Excellent video on a superb EQ. I've been using it in my mastering studio for a year now, along with the SPL Iron Mastering compressor. Both are world-class pieces of gear and, in the right hands (or do I mean ears?) can do amazing things. The equivalent plugins are pretty good emulations too. I've done blind A/B comparisons between the hardware and plugin many times with different listeners, and most people, including unskilled listeners could hear the subtle differences, and preferred the hardware. That said, when I put the EQ or compressor into parallel mode with a 50/50 wet dry mix, only a few listeners could guess the hardware correctly. Thanks for making so many great videos Colt!
I have been following your videos for a while and I am thrilled about this video. I just purchase a SPL Iron V2 hardware about a two weeks ago (10/23/2024) from Sweetwater, and I was completely blown away on how great this compressor performed. It is definitely a true Mastering level compressor gear. In fact, this compressor is so good, I decided to get the SPL PQ hardware because both of these units are designed with the 120v DC rail technology, and to be use together to compliment each other. I just got the PQ yesterday {11/13/2024} and I immediately added this gear to my Iron V2. I am totally blown away with this setup. I am using two different set of cans, ( Focal Stellia, HD 800 S) and my fantastic monitors the Focal Trio11 BE. Great Job on this video, and I want thank you for your continuation support on pro audio gear.
I looking at snagging an SPL Iron sometime soon as well! I got the opportunity to track with one on an insert on the console’s master buss a couple years ago and I immediately bought the plugin as soon as I got home. I have used it on every mix and every master I’ve worked on since I got it, but there’s just something about that hardware piece I feel that I’m missing when using the plugin, so I’ve decided I just have to pull the trigger on it! Glad to see I’m not the only one who’s obsessed with the iron
@@rebeliirecords9189 It's incredible forsure! I have my SPL Iron V2 (All Black) brand new on Reverb at a steal of a deal if you're interested - I do more recording work these days so putting the funds towards a new mic :)
You've got two great pieces of MUSICAL equipment there. I've been using both for a year and a half now. From a learning perspective, think of them more as musical instruments than tubes and circuits. If I may make one suggestion, take your time learning the Iron rectifier settings and listen carefully to how they affect release and attack times. There are almost too many combinations, so the only way to find your way through them is to play, play, play with every setting and make notes, lots of notes! Cheers and make some great music!
@@gregpastic6910 Thank you for the suggestion. I have been sampling the rectifier settings along with the release and attack settings, and taking some notes. I do need to create a chart and really focus on one rectifier at a time to chart and move on to the next setting. There is so much potential of having these two pieces of audio gear.
The plugin vs the hardware would definitely be an interesting shootout. Especially considering the in depth analysis you would have to consider since it is a mastering eq
@@djellisdee If you can afford it try using AlexB's version of the SPL with Acustica Nebula it sounds fantastic almost as good as the hardware but definitely better than PA's version. Its kinda shocking how no one talks about Nebula yet
I love that you are raising the expectations and therefore the standards of the entire industry by disseminating your methodology and techniques. Muchas Gracias !
I always wondered why not many people talk about this gear since it's ridiculous how every time you pass by someone somehow speaks about it says incredible stuff. And I remember once you said in one of your videos that you're on a hunt for high quality mastering level EQ, that time, my initial response was "Please make it the SPL PQ". I guess my prayer is answered now. Can't wait for the comparison video if you decide to do it. And "Please Please Please make it more than one music sample". Would be even greater if you do a series on each of your mastering chain's gears. Looks like the next thing is analog gear on the master bus since everyone is now used to the flexibility of the digital domain yet misses the analog flavor. All the love Colt.
It's crazy how versatile this EQ is. You use it for more of a general shaping EQ, but I like using the plugin version as a M/S corrective EQ. The widest bands are so smooth on mud in the low mids, and narrowing the bands on the upper mids means you can carve out harsh frequencies without losing any important high-end info. This paired with the Manley Massive Passive are the two EQs that will never leave my Mastering chain. It reminds me that the only other "drawback" (to me) about the PQ is that there aren't any shelving features I'd use specifically for my mix busses/masters. But I use the PQ enough on instrument busses for more general shaping like you to where it doesn't really matter and doesn't take away from my experience using it. It's an unbelievable EQ for all situations.
