Best Hardware EQ For Music Production In 2023

[@Producelikeapro]

Digital or Hardware, what are some of your favourite EQs that you use in your mixes?

[@Rhuggins]

Gainlab Audio Empress!! Sontec Plugin

[@Anders01]

Tegeler and Terry Audio. Just kidding, I only have digital EQs, and I like for example Waves EV2.

[@conwaymc1]

I am all ITB ProQ3 for fixes, UA API/Neve and Pultech for tone/vibe shaping. Maag EQ (Plugin alliance) can be magic on Vox, especially for the air band. I've also taken to thinking more about tape plugins (e.g. UA), saturation such as Looptrotter, especially for taming harshness instead of EQ.

[@BobboFuxx]

Once you use a DW Fearn Equalizer, Compressor and Preamp, your ears become addictive to this lush and unique sound and once heard, you just can't unhear them!

[@gbsrecords]

Our tracking console is a vintage Studer (once a resident at The Tonight Show) and its EQs are glorious. The UnderTone Audio preamp EQ is astoundingly flexible. Pultec on bass and vocals, Kush Clariphonic for high end "air", and when I need a really clean and brilliant paintbrush, Crane Song Ibis. And Aurora Audio for Neve style. Great video, lads! Keep it up! Cheers!

[@gutekzpoligonu]

1. Tube Pultec on masterbus after SSL bus compressor 2. SSL EQ for every track 3. Some Neve/Rupert Neve EQ for tracking acoustics 4. Sometimes Manley Massive Passive even in bypass mode on master bus to just push the snare and vocals more in front - yeah even in bypass You can get just better and also more tubes is always more tubes ; )

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for sharing

[@shaft9000]

In 500-series the *Zahl EQ-1* is definitely worth a mention. Possibly the most musically flexible compressor in the entire format, and sounds beautiful. Of the 40-50 viddys I've seen on this channel I can't recall Warren ever mentioning it (possibly he has while @ a trade show?), which is quite surprising.

[@rwascher]

Hi Warren! One of my favorite EQs for tracking is the Trident 80b. I have recorded on Trident consoles in the past and have always loved the sound of that EQ! I bought a few outboard 80b's and absolutely love them!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks for sharing!

[@stupendousmusic4190]

They are great. I tried the 80 B and the A-Range at AES in 2013.

[@drdelewded]

I used to have a Trident Trimix (only 16 channels as two were removed to be racked) was amazing for tracking drums.

[@kytul]

I was literally just on sweetwater looking at EQ's, came to youtube to check out a sound example of one and this video is right on my front page. Impeccable timing.

[@RealHomeRecording]

Darn those website browser cookies again!

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha thanks for the great comment!

[@ronchorivera]

Turn off your volume and go to 22:52

[@kyazma]

😂

[@ItsReezun]

😂

[@michaelholland1189]

I love my stereo Manley Massive Passive and mono Manley Enhanced Pultec. Also stereo Drawmer 1961 is great but honestly I don't turn to it that often now I'm in the box 95% of the time.

[@gitarman666]

Had one on order but then wanted matched Pultecs, said screw it so it’s still Eventide split plug and UAD EQs, at least for now

[@kristianmarschewski1590]

I like the new Carnaby harmonic EQ by Cranborne. I use them on my mix bus. they sound sooooo goooood

[@fredtimothy940]

Never heard of the cranberry. What? That sounds amazing.

[@Producelikeapro]

I’ve wanted to do stuff with Cranborne for years!! Everything they make is perfectly priced!

[@Faraday100]

Nice explanation of using the air band technique of boosting above or below your target frequency.

[@isaacsitiakalaabwenje]

Thanks for the Best Training Presentation on equipping/Even types of EQs the Drums and guitars are in a mix during your Event.

[@Producelikeapro]

You’re very welcome!

[@thenextinsect]

I literally saved the video because of the little nuggets like that in it. The “EQ points” remarks made my head tilt

[@liamfitzgerald7528]

I feel microphone makers like Lewitt are advancing hardware while preamp, compressor, and eq makers are more focused on replicating the past. I can't help but think we're missing out because of this. At one point, the Neves and Pultecs were the highly innovative designs pushing sound forward. Is anyone in the analog hardware world pushing forward with new ideas or is this all coming from the software makers today?

