Gainlab Audio Empress Equalizer

Gainlab Audio

(6 reviews) Write a Review
Product Code: 3580
$2,320.00
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The Gainlab Audio Empress Equalizer is a 2×3 band tube equalizer that improves on the classic concept of a passive eqaulizer.

What would be your first though when you hear the term “passive equalizer”? At first, probably you think about the airy high frequency components, the rich subs and the widely applicable cuts and boosts wich can be used alongside each other. These types of equalisers have been around since the early 50’s, the most famous Pultec EQP-1 from Pulse Techniques was the first one that provided simultaneously passive filter circuits alongside high quality line amplifiers. The downside of the EQP-1 was the lack of ability to carry out precision frequency isolation, but it was able to change any sound in its core. Many of the modern equalizers are based on the original EQP-1 in both structure and functions that could be limiting in a modern music environment and production.

Gainlab Audio's aim in the lab was to improve the classic concept. First, they added an additional mid frequency filter between the low and high frequency filters in order to improve the versatility of the unit in the modern days music environment. They left the option of simultaneous cutting and boosting in the low and high band, so all those tricks can be done that a user normally would expect from an equalizer. Furthermore, the shift function can be used on these bands so that the mid frequency of the simultaneous cutting and boosting can be shifted relative to each other. After extensive test bench trials, using the equalizer in real life applications, the versatility of the unit was far beyond expectation. It proved to be suitable from recording to master coloring or can be used in any equalizer task. It is fair to say that it dominates the entire frequency range and most of the time it does sounds great in extreme conditions, hence they named it the Empress.

In summary, the Empress is a dual channel passive equalizer equipped with a tube amplifier that has three bands on each side. Thanks to the compact design it only needs 2U space in the studio but it will have a significant impact on your sound.

Gainlab Audio Empress Equalizer Features

  • 2×3 band setup
  • Stepped attenuator design
  • Tube based gain stage
  • Military grade vacuum tubes
  • Nanocrystaline alloy transformers

Gainlab Audio Empress Equalizer Specifications

  • Input: 2 x Balanced XLR
  • Output: 2 x Balanced XLR
  • Max. Input: +23dBu
  • Input impedance: >10Kohm
  • Frequency response: 20Hz-20Khz +/- 2dBu
  • Size: 483x280x89
  • Weight: 5.6 Kg
  • Mains: 230V AC (EU), 110V AC (US)
  • Max. Output: >23dBu
  • Output impedance: <65ohm
  • THD+N (0dBu): <0.08%
  • THD+N (20dBu): <0.8%

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6 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews

  • 5
    Incredible Pultec-esque EQ
    Dana Why

    What an incredible sounding EQ! It's such a joy to work with. Big, beefy knobs with indented switching. The simultaneous boost/cut Pultec trick just sounds lovely on this thing, and the tubes give it that intangible magic you can't get from a plugin. Couldn't recommend more!

  • 5
    Gainlab Empressor Eq
    Igor

    Very good Eq. It is a hybrid of Pultec, Parametric, and Baxandall style Eqs. Stepped manipulators are very good for recall. The build quality is very impressive. True bypass and standby modes save tubes life. I'd advise to read the manual on Gainlab web site for more details, and see if this Eq fits for someone's work needs. There is no "magic bullet" in any single audio device, but overall; very useful, high quality components, and reasonable price deserve my highest rating.

  • 5
    Plugins are no match
    RETRO V. PICASSO

    If your trying to saturate or shape your tones then get this when available just get it ! engineers thank me later

  • 5
    Plugins are no match
    RETRO V. PICASSO

    If your trying to saturate or shape your tones then get this when available just get it ! engineers thank me later

  • 5
    Bad F*CKing A**
    Kri Samadhi

    Great Eq just what I was looking for ! That tube color is the best. Cant hit it too hard but it is so good.

  • 5
    Gain Lab Empressor
    l butler

    A great product…i had stopped my search until saw this piece…so i searched out a vender/store for the Empressor…totally awesome.

What We Think

avatar

The Gainlab Audio Empress Equalizer is one of my favorite pieces of gear. Let's get the value out of the way first. At a more than reasonable price point, you get two channels of fully stepped controls in a Low, Mid, and Hi band Pultec style EQ. If that isn't enough, you get additional features that Gainlab designed to enhance the functionality of this EQ. Now sonically, this thing is massive sounding. It adds life to the audio, and there are no artifacts that degrade the audio. Boosting and cutting is smooth and musical, and the tube boost give more girth to the audio. While you can use this for mono and dual mono sources when tracking and mixing (and you should use it in that capacity).......... this EQ just shines on bus applications. Parallel process your drum bus with this. You think your mixes are finished? They might sound really good, but run them through the Empress, and you will see there is a whole other world and level to what your mixes could be.

Ryan Ferris, Pro Audio Sales

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OVERSIZED & HEAVY

OVERSIZED & HEAVY!

This Oversized & Heavy special order item may require additional shipping and cannot be canceled or returned.

This is a special order item that is considered oversized and heavy by all shipping carriers and will most likely be delivered via a freight truck.

Due to the item’s size and weight, additional shipping may have to be collected and once ordered cannot be canceled or returned. We will contact you if the final shipping quote differs from the shipping estimate provided at checkout. This item will ship as quickly as possible but there may be a lead time.

Please contact us for further information or for a more detailed shipping timeframe and cost.

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On Orders over $99 in Lower 48 States

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There are some exclusions so check out our Shipping Policy page in the Customer Service section at the bottom of the page.

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30 Day Returns

30 DAY RETURNS

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Our return policy is simple. If you don't like your item for any reason, contact us within 30 days of receipt and we will authorize you a return authorization number no questions asked! There are a few exclusion so check out our Returns Policy page located in the Customer Service section at the bottom of the page.

EASY FINANCING

EASY FINANCING

Easy and convenient financing designed for you!

We here at Front End Audio know exactly what it's like to be working with a budget while making gear purchases. Therefore we have been working to make a variety of attractive and convenient financing options available to you. Whether financing your gear is for business or pleasure, optional or a necessity, Front End Audio has a financing plan that will work with your needs. Simply checkout the Financing page located in the Resources section at the bottom of the page.

Free Shipping

FREE SHIPPING!

On Orders over $99 in Lower 48 States

Shipping is expensive thats why Front End Audio has made it easy for you to ship your orders for free. Qualified orders of $99 or more enjoy free shipping in the lower 48.! It doesnt get much easier that that!

There are some exclusions so check out our Shipping Policy page in the Customer Service section at the bottom of the page.

Special Order Item

SPECIAL ORDER ITEMS CANNOT BE CANCELLED OR RETURNED

Special Order items are typically ordered in directly from the manufacturer so there may be a lead time. Rest assured that we will ship this item as quickly as possible. If you have a deadline or timeframe questions then please contact us before placing the order so we can make sure that we can meet your expectations.

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