The only bad thing about the PQ (aside from the price point for some people) is how heavy it is and how much real estate it takes up in a rack! It's a work of art.
I can hear the difference even on my phone. It’s pretty cool. I know that all this matters but the scope of my work is for songwriter demos. I don’t think I can justify that kind of money for what I do. But I don’t say that as a critique of your use case at all. There’s no one device that makes the difference in a pro mix but rather it’s the sum of all devices that matter. The part I always chuckle about is that most of the gate keepers up to the point of release can hear the quality so we can then release music to a collective end user who is going to play it on a compromised device with untrained ears. And those ears can’t hear the nuances however, as a critical listener for years I certainly do appreciate the nuance! Great job showing the device and sharing your excitement for it.
The plugin is something, I also reach for ever since it came out. Awesome to see, that you got the All Black version. It just looks for the lack of a better term "metal".
You know a mastering EQ is instant sauce when you can crank 20k up by 20db and it still sounds 100% usable. Honestly an 8db boost at 20k sounded soooo nice. The depth this unit had was bananas. Congrats on a crazy pickup!
Great demo!!! I'd love to see the hardware vs plugin comparison. I don't necessarily have 7k for the hardware but $25 is doable!!! Thanks for the great video Colt!!!
I love this one as well Colt. When I put together my reference mixes for my records, I put this on the master chain and it just lifts the entire song up and opens everything up. Plus the red UI looks great lol. I gotta slide to Nashville one of these days soon my guy. Keep up the amazing work.
That's a crazy MHF band, even cranked at it's max it's still smooth! I can see why it's almost $7k for that EQ. Even at extreme settings it's incredibly smooth and musical and doesn't pierce the ears to death.
i can buy 3 m4 mac for the price of this hardware omg... i think the problem is that if the plugin is that good (i use it a lot and i love it), it will never be worth that price, but im happy for you man your videos are great!
You’ve got a good taste Colt, some great choices you did. I love the DBX260 and also the SPL PQ and the Iron are being used a lot in my setup. The SPL stuff is all amazing, I have the Vitalizer and the Transient Designer and love them both. I also want to try their hardware Deesser which seems to be pretty good 😊
For a while i was using a Manley massive passive plugin, but recently switched the PQ and i can’t go back. Love how it handles the lows and low mids and the highs are really sweet as well. Would love to own a real one at some point. But i doubt I’ll ever be able to afford one. And these days i don’t do nearly as much EQ in mastering as i used to outside of stuff like gulfoss or soothe. That being said i love what the PQ does harmonically as well.
@@soundescapemn Not comparing them, just saying that I used to use manley massive passive as my go to and it's switched to the PQ because of how versatile i found it is! It was mentioned in the video and I'm agreeing 100%. They are very different EQs and have harmonic characteristics that are different as well as a different number of EQ points (4 band with a high pass/low pass) vs a 5 band EQ. I still from time to time will settle on the manley massive passive. In my mastering chain it's still one of a bunch of analog parametric EQ plugins i have on there. Yet time again and again I end up liking how the PQ handles things. It's not always the case though. and also lately i haven't even been using the analog parametric EQs and opting for the AI digital plugins i mentioned previously, but it's nice to have as one solution will never be the solution every time. knowing the sound that each one imparts is very helpful to my needs to know which to reach for and then compare to what works best for the song.
your desk iS PERFECT BRO. i love the plugins and the modeling amp stuff tho cause ima nerd , my 24 track console 1073 la-2a and 1176 is all the hardware i need doggie (actually i needa pultec then im done)
SPL is probably the poshest sounding gear out there. I'm kind of surprised that you haven't gone down the digitally recallable route. Wes Audio and Bettermaker are making some serious units now. I sold 3 pieces of equipment to get a Wes Audio ngTubeEQ. And they have just released a 500 series multi band compressor.