[@Producelikeapro]

That’s a very good point! Rupert Neve himself kept developing his designs! DW Fearn’s designs are unique as well, however, agreed, there’s a lot of lookalike products out there

[@drdelewded]

The Maag stuff mentioned is "modern" Bettermaker, Elysia, A Designs, Weiss all make great innovative modern EQs... Not cheap but some really interesting stuff

[@Gang-25j]

@@drdelewdedyeah he’s must’ve been sleeping under a rock to have missed all of those units

[@PropereinsteinTMG]

Cranborne and Wes audio are definitely pushing boundaries with their 500 series modules.

[@Rhuggins]

This is a brilliant video; packed with useful information. Thanks so much!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!

[@marcthompson4661]

Great info packed in this video!!!!

[@discodiscosnfrncisco]

Thank you for this! It couldn't have come at a better time, as I just got a 1608-II, in part thanks to your video and I'm about to load it up with EQs

[@Producelikeapro]

That’s fantastic! Congratulations

[@billmcginnies1002]

I use the API 5500 on my drum buss. I also have the Elysia XFilter, which is a well made eq.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for sharing

[@esmoroglu]

I learn so much from your content.👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@Producelikeapro]

Aw shucks! Thanks ever so much

[@onethousandtwonortheast8848]

Vintage Neve 1064 EQ Rupert Neve Designs 5033 5-band eq Curve bender (unreal good)

[@ericlarkins]

Chandler Curvebender, Retro 2a3, Neve 5033, Maag EQ4, my Neve Shelford Channels EQs are pretty sweet, too, just wish they had a few more band choices.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks so much for sharing!

[@Rhuggins]

Hows that curve bender? I really want one- it seems to have a gorgeous color. Would you say its too apparent in its coloration for mastering?

[@onethousandtwonortheast8848]

Curve bender might be the greatest all around eq ever. The RND 5033 is insane good and I don’t know why they discontinued it!

[@Producelikeapro]

@@RhugginsI really really really want one! That’s my two cents

[@Rhuggins]

@@Producelikeapro that $7k though..whew! Im sure its worth every penny but need to secure a few more gigs before I make (yet another) reckless financial decision, ha!! One day

[@dpinskey]

Picked up a bunch of really affordable Midas 512 modules and loving them running kick in and snare top and bottom through them before hitting my Elysia Mpressors.Also picked up a Wes Audio Hyperion I’m using in conjunction with a Dione I put on my mix bus. Fantastic

[@SylvanPaul]

Love my API 5500, I print things through it all the time in my mixes. Also love my Hendyamps Michelangelo, although more sparingly. For digital I love Acustica Ultramarine, Purple, and Sand. Also like the UAD Trident

[@quocpham8738]

Been using the phoenix drs-q4 mk II for vocals, guitars, and di bass. Sounds pretty good. Underrated company.

[@BrianMarconi-lg4eq]

Perfect review of awesome EQs and loved the suggestions of settings to use, very informative. My only complaint is no mention of the Lang PEQ-2

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much! The Lang is wonderful

[@schoovaertssimon7904]

You talk about BAE Neve clones a lot ( as you should, they're great) and never about Vintech. I am extremely happy with my X81s. On the budget side I was VERY MUCH impressed with the Golden Age pre73 MK3.

[@AndrewMasters]

Woah the crossover I never expected, great explanations Warren.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Andrew! I was teaching a masterclass at Sweetwater and it made perfect sense to do this there with all of the gear available at our fingertips!

[@antcall6779]

Kirchoff is my favorite digital. Can't go wrong with pultec🤘 great as always warren

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for sharing

[@gilbertspader7974]

Could look look into Detuner tuning pegs for Bass and guitar?????

[@Joey-rp5vg]

Some cracking EQ's there. Great video thanks very much. It's hard to keep up with the videos, I'm moving hoos.....ha ha

[@Producelikeapro]

Marvellous! Thanks Joey!

[@Joey-rp5vg]

@@Producelikeapro Translated from Scottish to English...LOL am moving house and can't keep up with the videos, but I will get to them all one by one. Knowledge is a marvelous thing and I get lots of it from your videos. Thanks, your videos are very much appreciated and .........NO I don't have some brown sticky **** on my nose. Cheers Warren, take care fella

[@aaroneschenburg4018]

I remember the first time i heard the neve portico ii channel strip and was completely blown away by it in every way from pre, eq and compression. Im suprised i dont hear more people talk about it.

[@Producelikeapro]

Very true! Thanks for reminding us!

[@aaroneschenburg4018]

@Producelikeapro I may be alone on this though. Maybe that's why no one talks about it! 🤣

[@busywl69]

maag's are so nice. nice vid.

[@Producelikeapro]

Glad you like them!

[@geoffreymerrifield5666]

The Stam Audio Pultecs are dreamy.

