Vintage Tube Amplifiers and Custom-Designed Transformers set the soundstage. True Passive Equalization creates Bountiful and Musical Equalization curves. The new RETRO 2A3 is designed as an ultra High-Fidelity Program Equalizer whose sonic benefits go beyond the equalization process. Accurate to the industry-standard Pultec EQ performance, the RETRO 2A3 adds HF boost frequencies in several new sweet spots. Carefully implemented HF boost circuits capture the signature sound of the original passive equalizers. Use these settings to make individual tracks fit in place. Make a vocal shine and add distinct presence. There are many satisfying applications, most notably the stereo mix buss.
A new Subsonic Filter allows you to do peaking low frequency boosts that tame the excessive subsonic energy exhibited in the original design if that’s what you want. Utilizing the interstage transformer, the filter not only reduces the subsonic energy but also provides distinct transformer tonal characteristics for tracking and mixing. The filter has settings of 40 and 90 Hz with a peaking response and sharp cutoff. The 40 Hz setting has no apparent loss of lows as it adds excitement to the 35-40 Hz region that is golden in many listening environments. The smoothing effect is pleasantly apparent throughout the midrange. It is easily switched-out for applications that require tight, accurate low frequency response.
In consideration of the limited real estate in your rack, the RETRO 2A3 packs two EQ channels into one 2U space with surprising freedom of movement, ease of adjustment and familiarity. Use the two channels for stereo, separately on independent tracks or cascaded for extended equalization possibilities. The channel separation exceeds 70 dB.
The RETRO 2A3 passive equalizer circuits do not rely on amplifier feedback, which can cause a harsh and clinical sound in typical active equalizer designs. By incorporating pure passive Capacitor - Inductor based equalization; the RETRO 2A3 sounds so natural and effortless even with extreme boosts and cuts. We also gave special attention to the Pultec-style bass boost/bass cut method that is essential to a powerful bass and kick drum EQ. This involves simultaneous low frequency boosts and lower-mid cuts that can scoop out the mud and add real punch. Quite simply, there are benefits to having the RETRO 2A3 in line without even equalizing, as the tube amplification has it’s own unique musicality. The RETRO 2A3 Dual Channel Tube Program Equalizer provides a very useful palette of colors and textures ready for tracking, mixing and mastering.
Features
Industry-standard Passive EQ with authentic feel, controls and equalization curves
Additional HF Boost Frequencies for more precise control
Easily recallable 100-position knob scales on boost and cut controls
A ganged interstage-coupled Subsonic High-Pass Filter provides Peaking LF Boosts with alternate tonal characteristics
Transformer Balanced and fully-floating 600 Ohm Input and Output to eliminate ground-induced hum and noise
LF Boost Settings of 20, 30, 60 and 100 Hz
Complementary LF Cut settings of 20, 30, 60 and 100 Hz
Complementary HF Cut Settings of 5 kHz, 10 kHz and 20 kHz
Vintage Class AB tube amplification for unity-gain make-up
Equalization Bypass Switches
Size 2U Height: 19" wide x 3.5" tall x 9" deep
XLR input and output connections
IEC power connector
115/230V 50-60 Hz Switchable AC Mains
Uses readily available 12AX7(2) and 12AU7(2) electron tubes
Tube substitutions are possible with internal unity gain calibration and jumper selectable 6 or 12 volt tube configuration
Design minimizes tube heat generation
High stability components used throughout
Steel Chassis built to last
Manufactured in the USA
Full factory support
Specifications for the Retro 2A3 include:
Signal to noise ratio of greater than 76dB
Channel Separation greater than 70 dB
Frequency response is flat within 1 dB from 20 Hz-20,000 Hz
Harmonic Distortion is less than 1% from 20 Hz-20,000 Hz
Original Manufacturers Description
Technical Documents
Specifications
Brochure
Product Manual
Recall Sheet
User Testimonials
"I'm already using it and yes it's sweet as cherry pie." Michael Brauer
Michael Brauer is an established A-list mixing engineer known for his eclectic, highly acclaimed discography. Michael has worked with The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, Coldplay, My Morning Jacket, Ben Folds and John Mayer to name an incredibly select few. www.mbrauer.com
“The Retro 2A3 has become my new ‘go to’ on kick. Clean and open but big and with lots of character. Everything Retro makes is just quality tone." 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.
“It took me a little while to really get to know the EQ and what it is capable of and the results are beautiful – I am out of my mind in love with my 2A3 on the mix buss. There are times when I wish digital recording was never invented, which is why I get so excited by a piece like the 2A3. I can imagine some day people coveting the 2A3 the way we covet Pultecs now." Paul Leary
Paul Leary's credits include Sublime, the Meat Puppets, Butthole Surfers, U2 and Daniel Johnston among others.
