Bettermaker SPE- Stereo Pultec EQ

Stereo Passive Equalizer

• 100% analog audio signal path
• USB connectivity with MAC/PC
• all parameters are digitally controlled by DAW (with dedicated plugin)
• stereo passive equalizer with extended hi-boost section (air bands: 20 and 28 kHz)
• adjustable output level (+/- 8dB)

Digital Section
The sound of the Stereo Passive Equalizer is of course based on the quality of its analog filters, precisely matched capacitors and inductors. But all the control and user interactions are performed in the digital domain. This allows us to incorporate options and possibilities not found in any standard analog equalizers: 

• Instant reset of all parameters
• Rapid, precise and repeatable adjustments
• Precisely linked stereo operation with the ease of a single control
• DAW automation and recall of all available parameters  

The digital section of the Stereo passive Equalizer is based around high speed, 32-bit micro-controller, with dedicated firmware programmed into its memory (with the possibility of updating the firmware via USB connection). It controls the parameters af all analog filters, watches over the user interface, presets management, audio measurement, USB connectivity and other SPE functions.

DAW integration
The Bettermaker Stereo Passive Equalizer can communicate with your DAW via USB connection. The unit appear as a HID device and can be managed via Bettermaker Streo Passive Equalizer Plugin.

The analog inputs and outputs use XLR connectors while the USB port on the rear is used to connect to Mac or PC. A specialized plug-in (AAX, AU, VST3) for macOS and Windows allows remote control from your DAW, presets and automation. You can also activate a high-pass filter with 24 dB/octave slope and use the built-in spectrum analyzer. I like this movement of digitally-controlled analog gear. I think it really makes for a “best of both worlds” type of arrangement.

Specifications (all filters enabled, set flat):

• Maximum input level: +24 dBu (balanced with 48kΩ input impedance)
• Maximum output level: +27 dBu (balanced with 50Ω + 50Ω output impedance)
• Nominal audio level: +4 dBu
• Frequency response: 7 Hz – 30kHz (-0.5 dB, ISO-R40 sweep)
• Frequency flatness: +/- 0.2 dB (20Hz – 20kHz, ISO-R40 sweep)
• Dynamic range: 101 dB (20kHz bandwidth, +24dBu)
• THD+N ratio: 0.009 % (20kHz bandwidth, +4dBu, 1kHz)
• THD ratio: 0.0025 % (+4dBu, 1kHz)
• CMRR (Common Mode Rejection Ratio): > 70dB (20Hz – 20kHz, IEC 60268-3)
• Crosstalk: > 88dB (20Hz – 20kHz, +18dBu, channel to channel)
• Max LF boost: 15 dB (set to 100 Hz)
• Max LF cut: 16 dB (set to 100 Hz)
• Max HF boost: 18 dB (all frequencies)
• Low boost/cut frequencies: 20, 30, 60, 100 Hz
• High boost frequencies: 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 28 kHz
• High cut frequencies: 5, 10, 20 kHz
• Control Resolution: 101 steps (Lo Boost, Lo Cut, Hi Boost, Bandwidth) & 34 steps (Hi Cut)
• Output gain: +/- 8 dB (0.1 dB resolution)
• Unit height: 2U
• Depth: 140 mm
• AC power consumption: 15W (2W in standby, with included 100-240VAC power adapter)