Man the hardware version sounds soo good. I have been using the Plugin Alliance one for the longest time but after coming across AlexB's SPQ for Acustica Nebula I just can't look back! a comparison would be great to see. Awesome video man!
Yeah the other thing it does is if you put it near last in the chain and hit it really really hot then it changes the sound. Makes the transients pop more. Depends on how hot your converters are calibrated tho. In that position it sounds completely different to the plugin and way more interesting.
If there's anyone who should do a plugin comparison video, it's going to be you. I'm curious to see that, as I would love to get an idea of the realistic ratio! How close is the plugin to the hardware? Inquiring minds would like to know!
Great video as always, I wrote myself a little script to make the mouse click every x amount of seconds... so I have the script on my stream deck with A/B button function ... /yes I took the idea form spl.... maybe I can share it with you guys somehow...
You may be able to drop the HF frequency and free up the MF which goes all the way up to 4.1k. Just have to pick which control benefits your workflow the most. I suppose with your mixing style focusing on dialing in the midrange, the extra control at the top probably makes sense in the mastering phase for your workflow.
Great video I’ve been using the plug-in version for ages and it sounds amazing! Quick question, if you mix through the spl and then master that mix do you use the same eq when u master or do u use a different one? If you do master with the spl on a mix you’ve used it on do you use the same frequency and qs?
I always start with the mix bus first. So this EQ is actually the very first thing I touch in a mix. And then usually when I’m mastering my own mixes it only needs just a touch more EQ, so I will use this again on my master.but when I’m mastering for other people, it gets used as well
Colt, Could you please do a hardware to plugin comparison? Have you looked at the Carnaby HE2 and also check out the new WesAudio Pandora. The Pandora is a 3 slot 500 series multi band compressor/EQ/THD. Thanks for the video.
This piece of kit is way too overkill for me but great detailed video and it speaks volumes for the unit that the eq changes translate even on my crappy phone speakers. Amazing song by Suzy Jones too!
@@ColtCapperrune BLESS ALSO Im form Nigeria. and we can't access the sweet water site from here. its be nice to get them to fix that. a lot of producers down here would benefit from that alone
I have this plugin, but when I bought it, i was still learning on how to make a mix bus. Im gonna have to use it again. You’ve convinced me again. 😂 Also, have you tried the SPL Iron?👀
Beautiful piece of gear. I don't even work with music but you made me want the PQ with this video lol. I'm curious about how these pieces of hardware are used when mastering ATMOS mixes given than these devices are mostly stereo or mono. Have you had the chance to you use the PQ on an ATMOS master? Or are these devices not used at all in that context?
Thanks for this vid, Colt. Is there a comparable 500 series EQ? Also, the difference with and without even comes across on my iPad speakers, so I can only imagine what it sounds like in your room!
I have yet to experience liking a plug-in that’s modeled after hardware, better than the hardware. That said, it is definitely common that I’m looking to transparently EQ or compress something, and plug-ins are better at that if I want to impart zero character into a track.
I love the PQ as well. I think it handles bass as no other EQ. The bells go wide enough, so you're not missing on shelves. It is very precise (unlike the plugin) etc. However, all that said, I can't get my head around the ergonomics of the unit. The faceplate seems crowded and matching left and right is always a struggle. As a piece marketed as a "mastering" EQ, my question is why they decided to have a +/- 20db range. In mastering you rarely go above 2-3db cut or boost. The auto bypass option is cool but seems like a waste of space when you think about the alternative options they could have taken. (Output gain, M/S, or even filters with a double knob) But eh, the sound is to die for so, that's all that matters, right?
Ah ... nice gear, but to be honest for 7k I expect a digital display where i can see how the setting are with a quick look. Other than that, a fancy toy it is and for sure adds some image value to the studio if there's need for.
It’s absolutely fantastic! One of my all-time favorites! But unfortunately, it works on less different genres and styles of music than this one in my opinion. It was always a little too colored and saturated on the cleanest of pop for my tastes. But it’s a monster on rock and Indie!
