ to a stereo bus often leads to mismatched channels due to normal component tolerances. xfilter solves this with genuine stereo architecture and computer-selected dual- and quad-layer potentiometers, along with ultra-low-tolerance capacitors. This ensures both channels respond identically, maintaining stable stereo imaging and phase coherence — critical for mix bus and mastering applications.
The outer bands operate as smooth high and low shelves by default, perfect for shaping air and low-end weight. With a switch, they transform into 12 dB/octave high- and low-cut filters with an added resonance peak at the cutoff frequency. This allows you to tighten bass with punchy focus or highlight upper frequencies with precision without harshness or excessive boost.
The two parametric mid bands feature switchable Q settings — Wide (Q 0.5) and Narrow (Q 1.0) — based on proportional Q design. These carefully chosen curves provide highly musical tonal shaping without the overly surgical feel of ultra-narrow filters, making the xfilter ideal for enhancing tone rather than just fixing problems.
A dedicated passive LC high-frequency stage adds a subtle resonance peak around 12 kHz before gently rolling off above 17 kHz. This creates a silky, polished top end that enhances brilliance without sounding brittle. Shielded inductors prevent noise interference, and this unique circuit is affectionately known as the “Passive Massage” for the way it opens up the high end with effortless smoothness.
Each potentiometer inside the xfilter is individually measured and selected using precision Audio Precision testing systems. Multi-layer pots are required for stereo operation, and component tolerances can otherwise cause channel mismatches. By selecting only the most accurate components, elysia ensures perfect stereo tracking and repeatable performance.
The xfilter’s four-layer PCB includes a dedicated ground shield layer positioned close to audio traces. This design dramatically reduces hum and electromagnetic interference, especially at lower frequencies where filter networks become more sensitive. The result is ultra-clean operation and exceptional signal integrity.
The xfilter|Mastering Edition is optimized specifically for mastering engineers. It retains the transparency and musicality of the original while offering refined control ranges and increased headroom for critical final-stage processing.
All four bands in the Mastering Edition feature a tight ±5 dB range with stepped controls, enabling highly accurate and repeatable adjustments. This allows engineers to make subtle, exact tonal moves while preserving the natural balance of a mix.
With massive +27 dBu headroom, the Mastering Edition provides ample space for processing high-level program material without distortion. This expanded dynamic range ensures pristine audio quality and precise control over every nuance of your final master.
Both xfilter versions deliver identical core sound quality across formats, giving you the freedom to choose the form factor that fits your workflow without compromise.
The elysia xfilter series represents the pinnacle of analog EQ design, offering exceptional clarity, flexibility, and build quality. From detailed mix shaping to high-end mastering polish, these processors provide unmatched control and musicality. With boutique components, precision engineering, and unmistakable sonic performance, the xfilter family stands as an essential tool for professionals who refuse to settle for ordinary sound.
| Type | Solid State |
|---|---|
| Number of Channels | Stereo Linked |
| Controls | Gain, Frequency |
| High Pass Filter | Yes |
| Low Pass Filter | Yes |
| EQ Bands | Low Mid, High Mid, Low Shelf, High Shelf |
| Number of Bands | 4 |
| Boost/Cut Range | ±13dB (Peaking Bands), ±16dB (Shelving/Cutoff Bands) |
| Q Type | Narrow/Wide, Shelving |
| Frequency Range (High Band) | 700Hz–28kHz |
| Frequency Range (Hi-Mid Band) | 300Hz–16kHz |
| Frequency Range (Lo-Mid Band) | 45Hz–2.2kHz |
| Frequency Range (Low Band) | 20Hz–900Hz |
| Bypass | Hardwire Bypass Switch |
| Inputs | 2 x XLR |
| Outputs | 2 x XLR |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz–400kHz (-3dB) |
| Power Usage | ±16V DC |
| Module Slot Size | Double |
| Manufacturer Part Number | xfilter qube |
