Analogue EQ Shootout - SPL PQ / Buzz REQ 2.2 / Maselec MEA-2 / HCL Thermos V3

[@sailorsaturn_]

you are the only channel on yt doing something so unique here with these comparisons between high quality eqs. thanks!

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

It helps when you own them all.

[@20Lukas93]

check out thom wettstein. amazing shootouts there. it's in german though...

[@steelhousemastering]

MEA-2 and HCL for me. Ive used both before, own the HCL. Wonderfully tight bass

[@DJURBANBG]

HCL bass is too much and is altering the soundstage . MEA is above them all , sounds bigger even more than the PQ which is for me personally between BUZZ and MEA . HCL is just not mastering grade

[@dannydaniel8975]

If your mix is evenly proportioned throughout the frequency spectrum, l see no need to place a global eq on it..the only thing left to do is compression glue. Mastering eq is not necessary if you have your frequency balance exactly the way you want it..if your console eq cant give you what you need then forget it. That $7000 can saved other things, but l get it. People send in unbalanced frequency music all the time to be mastered

[@audiokemestry]

I'd take the MEA-2 to pair up with my Massive Passive. The Buzz was nice but the MEA-2 was magical to my ear.

[@DJURBANBG]

Amazing MEA .. makes sound on layers , so alive , natural and crysta clear 💯💯

[@hanamanova5514]

In my chain are Buzz REQ2 and SPL PQ. Fully agree with the summary of the test. SPL does actually what Buzz doesn't and they are not interchangeable. Maselec is somehow missing point, very good, but not quite there.

[@BrianSladek]

Check out the HDE-250A eq, this is like the maselec with more options when you customize it, Love mine

[@dksa8085]

Man shout out to you and your team for making this kind of content, seriously. Amazing comparison video.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@@dksa8085 thank you

[@AlexAlcyone]

Super awesome what you have done here. Proper shootout that really allows comparison. Done right boss! Tough choice.. as a precise mastering EQ I would take the Maselec, super clean and love the transparent highs. Buzz is very vibey but much more colour. Having both in your toolkit would be the way. SPL high mids really had some crunch when you pushed them, possibly over-highlighting the lo-fi drum loop...? but the high end sounds great. Thermos high mid has some great tone but you can tell its not in the super league of the others. For me its Maselec #1, SPL and Buzz #2=, Thermos #3. Many thanks.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Great analysis

[@skymanbeatz6601]

I love the maselec ! He respect the material without coloration !

[@burns46824]

For these settings, Maselec was best...but is there perhaps a volume difference? I own a PQ. Also, you used the PQ in only one mode...

[@nicefish10]

This channel is awesome. You deserve waaaaay more subs!

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Thank you. Appreciated

[@kevinbatchelor9566]

That Buzz sounds incredible.

[@paulmolive1821]

I liked the SPL and Maselec the most. The Buzz Audio one was fine. The Maselec had an energy that was perfect for the track, while the SPL was neutral but enhanced the track. The HCL was my least favorite - maybe not the best choice for the program material.

[@wewantmoreparty]

MEA-2 just has something the other don't soundwise for me so classy and clean detail

[@bomimasteringstudio]

I liked the Maselec over all the others. I was very undecided whether to get a Mea-2 or a Buzz Req, I chose the Maselec and I like it more and more. Nice video :) I also love my IBIS/M CraneSong. It would have been nice to compare it with it too...

[@lucafrancinimusic]

I'll take the Maselec, thanks! Punchy and 3D in the lows and low mids and no harsh in the highs, what a beast!

[@alexmagor6661]

Great demo. The maselec stood out to me as the best. Seems like it has the most vibe which for me should be the end goal of the music. I would rather hear something imperfect that makes me feel good than something perfect and lifeless. Not to say the maselec was any less perfect than the others though.

[@doulos5322]

the HCL sounds like it has less clarity in the low end compared to the SPL and the Maselec it could also have more range though and its boosting more. It sounds good for mixing "mix bus" but I'd rather have a plugin. I think it's the q value, but it sounds "less surgical" then the other ones.

[@DJHazadous1]

Only heard one of the PQ topologies. The PQ can be different based on the topology selected. Love hearing the boxtones. Appreciate it!

[@MrBeblis]

Would love to see how you have these connected and wired up .