@@ColtCapperrune ah that's a very interesting Take. I mostly work with rock which might explain why the curvebender is so awesome to me. And why A-list mastering engineers probably have both I haven't heard any SPL units. This mastering eq is definitely piquing my interest though. I've never heard an EQ as natural sounding as the curvebender. Hearing the curvebender do its thing has made me listen to every other EQ differently
Far out man, maybe the three Trio11s(?) behind your desk (not to mention the rest of the Focal atmos setup, not to mention the rest of the $$$$$$ gear) had something do with you needing to save up for the PQ. I'm genuinely happy for you and monitoring/room treatment comes first but just sayin 🤣🤣
Ahh so THIS was the secret sauce on the master, thanks dude!
My man 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
The spl stuff is such an incredible build quality. The factory is just 20 minutes from my studio. Love the spl stuff ❤
Sounds absolutely stunning the recording and the mix and of course the performance.
Excellent video on a superb EQ. I've been using it in my mastering studio for a year now, along with the SPL Iron Mastering compressor. Both are world-class pieces of gear and, in the right hands (or do I mean ears?) can do amazing things. The equivalent plugins are pretty good emulations too. I've done blind A/B comparisons between the hardware and plugin many times with different listeners, and most people, including unskilled listeners could hear the subtle differences, and preferred the hardware. That said, when I put the EQ or compressor into parallel mode with a 50/50 wet dry mix, only a few listeners could guess the hardware correctly. Thanks for making so many great videos Colt!
I have been following your videos for a while and I am thrilled about this video. I just purchase a SPL Iron V2 hardware about a two weeks ago (10/23/2024) from Sweetwater, and I was completely blown away on how great this compressor performed. It is definitely a true Mastering level compressor gear. In fact, this compressor is so good, I decided to get the SPL PQ hardware because both of these units are designed with the 120v DC rail technology, and to be use together to compliment each other. I just got the PQ yesterday {11/13/2024} and I immediately added this gear to my Iron V2. I am totally blown away with this setup. I am using two different set of cans, ( Focal Stellia, HD 800 S) and my fantastic monitors the Focal Trio11 BE. Great Job on this video, and I want thank you for your continuation support on pro audio gear.
I looking at snagging an SPL Iron sometime soon as well! I got the opportunity to track with one on an insert on the console’s master buss a couple years ago and I immediately bought the plugin as soon as I got home. I have used it on every mix and every master I’ve worked on since I got it, but there’s just something about that hardware piece I feel that I’m missing when using the plugin, so I’ve decided I just have to pull the trigger on it! Glad to see I’m not the only one who’s obsessed with the iron
@@rebeliirecords9189 It's incredible forsure! I have my SPL Iron V2 (All Black) brand new on Reverb at a steal of a deal if you're interested - I do more recording work these days so putting the funds towards a new mic :)
You've got two great pieces of MUSICAL equipment there. I've been using both for a year and a half now. From a learning perspective, think of them more as musical instruments than tubes and circuits. If I may make one suggestion, take your time learning the Iron rectifier settings and listen carefully to how they affect release and attack times. There are almost too many combinations, so the only way to find your way through them is to play, play, play with every setting and make notes, lots of notes! Cheers and make some great music!
@@gregpastic6910 Thank you for the suggestion. I have been sampling the rectifier settings along with the release and attack settings, and taking some notes. I do need to create a chart and really focus on one rectifier at a time to chart and move on to the next setting. There is so much potential of having these two pieces of audio gear.
Curve Bender and Museq are my holy grail for sure! Enjoyed the video.
The plugin vs the hardware would definitely be an interesting shootout. Especially considering the in depth analysis you would have to consider since it is a mastering eq
I may make that video, thanks for watching!
@@ColtCapperrune For $25 (plug-in) vs $6,700 (hardware), maybe the VST plug-in is just good enough for 99% of people in this case?
It’s been done on another channel
@@djellisdeeI think the plugin is the right choice for 95% of people watching
@@djellisdee If you can afford it try using AlexB's version of the SPL with Acustica Nebula it sounds fantastic almost as good as the hardware but definitely better than PA's version. Its kinda shocking how no one talks about Nebula yet
Congratulations…definitely one of the best EQ’s out there 👍
the headroom is one of my favorite aspects that SPL mastering outboard gear gives.
