Reference 1998 Equalizer
Table of Contents
Introduction
Very few pieces of gear can truly be called modern classics.
Empirical Labs' Distressor, Tube-Tech CL 1B, Avalon 737, and Bricasti M7 Reverb would all fit that list—along with the inspiration for the Reference 1998 Equalizer: Manley's Massive Passive.
It's an elegant design with four completely passive, parallel EQ bands, each with unmistakable warmth and subtle saturation (technically from the inductors rather than transformers), coupled with a tube stage that offers excellent headroom.
But the pièce de résistance is its shelving filters. Turn the Bandwidth knob clockwise and you get a “Pultec-like” shelving curve that instantly gels with your mix—broad strokes, lots of color.
User Interface
The two channels on Reference 1998 are identical. If Link is enabled, the controls on the right channel follow the settings on the left channel.
Band
Each channel has four bands. The two lower bands can be set to Bell or Low Shelving, while the two upper bands offer Bell and High Shelving filters.
- Bell/Shelving
- Sets the band type: Bell or Shelving. The two lower bands provide Low Shelving, while the two upper bands provide High Shelving.
- Cut/Boost
- Sets the gain of the band. The actual gain depends heavily on Bandwidth. With a broad bandwidth, the gain is roughly ±6 dB, while at the sharpest settings it approaches ±20 dB.
- Frequency
- Sets the center frequency of the band.
- On/Off
- Engages or bypasses the band.
Center Section
The center section contains channel controls as well as additional high- and low-cut filters.
- Gain
- Sets the gain per channel (±6 dB).
- Unlink/Link
- Links or unlinks the channels.
- L/R, M/S
- Sets the equalizer to operate in either left/right or mid/side mode.
- Low Pass, High Pass
- Slightly resonant low-pass and high-pass filters.
Credits
Fredrik Jansson – DSP and UI development
Niklas Odelholm – Modeling, product design
Johan Bremin – Quality assurance
Ulf Ekelöf – 3D rendering