[@StereotacticMusic]

Buzz is the best of these 4 yes , SPL sounded very resonate for my test. Maselec is great but in second place 🥈, not as resonant as spl but not as sweet like buzz , great 👍 thanks

[@nashvillehitmachine-offici7936]

buzz had a bit of a muffled none flattering sound to me. the SPL and MEA were similar, SPL little more hyped. the HCL was very impressive for the price it could get it done. thanks for sharing

[@marbelis-my8xo]

The Maselec is in a different league. Surprisingly, the Thermos sounds awesome. The PQ isn’t as punchy and sounds kinda lifeless. The Buzz sounds amazing but I’d say Maselec>Buzz>Thermos>PQ. Great video as usual!

[@giyamastering6064]

THERMos love the hug it gives

[@SydneyValette]

Maselec was my favorite

[@FatEnoughRecordsLLC]

Whatever eq settings you have dialed in the initial test sound the best on the Thermos to me.

[@FrankNobelMusic]

something felt a bit funky with the buzz audio stereo image, felt like the left and right is slightly un even awesome video though! brilliant

[@SXTWLVE]

same

[@TheDukeOfBlues]

so where to place the WES? and what about a chandler?

[@mixgus]

I’ve only listened in my phone but boy does that buzz sound lush

[@dksa8085]

The Buzz EQ is pretty great, and I actually really, REALLY dislike the SPL! That said, I imagine the SPL would do amazing for rock or more "abrasive" in your face music so I can see it being very useful although not my type of flavoring, and the SPL top end circuit is pretty great. I also hear what you mean by the Thermos being a "cheaper" EQ, although I do actually like how it's low end and low mid sounds! haha. But for mastering grade purposes not everything will need its flavor. I find the masalec to be the most tonally "neutral" of the three. This is really really fascinating!!

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@@dksa8085 it's a great way to hear the differences each EQ makes.

[@jackflynn-oakley1937]

The Maselec completely destroys them for me it’s not even close. It just sounds good no matter what you did. When you cranked the highs, the Maselec was the only one which sounded tolerable, the Buzz sounded trill and harsh. I wasn’t impressed by the Thermos at all and place that last. Third was the Buzz, second goes to the SPL… But the Maselec is in a league of its own, it’s the only one which made the song sound ‘finished’ (to me).

[@burns46824]

Agreed.

[@jasonalemon5874]

Would've loved to hear that Elysia against the pq since they are both 5 bands !

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

I can add this to the list of videos to do.

[@jasonalemon5874]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio Thank you ! No one has done this yet either !

[@gabemastering]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio that would be an interesting shootout so to speak. I am loving the maselec on this video however

[@vazdaqui8513]

How does a Manley massive passive stack against these?

[@thefuselagemastering5726]

IT Looked like the BUZZ had the RIGHT HP Engaged while the LEFT was not. I think that may have been why it sounded a bit off to some. May be a clear winner but in my cans, you can hear the heft to the left. I am interested in one for sure!

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

You can check a million times and always miss something when doing these videos.

[@thefuselagemastering5726]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio I hate to be that guy haha. This is the worst when I deliver a Master and notice when doing my recalls that I Missed Something.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@The Fuselage Mastering we've all done it.

[@TuneInSundays]

Buzz by far as well. The Maselec seemed very sterile. Would love to hear a higher res sound file.

[@JurekPrzezdziecki]

Great video. Would make a review of a Neve 8803eq? There's no much info about it but this eq is very interesting. How could you rate it?

[@TheBucknessofficial]

It's like "buttah" love it!

[@SkratchingCatRecords]

Buzz req 2.2 is by far the best IMO. I like the SPL PQ after that.

[@rameron9]

is possible to download the .wav somewhere?

[@igorsim8170]

Great video . I find Buzz very creamy. When you push Masellec never gets hars . I think it is most musical. Spl sound very surgical to me I feel it has more tone-shaping capabilities. Hcl sounds kinda metallic to me. They are all great eqs depends on music styla I guess. Thanks again.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Yes I get similar findings when using them. This is why it's important to have a few EQ's for different purposes.

[@TigroGumi]

The BUZZ is nice. I see their stuff constantly on SXpro but haven't heard much about them so do pay their stuff much attention... I'll have to give them a bit more now

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

I'm glad this video has shone some light on the Buzz brand. The audio really does speak for itself.

[@TheSignOfficial]

Is it the 6th version of the MEA-2?

