The Electrodyne 511 is a classic
two-band, discrete transistor, reciprocal, active inductor-based
equalizer using late-’60s/early-’70s design technology. As with the 501,
the 511’s custom inductors and output transformer are made by
Electrodyne’s original provider to strict factory tolerances as small as
two percent. This affords a consistent EQ performance and repeatability
from channel to channel that was simply not possible in the 1960s.
Smooth performance and EQ response from minimum to maximum gain at all
frequencies provides unusually broad sonic and tonal options not
experienced since the 1970s.
The module’s faceplate sports twin large rotary EQ controls each
offering ±12dB of boost and cut with four selectable frequencies per
band (LF: 40, 100, 250 and 500Hz / HF: 1.5, 3, 5 and 10kHz). Shelving is
available on all frequencies, with peaking offered at 250 and 500Hz in
the LF band and 1.5, 3 and 5kHz in the HF band. An EQ in/out switch with
accompanying LED rounds out the front panel feature set.
Specifications
Input: Active balanced discrete transistor impedance converter.
Peak/Shelf function on each band. Shelving at all frequencies, Peaking at 250, 500, 1.5k, 3k and 5k.
Distortion: 0.03%typical.
Maximum output: +30db at less than 0.8%thd. (+29.5db at 0.06%thd)
Frequency response: +/- 0.25db, 10hz to 70khz typical.
Signal to noise: -85db typ.
Original Manufacturers Description
Technical Documents
Specifications
Brochure
Product Manual
Recall Sheet
User Testimonials
“Ken Hirsch at Orphan Audio had initially told me about wanting to build these 500 Series modules a while back, so when I heard from Peter Montessi that they were actually in production, I told him that if they sounded anything even remotely close to the vintage units that I absolutely needed a pair. I've always loved working on old Electrodyne consoles and modules because they have this beautiful, thick '70s kind of tone.
The new 511s did not disappoint me in the least--I love them! Ken really captured that cool, old school Electrodyne vibe in a 500 Series module. I've found that it can be used very subtly; or, if I really want to crank it, I can turn it up full throttle and it sounds fantastic. It doesn't sound phase-shifty or ugly--it's very smooth. So it's been great for things that I want to make sound big and aggressive, like a snare or kick drum. In fact, I think I've used them on snare and kick for literally every project I've recorded lately." Joe Chiccarelli
Engineer Joe Chiccarelli's credits include The White Stripes, Stan Ridgway, Oingo Boingo, Ferron, Sandra Bernhard, Spirit of the West, Counting Crows, U2, The Shins, Radiohead, Elton John, The Cult and countless others.
