Maselec MEA-2 Mastering Equalizer  From Maselec

Overview:

The Maselec MEA-2 is a stereo or two-channel, four-band precision analog equalizer with variable Q/shelf, frequency and cut/boost controls on each band. The MEA-2 Precision Stereo Equalizer is designed for recording and mastering applications where ultimate sonic performance, musicality and precision are required.

Applications:

Top recording and mastering engineers still use some analogue signal processing equipment, finding the familiar correlation between sound and control better to work with. However, most analogue equalizers have either continuously variable controls, making precise adjustments difficult, or just a few coarsely-stepped controls. Many fail to meet the standards of audio performance consistent with digital delivery media. The MEA-2 provides fully-stepped controls for precision and repeatability for all parameters.

The MEA-2 is extensively used in mastering but also works well on an insertion point in recording or mixing. The MEA-2 has stepped controls with a fine 0.5dB gain adjustment at low cut/boost settings. Maximum cut/boost per band is 8dB.

The MEA-2 is an equalizer that can provide precise equalization with minimal side-effects - it is designed to provide a very transparent signal path where only the desired equalization effect is obtained without adding any particular sonic signature.

Pedigree and Design Philosophy

The MEA-2 was developed by Leif Mases in conjunction with recording engineers, producers and mastering engineers to provide a tool for high quality signal processing in the most demanding professional applications. It has been carefully designed to be easy to use and provide a natural warm sound with a great degree of transparency. The MEA-2 also offers precision controls, which enable exact recalls of previously used configurations.

Using the MEA-2

The MEA-2 is a very special Equalizer that has been designed to achieve a certain sound. It has a distinctive character, discernible both sonically and in the unique shape of its EQ curves. With 4 bands per channel, shelving/peaking/Q selection on each and 84 interleaved frequency settings per channel, the MEA-2 provides great flexibility and precision.

When a cut/boost control is set to 0 dB; the associated frequency section is by-passed Channel 1 and channel 2 can be by-passed individually with the illuminated push buttons on the front panel. The inputs and outputs can be connected to both balanced or unbalanced equipment and are able to handle up to +29 dBu levels.

The MEA-2 provides the warmth, punch or air you need with a minimum of effort and without compromising the signal path. All critical components are hand selected and matched. Great sounding EQ is right behind the controls!