[@ThomasNordild]

Have you ever reviewed the SPL Passeq? I know it's a passive EQ but I am just curious to hear your thoughts on it.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

I like the PassEQ I did have one for a while before swapping it for a Elysia MusEQ. Couldn't fault it though as an EQ. It's not going to be your main EQ. More likely an addition to a PQ.

[@ThomasNordild]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio Thanks for the quick reply. For a main EQ would you recommend Elysia MusEQ over the SPL PQ, or the other way around? Looking to pickup a main EQ in that price range.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@Thomas Nordild I wouldn't recommend the MusEQ as your main EQ. It's a brilliant EQ but you only have 2 Q's to select from. The PQ is a brilliant option and can be used on all songs.

[@gunluv96]

Greetings, I'm watching your video again and keep getting wonderful information. My question is will the Thermos work well with the Maag and API 5500? Would the Thermos be a good primary in this setup?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Yes, the Thermos is a brilliant option to use as your main EQ and will compliment the Maag and API really well.

[@gunluv96]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio thanks for your speedy reply 👍. I'm adding it to my Christmas Gear List. Thanks for your suggestion and video.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@gunluv96 the Thermos is a great EQ that is reasonably price and as you can hear from this video stands up against the big boys.

[@gunluv96]

Greetings, This is another wonderful video. May I ask why you went with the SPL PQ over the SPL Passeq? Is there a reason you choose one over the other to add to your studio? I'm looking at the Red.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Have a look inside the PQ in pictures on Google. Then compare to what you see in the PassEQ. To me the PQ is highly versatile. The PassEQ will work sometimes not always.

[@gunluv96]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio Thanks for the quick response. Have you had a chance to listen to them side by side? I wish I had a place to compare them locally.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@gunluv96 yes I used to have the PassEQ and swapped it for the PQ.

[@dab7963]

What do you think of the Germany HDE 250A

[@gwsound]

I go for the Buzz (1), Maselec (2) but close, SPL (3) and HCL (4). The HCL sounded quite dull compared to the other videos you made about it. Did you ever tried the Bettermaker Master EQ? It also got M/S. My HCL is on its way.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

It's quite unfair on the HCL as quite unique. It is one of my favourite EQ's still even though it's come in 4th against these 3. You use the Thermos in a different way to the other 3. In some ways I prefer it. You will love it when it arrives.

[@jasonalemon5874]

And how does the Maselec compare with the Elysia ?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

I would say totally different. The maselec is a better EQ in my opinion.

[@johnlemak4680]

What’s your thoughts on the Chandler Curve Bender?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

I don't actually have a great deal of use with it. Only ever used it in a few sessions at other studios. From when I did use it, it was impressive. Have considered buying one in the past.

[@millenniummastering]

I own the SPL PQ, BUZZ REQ2.2 and the Curve Bender. No real crossover between them all. The CB is more lush in the mids and has a vintage vibe, great for rock or Daft Punk sounding stuff. Buzz has a very high end finish to it with a slight softening halo and is excellent for balancing a track in a subtle way that sounds nicely finished. The SPL PQ sounds modern and electric, makes the transients pop out. All are top shelf.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@Darren Ziesing I think if you spend upwards of 5k on any EQ you are going to love it and it is going to be quality.

[@Aquiiin]

Whats weird here is that the Buzz seems the have a slight inbalance between the left and right channel and does something that sounds unbalanced to the stereo field. If you listen on headphones you can hear that clearly compared to all other EQs. Any leads why?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

If you look closely at the filters I accidentally left them active at different settings. Human error. Happens to the best of us.

[@Aquiiin]

@AudioAnimalsStudio only tells me that my ears are ready for a proper equipped room :) Cheers man! Keep up the great work!

[@Moroboshi1980]

Which Maselec MEA2 version is ? Is the V7 ? Or V6? Thanks !