[@normclemis1221]

Which version of the 1176 do you like best? Nice video!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much! I am not a snob haha so honestly I Like the one I have close when recording!

[@varmintvittles]

My friend, Shawn Dealey!

[@suparickyprime]

How important is British Mode on the Distressor ? cheers!

[@Producelikeapro]

I know people who love that to control overall gain out and still want some colouration

[@lipk8494]

Funny i also use the 550b and 527 on the kick 😅 those two bring a re20 to life.

[@Producelikeapro]

Marvellous!

[@TheStudeo74]

Thanks for sharing 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@weschilton]

So Warren, between the 550A and the 550B, which do you prefer, both in terms of tone and flexibility. I love using the UA 550A plugin, but I'm buying hardware for my 500 series rack to go hybrid and can't decide which to get.

[@drdelewded]

Some people find the A's to be thicker and fuller sounding than the Bs.. Also for tracking, having only 3 bands makes it faster and easier to dial in to get a decent sound.. (Im only going but what ive read on the subject and have no personal experience)

[@Producelikeapro]

I have had a lot of use of both and loved both! I've never thought one is better or worse than the other!

[@Producelikeapro]

I love both and don't have a preference! Whatever is available I will happily use!@@drdelewded

[@HenkvanHoek]

Studio One Pro EQ. Does it job.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for sharing

[@dougleydorite]

Best hardware EQ?

[@michaelweymouth4015]

Is there an audio class with out having to get a master’s degree for older newbies to start collecting solid data for a home studio and board/ to pro tools / natural instruments type plus a few live instruments to get started ?

[@sound4label]

Hi Warren, if you had to start a new setup, will you go with multiple 550A or WesAudio EQ ? Thanks :)

[@glennbucc7107]

The Curve Bender has more grit than the magical smoother Massive Passive. Both are great EQ's but the Massive is the one for me.

[@lipk8494]

I have a 5500 and a 500x EQ also a 550b. Great EQs. Plus many Software EQs. But those API and pultec EQs are just enough for me. I should add a 550a or 560.

[@shevyjohn9308]

Bro you need to give me one

[@InTheMixJoeCarrell]

Solid choices 🎉

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!

[@AntisocialMediaMike]

I have the Gyrator and the Mäag EQ4 in one of my 500 racks and love both to the degree of wanting to grab another of each. Got the IGS Rubber Bands (Pultec style stereo EQ) also which really is a superb box and quite an achievement in my view. That one's on my guitar buss at the minute, with an A Designs Hammer covering mix buss duties. Have been very interested in the Dangerous Bax for a while but still haven't got around to trying one. Anyone using one?

[@jmdmusicstudios2026]

Hi Warren, which 500 series EQ would you recommend for tracking saxophones in a modern smooth jazz/R&B context? (Jeff Lorber kind of sound) I work as a remote session player and smooth jazz artist and am searching for an amazing front end tone. I was thinking possibly API 550A?

[@kisho2679]

what compressor with integrated limiter is advisable?

[@Getemprod.]

maag eq4 and neve orbit and my dangerous compressor hardware :)

[@barneyrubble8255]

At 4 minutes he says he would cut the kick drum at 3k for bite? did he make a mistake? wouldnt you boost for bite?

[@Producelikeapro]

On API EQs on a kick I would Boost at 3k, cut low mids around 400hz, boost at 50hz

[@bobarismusic]

Are the BAE 1084 worth the extra over the 1073 Warren? Would be for vocals in the main.

[@braxal6983]

I want to buy a pair of API EQs but which one the API 550 A or the API 550B? I appreciate any guidance I could get

[@beatprocess]

I have a 7 band Ashly that is sick

[@dcly2713]

I get that 500 series is affordable. But, I’d like some info on higher end.

[@chrisibbetson]

ha ha! Top five with another 5-10 choices 😆

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha exactly!! You know it

[@lowandodor1150]

Grrrrr....it is soooo frustrating...i've been a musician and (live) sound guy for over 20 years and i have never had the pleasure to work with any of these great, most lovely pieces of gear!

[@Producelikeapro]

I’m sure you will! I hear you though it took me many years to get to this place myself!

[@drdelewded]

Greatest 500 series "rack" for EQs? Empty channels in a 1608 or 2448... (Then you also have the 8 mono or 4 stereo slots above the master section to stick in bus/master stereo comps.. and with the 2448, you can already have their bus comp.. so 5 stereo bus/master comps...) Sorry im just a big API fanboy.

[@fetusbelt6851]

How about the new API Select SR24 Dual-channel Parametric Equalizer? Anyone tried it?