I love that you are raising the expectations and therefore the standards of the entire industry by disseminating your methodology and techniques. Muchas Gracias !
SPL are amazing. I hope to buy a Channel One soon. Smooth and versatile.
The fact these moves are coming through even on my iPhone speakers is impressive in itself. Can’t wait to hear this on my monitors!
I was surprised I could tell the difference on my iPhone as well 🤩🤩🤩🤩
Love it!! Thanks for watching!!
@@SmilusMusic right?!
I always wondered why not many people talk about this gear since it's ridiculous how every time you pass by someone somehow speaks about it says incredible stuff. And I remember once you said in one of your videos that you're on a hunt for high quality mastering level EQ, that time, my initial response was "Please make it the SPL PQ". I guess my prayer is answered now. Can't wait for the comparison video if you decide to do it. And "Please Please Please make it more than one music sample". Would be even greater if you do a series on each of your mastering chain's gears. Looks like the next thing is analog gear on the master bus since everyone is now used to the flexibility of the digital domain yet misses the analog flavor. All the love Colt.
Dude your studio is my dream man!!!! what you got the SP-PQ.... people who never used one just really don't understand how good that EQ is.
It's crazy how versatile this EQ is. You use it for more of a general shaping EQ, but I like using the plugin version as a M/S corrective EQ. The widest bands are so smooth on mud in the low mids, and narrowing the bands on the upper mids means you can carve out harsh frequencies without losing any important high-end info. This paired with the Manley Massive Passive are the two EQs that will never leave my Mastering chain. It reminds me that the only other "drawback" (to me) about the PQ is that there aren't any shelving features I'd use specifically for my mix busses/masters. But I use the PQ enough on instrument busses for more general shaping like you to where it doesn't really matter and doesn't take away from my experience using it. It's an unbelievable EQ for all situations.
The only bad thing about the PQ (aside from the price point for some people) is how heavy it is and how much real estate it takes up in a rack! It's a work of art.
I can hear the difference even on my phone. It’s pretty cool. I know that all this matters but the scope of my work is for songwriter demos. I don’t think I can justify that kind of money for what I do. But I don’t say that as a critique of your use case at all.
There’s no one device that makes the difference in a pro mix but rather it’s the sum of all devices that matter.
The part I always chuckle about is that most of the gate keepers up to the point of release can hear the quality so we can then release music to a collective end user who is going to play it on a compromised device with untrained ears. And those ears can’t hear the nuances however, as a critical listener for years I certainly do appreciate the nuance!
Great job showing the device and sharing your excitement for it.
What an incredible unit. Great video man!
Thanks for watching!
The plugin is something, I also reach for ever since it came out.
Awesome to see, that you got the All Black version. It just looks for the lack of a better term "metal".
Damn that thing sounds great!!! 🔥🔥🔥
Been using the AMEK 250 EQ for the Master, i have to try the PQ!
Oh man, GML 8200, SPL PQ and the Manley Massive Passive are my grail analog EQs
All ridiculously good EQ!
I can't even watch the whole video because I don't want to fall in love.
Do it! And then just grab the plug-in! $29.99 is so worth it. The link is in the description. 🤘🏻😜🤘🏻
You know a mastering EQ is instant sauce when you can crank 20k up by 20db and it still sounds 100% usable. Honestly an 8db boost at 20k sounded soooo nice. The depth this unit had was bananas. Congrats on a crazy pickup!
Dude, I thought I was the only one who did the eyes close fast click A/B
thing. I always thought it was funny, but that’s cool that you do it too.
Great demo!!! I'd love to see the hardware vs plugin comparison. I don't necessarily have 7k for the hardware but $25 is doable!!! Thanks for the great video Colt!!!
That thing sounds amazing. Gotta get that plugin!!
I love this one as well Colt. When I put together my reference mixes for my records, I put this on the master chain and it just lifts the entire song up and opens everything up. Plus the red UI looks great lol. I gotta slide to Nashville one of these days soon my guy. Keep up the amazing work.