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Rev 7

[@Sance21]

This happens to me quite often and here it is again. I was planning/saving very to close purchasing the Thermos, and now a comparison knocks it out the running due to the shocking difference in a step-up in gear/price. Ah well. I suppose at this price point, it's cheaper to just have a dedicated ME, although I'm 20k into my existing chain. So far, I've got a Lynx Aurora 8n DA - OntheMoonSapcecraft Stereo Processor - Iron Age V2 Eq (3 band mix/master) - LTLO Silver Bullet - Black Box HG2 - Stam SA MK1 Bus Compressor - Audioscape D-Comp Diode Bridge Comp/Limiter - Neve MBP II - into a Burl B2 ADC. I felt I was mostly missing a quality dedicated mastering eq, though. In the above chain, do you feel the Buzz would compliment it the most?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

The Thermos is good but the other 3 are top draw. It's like comparing supercars with a SUV I guess. The Buzz and Maselec outshine almost all other EQ's. Was maybe an unfair test for the Thermos to be involved in. But bear in mind it is 2/3rds cheaper and has mid side. But if you want the best it's all about the Buzz REQ 2.2

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

The Buzz would be a brilliant EQ to add.

[@Sance21]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio Thank you

[@ES60Hz]

Is your HCL Thermos V3 different than the new version?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

I'm not sure what version it is up to now. This was the latest version up to 3 years ago.

[@DJHazadous1]

Is your Buzz modified with the active low frequency card and modded? Or is yours the standard version? Also, we didn't hear the two topologies of the PQ, which would have been fun. Even your PQ hardware versus software you only compared one of the circuits. Not complaining because we all definitely appreciate you taking the time to do this. It helps hearing the various box tones and filters of these EQs. Really appreciate your efforts!

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

The Buzz is modified with the active low band

[@dab7963]

I like the Buzz the best. I did not like the PQ. The Thermos sounded great but it seemed like the travel needed to be turned more on the Thermos. Buzz is the best

[@ysteinranes9067]

Is this with the Lundahl transformers on the output of the HCL..? Considering getting one. If anyone wants to chip in on alternatives to check out in the same price range, please do so

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

The HCL is the standard version. Which I don't think have Lundahl transformers. Custom Audio Germany HDE 250 is a really good alternative. Similar EQs. I'd also look at the Cranborne Audio HE2 that is coming out. A little different, includes mid side as well.

[@pierre-lucdarveau1491]

Officaly sold my maselec and bought the Buzz to complete my others eq (Bax and Millenia nseq-4 with mods) . Thanks for your video. Do you have the upgraded card for lowend in this one ?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Yes this one has the active low end.

[@steveburns6912]

Thought so …. Sold me for sure

[@viciousblissvideos]

Hey Paul, do you think I should still get a Buzz Req 2.2 with the Lundahl transformers if I can get an SPL PQ, Bettermaker mastering equalizer, and Dangerous Bax combined for basically the same price?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

The Buzz is brilliant and it is an EQ thar will outperform all 3 in my opinion in a shootout. But in all honesty if I had the choice of one EQ or 3 EQ's I'd go for the 3 EQ's. If however like me I akesady had some great EQ's I would add the Buzz.

[@viciousblissvideos]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio The PQ sounds much more clinical. I was just comparing your two review videos. Buzz can radically change the sound and PQ doesn't seem to be about that. The Bettermaker 232 was impressive vs the plugin, but I haven't heard the mastering eq yet. Love the Dangerous Eq vs the plugin and use the plugin. Guess the question is if the 3 combined can recreate what the Buzz does. If it's two clinical eqs and one Bax, maybe not.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@viciousblissvideos as someone that owns and uses these EQ's I can tell you exactly how they fit with each other. The PQ is more a surgical EQ that you will use to carve out frequencies and make fine adjustments. The BAX is a luxury EQ that isn't essential but will bring a tailored low and high end. The bettermaker is an all round OK EQ will do everything to a good level. The Buzz just sounds expensive and sounds so sweet on everything you throw at it.

[@viciousblissvideos]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio Looks like the Bettermaker Mastering Eq is the 232 with some add-ons. The Buzz can do a lot more than what I've heard the 232 do. The PQ plugin is close because of how surgical and clinical the hardware is. There's some B-Stock PQ that I found for about $3800, which is what prompted me to ask you. Bettermaker doesn't seem to hold value as well as more high-end stuff either. I may go with Black Box, Req 2.2 with Lundhal, Iron, and Unfairchild. I'm not sure if Iron becomes redundant if I get an Unfairchild. Some people like other Fairchilds better like the Vacuvox 32. POM. The UnFairchild and Iron are the only things that are in stock anywhere. A used Blackbox is almost the same price as a new one. Holding value is important because I'll have to sell all these if I don't make enough money. Given that Audio Animals has been successful with business practices I've wanted to try myself, hopefully I'd do ok with these 3 or 4 hardware pieces.

