The Weiss EQ1 is available in four different configurations. All of them work at 24/96. The basic model is the EQ1MK2, the linear phase model is the EQ1-LP, the dynamic model the EQ1-DYN. The EQ1-DYN-LP incorporates both LP and DYN versions in one unit. The mode of operation (LP or DYN) can be chosen after power-up. All models are user-upgradeable to any other version.
Here are the main features common to all four models:
Seven identical parametric bands. All seven bands cover the entire audio frequency range. Each band has Boost/Cut, Frequency and Q/Slope knobs. Each band operates in any of the following modes: High shelving, low shelving, peaking, high cut, low cut, bypass.
One parameter per knob operation. Seven sets of controls for seven operating bands. Knobs are touch sensitive. LCD display shows detailed parameters of the touched band.
Large, backlit Liquid Crystal Display which shows the overall frequency response (calculated in real time) and the detailed parameter values in dB, Hz and Q.
A/B compare memory, 128 snapshot bank with two additional banks for back-up.
Digital input / output in AES/EBU format on XLR connectors.
Dithering to 16, 20 or 24 bits. POW-R dithering in the LP, DYN and DYN-LP models.
128 steps for boost/cut, frequency and Q parameters.
Variable slope shelving filters.
Very high Q (up to 650) for notching out offending frequencies.
M/S mode for independent equalization of M and S channels. M/S encoder / decoder can be configured separately. Also see the article Stereo Shuffling: New Approach - Old Technique by Michael Gerzon
Peak meter, over indicators.
MIDI control for each parameter.
Bypass, overall gain, CH1/2 independent or ganged.
Configuration Options
EQ1-MK2 The EQ1-MK2 is the base model and offers all of the above features.
EQ1-LP, the EQ1-MK2 with linear phase response The EQ1-LP has the same parameter set as the EQ1-MK2 and is therefore fully snapshot and MIDI control compatible. Sampling frequencies supported are 44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96kHz.
The impressive list of features of the EQ1-MK2 is in the EQ1-LP further extended with a linear phase response. This means that the delay introduced by processing is now constant across the whole spectrum, unconstrained by eq settings - this is not the case with standard equalizers, where signal delay varies with frequency, with the length of the delay depending on the amplitude response.
The sound, or character, of an equalizer has been said to be influenced by phase response (for example John Watkinson: ...much of the audible difference between EQs comes down to the phase response., Studio Sound 9.97). The EQ1-LP is therefore the ideal tool for corrective amplitude adjustment, without the unwanted phase distortion added by standard equalizers.
The linear phase feature can be turned off, resulting in the exact same sound as the EQ1-MK2. So for creative sound designing, there is the benefit of two different equalizers in one machine.
EQ1-DYN, the EQ1-MK2 with four dynamic bands For the first time, Weiss Engineering brings an exciting new feature to its EQ palette: dynamic control in the frequency domain. You adjust the EQ to a nominal setting. The input signal is then analyzed to determine exactly how much equalization need actually be applied. If the signal is already loud in a certain band, it is not boosted even more. Or, alternatively, if you want to attenuate certain frequencies, these are only attenuated when they exceed a certain level.
Multi-band dynamic? Or dynamic multi-band?
The EQ1-DYN features four freely adjustable dynamic bands, and additionally three linear bands per channel. Setting up the dynamic bands is as easy as setting a linear band. There is just one additional parameter to be adjusted by the user, the threshold control. This makes multi-band dynamic control as easy and as versatile as adjusting a parametric equalizer.
EQ1-DYN-LP, Dynamic and Linear Phase EQ in a single unit The EQ1-DYN-LP contains both the Dynamic and the Linear Phase EQ programs. After power-up of the unit, the user can chose between Dynamic (DYN) and Linear Phase (LP) modes. This allows to use a single unit for a wealth of different equalizing tasks.
The workspace storage, the snapshots and the snapshot backups are fully independent between the DYN and LP parts of the unit. This means that all setup data are retained in any case. Users of EQ1-LP and EQ1-DYN units can upload their current snapshot data into the EQ1-DYN-LP via MIDI.
Original Manufacturers Description
Technical Documents
Specifications
Brochure
Product Manual
Recall Sheet
User Testimonials
"Never before have I experienced such purity of tone. What you put in sounds exactly like what you get out (if no processing is done). Even when processing heavily, the program material still sounds like the original." Larry DeVivo in TapeOp. Read the full review
"The new upgrades to the DS1 and EQ1-LP are remarkable. I think that the double-sampling EQ1-LP is the finest sounding equalizer that has ever been produced, whether analog or digital." Alan Silverman, Arf! Digital, USA
"My main comment is the sound is very very good, lovely, warm and beautiful, very analog-like. What more could one say?" Bob Katz, Digital Domain, USA
"The Weiss' EQ1 ergonomics, repeatability, memories, sound, and power are unbeatable." Bob Katz, Digital Domain, USA
"I love our Weiss EQ1. This would be my first choice if I had to use only one EQ. And the M/S mode in the new software version is very-very useful." Chris Hatzistamou, Athens Mastering, Greece
"..it was a delight to hear some digital EQ that actually sounded better than anything we've had before. I've always found that the high end of digital equalizers has never matched the quality of analogue equalizers, but this time the top end was really smooth." Bob Ludwig, Gateway Mastering, USA, (One to One Magazine)
"The top end just opened up. For the first time I could use digital EQ at high frequencies and get a smooth sound. I even tried 16k and it works. It sounds a lot like the EQP (Pultec analog EQ)." Eddy Schreyer, Oasis Mastering, USA
"The Weiss Double Sampling EQ is probably the best sounding digital equalizer we have ever heard comparing very favorably with our reference analog equalizer, a compliment in itself. It is sonically very smooth, possesses much 'air', does not sound pinched when the 'Q' is high and is very subtle. A boost or cut of 0.5 dB is clearly audible, something we have never heard in a digital equalizer." Sony Music, USA
"Anibal Libenson and myself are please to let you know that we have acquired your EQ1-LP and we believe that this has been the very best purchase in eqs that we have ever done." Patricio Libenson, Libenson Technical Services, USA
"The LP is simply unbelievable at how it sounds and what it can do and the Dyna is one of the most useful digital tools on the planet. Nothing does what that puppy can do! Be prepared to buy as once you hear these you will not want to let them go." Larry DeVivo, Silvertone Mastering, USA
"I'm loving the Linear Phase upgrade. I've really be able to reshape some complicated low end issues with it. One client said, "I don't know what you did to fix it but it's great and I'm not hearing any side effects." Having the linear phase processing in mid/side mode is great as well. You can really get in there and do some surgery! I was telling someone the other day how great the upgradability of your products has been. I bought my EQ1 when it was only 48k capable and wouldn't upsample! Then to upgrade to the DS, MkII, and now linear phase." Bob Boyd, Ambient Digital, USA
"One of the only tools that has remained a constant for me over the years is the Weiss Gambit EQ1. The flexibility of 7 bands of EQ with selectable configurations is unmatched. Then there's the sound: it's smooth, not harsh and can give you that analog feel while still remaining completely and precisely digital. The M/S coding is implemented flawlessly as well. There's nothing I've found that comes close." Adrian Carr, AC Mastering