I agree! Thanks so much!
Pls do an unbiased honest shootout between the plugin and the hardware. Would be super insightful
Hahaha the bypass clicking technique… I do that too😅
Thanx tons for the talk through . . . I now want to use this EQ . . . . Some day . . . . .wistful emoji here.
Check the plug-in! Link is in the description, I used the plug-in for years, it’s well worth the money. Hope that helps, thanks for watching!
sounds great. loving that Hamilton Pilot as well... :D good stuff as always Colt!
That's a crazy MHF band, even cranked at it's max it's still smooth! I can see why it's almost $7k for that EQ. Even at extreme settings it's incredibly smooth and musical and doesn't pierce the ears to death.
i can buy 3 m4 mac for the price of this hardware omg... i think the problem is that if the plugin is that good (i use it a lot and i love it), it will never be worth that price, but im happy for you man your videos are great!
Congrats and enjoy!
Looks awesome! My holy grail is the WES TUBE EQ I got a couple months ago. It’s insane!
Congrats!!
YOU ARE A MASTER OF TEACHERS, I LOVE YOUR CHANNEL, I SEND YOU GREETINGS FROM TIJUANA MEXICO I AM A FAN OF YOUR CONTENT.
You’ve got a good taste Colt, some great choices you did. I love the DBX260 and also the SPL PQ and the Iron are being used a lot in my setup. The SPL stuff is all amazing, I have the Vitalizer and the Transient Designer and love them both. I also want to try their hardware Deesser which seems to be pretty good 😊
Thanks so much! All super cool units!
this is amazing !! thank you. what about a SSL Bus+ video with this unit and their interaction.
Bus+ video coming very soon!
@ yess!!!!!!! 🤘🤘😁😁. Your videos has help me so much !! Thank you bro.
For a while i was using a Manley massive passive plugin, but recently switched the PQ and i can’t go back. Love how it handles the lows and low mids and the highs are really sweet as well. Would love to own a real one at some point. But i doubt I’ll ever be able to afford one. And these days i don’t do nearly as much EQ in mastering as i used to outside of stuff like gulfoss or soothe. That being said i love what the PQ does harmonically as well.
Use both. They're not really comparable EQs IMHO, but they compliment each other extremely well when used in conjunction with one another.
@@soundescapemn Not comparing them, just saying that I used to use manley massive passive as my go to and it's switched to the PQ because of how versatile i found it is! It was mentioned in the video and I'm agreeing 100%. They are very different EQs and have harmonic characteristics that are different as well as a different number of EQ points (4 band with a high pass/low pass) vs a 5 band EQ. I still from time to time will settle on the manley massive passive. In my mastering chain it's still one of a bunch of analog parametric EQ plugins i have on there. Yet time again and again I end up liking how the PQ handles things. It's not always the case though. and also lately i haven't even been using the analog parametric EQs and opting for the AI digital plugins i mentioned previously, but it's nice to have as one solution will never be the solution every time. knowing the sound that each one imparts is very helpful to my needs to know which to reach for and then compare to what works best for the song.
Same thing happened here. I used the SPL Iron plugin, loved it, and ultimately grabbed the hardware and heaven't looked back.
I use the iron plug-in all the time as well! It’s a beast!
@@engmix My favorite compressor on bass
I need a single track unit that’s PQ on one side and Iron on the other. That would be gold.
@@narrator-timothymckean Just use them unlinked and you're all good. But I hear ya, stereo = $$$$
@@ColtCapperrune btw, the Air Bass feature on the hardware is absolutely killer.
that default freq selection is nice
Colt why did you have to do this to us ???? Now I’m sitting and DROOLING over this bad boy !!! Thanks a Lot !!!! 😅😅
your desk iS PERFECT BRO. i love the plugins and the modeling amp stuff tho cause ima nerd , my 24 track console 1073 la-2a and 1176 is all the hardware i need doggie (actually i needa pultec then im done)
Love this EQ too. I only wish it had the option for shelves instead of all bells.