[@l1musicl1]

Thank You Mr.Beast for selling such a good pieces of gear!)

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha who is Mr Beast in the video?

[@l1musicl1]

Ryan looks like Mr.Beast for sure! BUT Warren, You are Mr.Beast of mixing and educating! Thank you for your job!)@@Producelikeapro

[@Producelikeapro]

@@l1musicl1haha thanks ever so much

[@griffini19]

No 500 series unit sounds as good as it’s 19” rack mount unit. Give me power supplies designed for a particular unit. More headroom and cleaner. The power supplies make a huge difference.

[@marc8vino]

Channel strips next?

[@57Techboy]

Brad Whitford uses and is part owner of 3 Monkeys amps.

[@RichieOtu-u6k]

22:52 warren knocked one out and you could feel it lol

[@friedrichvanzandt]

UTAEQ500 needs to be in there.

[@randomcustomer2806]

With that dodgy Lav and/or its position behind your collar, Warren, you should have used one of these modules to cut some 290 and boost that 3K! 😜

[@disxiple_113]

lol such chemistry between those two

[@RichieOtu-u6k]

audio sounds horribly. i would think as audio guys the audio would be top notch....lol. but thatnks for another great video

[@johnlompa1998]

terry audio ceq hands down

[@gitarman666]

Just don’t like 500 series Maybe it’s in my head but, 🤷🏽

[@Fwuzeem]

"Industry Standard" = not creative. He keeps talking about familiarity being the most important seller in music production, if you want the same stuff all the time then fair enough. Does it matter about the emotional impact a piece of gear can have? No idea, but that's what it's all about.

[@Producelikeapro]

It's tough phrase! Some things are justified and some stifle innovation and creativity!

[@Fwuzeem]

Agreed. Excuse me for being harsh, but I'm glad you see how creativity can be stifled@@Producelikeapro

[@vidicsferenc182]

Eq is just a tool. YOU can get creative with it. Stop relying on gear so much, it doesent matter at all.

[@Fwuzeem]

Warren is pulling a Boris Johnson with his fair

[@Producelikeapro]

My fair?

[@Fwuzeem]

Sorry, I meant to say hair. Just a bit all over the place. You do you, but people really shouldn't cast judgement on other people for their appearances@@Producelikeapro I'm hitting a new low, apologies it landed on you, I take it back

[@splashesin8]

:)

[@fuserproducer]

Hah, it's easy for you to say, given that professionals who started in the '70s and '80s could afford all that gear. Undeniably, this equipment sounds fantastic and certainly comes at a premium due to its high quality and long-term reliability during recording and mixing sessions. Unfortunately, what fuels people's anger and jealousy is precisely my point: flaunting this impressive outboard gear to thousands of musicians, bedroom producers, and artists who may not have the means to acquire even a single piece of such equipment. They genuinely struggle to navigate the long and challenging path to financial success. Let's not forget that some bedroom artists, like Billie Eilish and her brother, crafted numerous hits in the small bedroom of their parent's house, using only a Shure SM-57 in an acoustically untreated space, Yamaha HS8 monitors, a secondhand MacBook Pro with Logic 9, and a Scarlett 2/2 interface to create her first EP. Some people tend to brag and pump up their own egos - shame on you!

[@drdelewded]

Her songs were then mixed in a million dollar mix studio then in a million dollar mastering studio.. And she used a AT2020 and later a TLM103 on her vox... Granted "cheap" mics by most studio standards but not a 57... The whole Billie Eilish mythos of cheap production is just that a myth.. Not that he has money, go look at Finneas's studio.. As for being in a untreated bedroom.... They only tracked vocals.. and vocals that are for the most part whispered. Im not denigrating what they created as millions love it, its just that it's not like they were tracking a full band.

[@fuserproducer]

@@drdelewded Huge exaggeration; when she released her first EP, there was no access to million-dollar rental mixing or mastering studios. You referred to one of the official corrections on the web, and there are also many conflicting pieces of information circulating on the internet. I have seen one of their early interviews in their home, so I know what they had at their disposal at that time, and I can't hide the truth.Besides, there is no room for argument when the evidence is still there. Even a billion-dollar studio with all the mixing desks, outboard gear, and the best instruments can't make music itself or replace true talent.

[@drdelewded]

@@fuserproducer Who is Rob Kinelski and John Greenham???

[@uncleted3961]

Why does Warren have so many issues with the term "industry standard"? It's cringey every time he says it.

[@BobboFuxx]

DW Fearn VT-4 & VT-5 are difficult to match and about impossible to beat!

[@Producelikeapro]

Very well said!