The Full Ranger EQ Module is a graphic equalizer for processing the entire frequency range with passive coil filters in eight bands. It employs bell filters, each with individually optimized bandwidths, boost and cut values. The concept of the Ranger EQs for the RackPack modular system is characterized by two decisive features that separate them from traditional designs.

First there is the basic idea of specialized modules for typical instrument or vocal ranges. This follows a consistently musical approach, but also the design of each filter is based upon musical demands alone. The Full Ranger makes the necessary exception in this concept to offer a module that can be both an all-round module for processing of all instrument and vocals and an overlapping module to complement the specialized Ranger EQs.

The second characterizing feature follows the idea of a modular design and affects both the filter technology and the user interface. Why did we chose a graphic EQ design? For a fully parametric EQ with all necessary controls there would be space for just one band on the module front. Our graphic EQ offers eight bands—a bandwidth control is less important, and different EQ modules can be combined to configure a large and, if needed, complex EQ system.

But a traditional graphic EQ with an active filter design did not seem to match our idea of a holistically musical approach. We decided for a rare technical solution: the combination of passive filters with a graphical user interface. Based upon individually specified, custom-made coils, these filter designs convince with outstanding musical qualities. Finally, the general advantage of modular systems becomes clearly obvious when planning individual systems: A vocal recording channel with RackPack modules can be configured in very specific ways, while a complex EQ system may have a completely different focus.

The Eight EQ Bands

Each filter is designed as bell filter with individually optimized bandwidths and boost/cut values. Each filter is regulated by a fader control. The frequency range around the center frequency can be boosted (fader to the right into direction “+”) or can be cut (fader to the left into direction “-”) directly.

Here is a short list with examples for setting each band. This list is of

course not complete or demands general validity—we just want to give

some suggestions and orientation to start from.

• Band 1: 16 kHz Center Frequency
• Boost: Glitter, brilliance, air.
• Band 2: 10 kHz Center Frequency
• Boost: Brightens up, intensifies presence.
• Cut: can reduce sibilance.
• Band 3: 4,7 kHz Center Frequency
• Boost: Improves intelligibility of singing voices, more attack for ac. and e-guitars or deep toms.
• Band 4: 1,8 kHz Center Frequency
• Boost: more bass definition and presence
• Cut reduces metal for brass
• Band 5: 500 Hz Center Frequency
• Boost: more profound vocals , clearer basses
• Cut: softens snares and toms
• Band 6: 150 Hz Center Frequency
• Boost: more warmth for everything, main impact of bass instruments, fuller, fatter snares
• Cut for vocals: avoids collision with bass
• Band 7: 90 Hz Center Frequency
• Boost: fills bass area of ac. guitars, fuller floor toms, saturated
• depth for piano.
• Cut for kick drum: makes room for bass; generally reduces booming
• sounds.
• Band 8: 40 Hz Center Frequency
• Boost: in general fuller sounds, deep bass punch (kick drum).
• Cut: reduces booming sounds and sub harmonic interferences.

SPL Full Ranger 8-Band Passive Graphic EQ RPM Specifications

• Audio
• Frequency Range: 10 Hz-30.000 Hz
• CMR@ 1kHz: -85 dBu @ 100 Hz, -80 dBu @1 kHz
• THD @ 1kHz: 0,03% @ 0 dBu/0,01% @ +10 dBu
• Noise, A-weighted: -83 dBu
• Dynamic Range: › 107 dB
• Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT): › -85 dBu (@ 1 kHz)
• Input
• XLR connection, electronically balanced (optionally transformer-balanced)
• Impedance: balanced ›20kOhm/unbalanced ›10kOhm
• Max. Input Level: +22 dBu
• Outputs
• Output 1: XLR connection, electronically balanced (optionally transformer-balanced)
• Impedance (‹600 Ohm): balanced ca. 150 Ohm/unbalanced ca. 75 Ohm
• Max. Output Level: +22 dBu
• Output 2: XLR connection, electronically balanced
• Impedance (‹600 Ohm): balanced ca. 150 Ohm/unbalanced ca. 75 Ohm
• Max. Output Level: +22 dBu
• Control Elements
• Signal LED (SIG.): -20 dBu
• Overload LED (OVL): +21 dBu
• Dimensions & Weight
• Height x Width x Depth 132 x 46,9 x 315 mm
• ca. 5,2x1,85x12,4 in
• Weight 0,45 kg/0,99 lbs
• Weight w. Transformers 0,65 kg/1,43 lbs

0 dBu = 0,775 V. Specifications subject to change without notice.

Transformers have a pleasant sound characteristic, especially the low end sounds rounder and more full-bodied. The top end benefits from a softer and silky atmosphere without being emphasized. Further advantages are aspects of improved operational safety: galvanic insulation excludes the transmission of damaging currents. Electromagnetic, high frequency or digital interferences have no influence on the signal quality, hum potentials are cancelled out. From our listening experience we can recommend Lundahl I/O transformers in any case, and their improved operational safety is an advantage that cannot be overestimated in any critical or complex studio, broadcast or sound reinforcement installation.