SPL is probably the poshest sounding gear out there. I'm kind of surprised that you haven't gone down the digitally recallable route. Wes Audio and Bettermaker are making some serious units now. I sold 3 pieces of equipment to get a Wes Audio ngTubeEQ. And they have just released a 500 series multi band compressor.
5:09 "the single most expensive gear in my studio" proceeds to listen on a 23k Dolby Atmos speaker system. XD
Man the hardware version sounds soo good. I have been using the Plugin Alliance one for the longest time but after coming across AlexB's SPQ for Acustica Nebula I just can't look back! a comparison would be great to see. Awesome video man!
This is an awesome eq!
It looks so good!!!
I agree! One of the very best looking pieces of gear in the studio!
Just got mine! Also grabbed the Iron V2 and PassEQ! Aiming for the Vertigo VSM-2 next!
(Also I blame you for me purchasing the RND MBP and MBT 😂❤)
Hahaha love it 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻
Congrats on your purchase!!
How do you use this in ATMOS?
😂
Much Love
downloading the plugin just to play around with it lol, great watch !!!
Yeah the other thing it does is if you put it near last in the chain and hit it really really hot then it changes the sound. Makes the transients pop more. Depends on how hot your converters are calibrated tho. In that position it sounds completely different to the plugin and way more interesting.
First in! Looking forward to this one! I'm a gear junkie.
Hope you enjoy it!
cheers!
Nice video edit!
If there's anyone who should do a plugin comparison video, it's going to be you. I'm curious to see that, as I would love to get an idea of the realistic ratio! How close is the plugin to the hardware? Inquiring minds would like to know!
Great video as always, I wrote myself a little script to make the mouse click every x amount of seconds... so I have the script on my stream deck with A/B button function ... /yes I took the idea form spl.... maybe I can share it with you guys somehow...
You may be able to drop the HF frequency and free up the MF which goes all the way up to 4.1k. Just have to pick which control benefits your workflow the most. I suppose with your mixing style focusing on dialing in the midrange, the extra control at the top probably makes sense in the mastering phase for your workflow.
Holy HiHats Batman!
The Drawmer 1971 EQ has dentended Pots...and people say its a CLEAN parematric EQ for a very affordable price
Full comparison video will be great ❤
Great video I’ve been using the plug-in version for ages and it sounds amazing! Quick question, if you mix through the spl and then master that mix do you use the same eq when u master or do u use a different one? If you do master with the spl on a mix you’ve used it on do you use the same frequency and qs?
I always start with the mix bus first. So this EQ is actually the very first thing I touch in a mix. And then usually when I’m mastering my own mixes it only needs just a touch more EQ, so I will use this again on my master.but when I’m mastering for other people, it gets used as well
@@ColtCapperrune I see that makes sense thank you for the reply!
Colt, Could you please do a hardware to plugin comparison? Have you looked at the Carnaby HE2 and also check out the new WesAudio Pandora. The Pandora is a 3 slot 500 series multi band compressor/EQ/THD. Thanks for the video.
I’ve actually just looked at the HE2! Looks like a cool unit, I’ll try to get one in for a test!
@@ColtCapperrune When you get it make sure to check out the mid side mode.
@@ColtCapperrune Oh, I forgot all the knobs are detent.
Knif Eksa F got Five bands + LP + HP. It also got a good range of frequencies per band.
Peace ✌🏾
This piece of kit is way too overkill for me but great detailed video and it speaks volumes for the unit that the eq changes translate even on my crappy phone speakers. Amazing song by Suzy Jones too!
love it
Thanks for watching!
@@ColtCapperrune BLESS ALSO
Im form Nigeria. and we can't access the sweet water site from here. its be nice to get them to fix that. a lot of producers down here would benefit from that alone
I have this plugin, but when I bought it, i was still learning on how to make a mix bus. Im gonna have to use it again. You’ve convinced me again. 😂
Also, have you tried the SPL Iron?👀
How about mixing with it?
Colt, your website link seems to be broken.
Great video as always!
imho it is $7k - which is reasonable for the value it provides. The most important thing is done people have the skills necessary to justify it.