[@viciousblissvideos]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio Oops it was the SPL Passeq that was $3800. I do like that plugin too. But maybe the PQ is an upgrade.

[@NoQualmsTheArtist]

The Maselec was amazing, goddamn! Sounded like a record, but I prefer punchy inyaface instead of the smooth soft flaccid sound of the Buzz. Now I know why the MEA2 is an industry standard 💯

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

This is why it's important to have both an aggressive in your face EQ such as the Maselec or PQ and also have the Buzz as your silky smooth EQ. They can be used together in a creative way.

[@stevel850]

On my first runthrough on this video, the first two comparisons which were just engaging and the first band had me loving the Thermos, I think the thermos does really well on the low end but failed after that. The SPL kept getting better as you went up the bands. I was actually impressed by the spl. The other two were great. "Smooth" is a great way to describe the MEA-2 and the Buzz because overall, as if you spread it all out like butter, they are great in an even sense. I think both the mea-2 and the Buzz never really sound bad! Although I thought the Thermos beat them all on the low end, he Thermos actually sounds bad going up the bands. It's almost the opposite of the SPL. What about the MUSEQ? Would that compare? Also do those eq's have true bypass or are you getting anything out of running through it? Is there any difference in stereo field M/S excluded? Thanks so much for that comparison.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

The only reason I didn't include the MusEQ is because it has fixed Q. I will do another one of these comparisons adding a few more EQs in. The Buzz, maselec and PQ should have true bypass but I am unsure about the Thermos.

[@infinaneek]

Masalec and Thermos sounded best to me

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Interesting. You are the first to not pick the Buzz on all social platforms. It's close between the Buzz a maselec. Really interesting regarding the Thermos though. I didn't think anyone would pick that after listening back.

[@MIDas-zd1cr]

Me 2 I highly agree with this opinion

[@bierpackponferrada3437]

you no longer have the museq?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

The museq doesn't have a Q so wasn't fair to add into this comparison. I have swapped the SPL PQ and museq round. The museq is currently in one of my other studios.

[@Ve8g]

Maselec for me !

[@Somebodysomewhere2]

Buzzzzzzzzzzzzz!!!!! For me , love it

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

I'm off to buy another. I think I'm going to end up with 3. One in every studio.

[@Somebodysomewhere2]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio THREE !!! you really are an Animal

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@@Somebodysomewhere2 that I am. The Audio Animal

[@Rokolai]

Buzz or Vertigo vse?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

I would say Buzz 100% I love the VSE but it's a very unique EQ.

[@Rokolai]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio thanks…. If I had a Buzz, what use case would the Vertigo provide, that the Buzz couldn’t do better?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@Nikolai Yonker the Buzz will do everything better in my opinion. The VSE can be used to pin point 3 frequencies and enhance that sound.

[@rameron9]

i feel the maselec more smooth, it seems...

[@DJURBANBG]

HCL bass is too much and is altering the soundstage . MEA is above them all , sounds bigger even more than the PQ which is for me personally between BUZZ and MEA . HCL is just not mastering grade

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

I would agree. But to be fair to it. It is half the price if not more. But that does show.

[@sassas7128]

Maselec!

[@Moroboshi1980]

To my ears PQ sounds TERRIBLE. I can’t really understand how people can spend so much money for it. When turned on mid/high frequencies jump out of the speakers in a very annoying way. I’m the only one feeling this ? Thanks for your great job mate! 🙏🏼

[@burns46824]

Yeah it did not compare...but I think it's a volume discrepancy...LOL

[@hanamanova5514]

I have SPL PQ in addition to Buzz REQ2MEA and Crane Song IBIS. I had Buzz for years and it is the king of EQs, but still I needed a little bit more precision which SP added with grace. SPL is absolutely monster of EQs, it can be very surgical and precise, but doesn't ruin sound by itself. Buzz and SPL make perfect pair.

[@nickmessitte1721]

That pqs midrange tho…nothing like it

[@EricAtGoodVibes]

MEA-2 > REQ 2.2 > PQ > Thermos V3

[@ErikGuevara-pe1jy]

Maselec & HCL .

[@hanamanova5514]

Buzz and SPL pair makes much more capable combo, but I agree that Maselec and HCL can be great choice, as well.

[@TheShpmusic]

Make it into a plugin, your Viewers won't be able to afford these tone box..Reality.