Beautiful piece of gear. I don't even work with music but you made me want the PQ with this video lol. I'm curious about how these pieces of hardware are used when mastering ATMOS mixes given than these devices are mostly stereo or mono. Have you had the chance to you use the PQ on an ATMOS master? Or are these devices not used at all in that context?
I can not make a decission-SPL PQ or Wes Audio NGTube Eq?Please help!
Both are incredible. But you can see which one I went with 😜
Thanks for this vid, Colt. Is there a comparable 500 series EQ? Also, the difference with and without even comes across on my iPad speakers, so I can only imagine what it sounds like in your room!
Have you ever liked a plugin be better? Kris Crummett said he did the same thing with the vertigo vsc 2 and sold it because the plugin was better.
I have yet to experience liking a plug-in that’s modeled after hardware, better than the hardware. That said, it is definitely common that I’m looking to transparently EQ or compress something, and plug-ins are better at that if I want to impart zero character into a track.
I love the PQ as well. I think it handles bass as no other EQ. The bells go wide enough, so you're not missing on shelves. It is very precise (unlike the plugin) etc.
However, all that said, I can't get my head around the ergonomics of the unit. The faceplate seems crowded and matching left and right is always a struggle.
As a piece marketed as a "mastering" EQ, my question is why they decided to have a +/- 20db range. In mastering you rarely go above 2-3db cut or boost.
The auto bypass option is cool but seems like a waste of space when you think about the alternative options they could have taken. (Output gain, M/S, or even filters with a double knob)
But eh, the sound is to die for so, that's all that matters, right?
Awesome!!❤ so for us who cannot afford this unit, what other analog mastering eq do you recommend? Thanks!
I always wondered how you do recalls on hardwares, I bet its the most annoying part of the job when you're dealing with hardware stuff.
oh man that so hot
Have you tried the Tomo Audiolabs LISA?
Ah ... nice gear, but to be honest for 7k I expect a digital display where i can see how the setting are with a quick look. Other than that, a fancy toy it is and for sure adds some image value to the studio if there's need for.
Do you compliment this with shelves and filters from any devices (like a Dangerous Bax)? If not how might you manage these functions with the SPL PQ?
Hey Colt, are you familiar with the Maag air band? Wondering if you're in a position to compare it with the SPL?
where did you get your desk?
Where is the link to the plug-in? I’m missing it.
They’re both on the same link 🤘🏻🙏🏻
Have you tried the chandler curvebender? It'll change your life
It’s absolutely fantastic! One of my all-time favorites! But unfortunately, it works on less different genres and styles of music than this one in my opinion. It was always a little too colored and saturated on the cleanest of pop for my tastes. But it’s a monster on rock and Indie!
@@ColtCapperrune ah that's a very interesting Take. I mostly work with rock which might explain why the curvebender is so awesome to me. And why A-list mastering engineers probably have both
I haven't heard any SPL units. This mastering eq is definitely piquing my interest though.
I've never heard an EQ as natural sounding as the curvebender. Hearing the curvebender do its thing has made me listen to every other EQ differently
Good.
God.
How is your health coming along man. Rooting for you.
the hardware destroy the plugin, have fun !!
SPL should have digital reccal IMO.
I just bought two.
We need some Colt C plug in presets!
Plugin Alliance just put out SPL BIG you think you can do a comparison between the hardware nd plugin?
Hmm. It’s $29.99 @ Sweetwater.
It is?! It was $24.99 when I filmed this… Sorry!
@@ColtCapperrune All good. Still a sick deal. Love your vid's. Thanks!
please compare against the plugin😍
This eq is $29 right now on Plug in Alliance, normally $349 so I had to take advantage of that and get it?
It's around $30 most of the time.
My apologies! It was $24.99 at the time of filming. But yes, even at $30, it’s a no-brainer.
Far out man, maybe the three Trio11s(?) behind your desk (not to mention the rest of the Focal atmos setup, not to mention the rest of the $$$$$$ gear) had something do with you needing to save up for the PQ. I'm genuinely happy for you and monitoring/room treatment comes first but just sayin 🤣🤣