Gainlab Audio Empress Equalizer

Gainlab Audio

(6 reviews) Write a Review
Product Code: 3580
$2,540.00
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This item is in stock and will ship the same day if ordered prior to 3pm EST Monday - Friday. Otherwise, it will ship the next business day.

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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%

Gainlab Audio Empress Equalizer Includes

  • Gainlab Audio Empress Equalizer
  • Power Cable
  • Manual
  • Warranty Information

Videos Hide Videos Show Videos

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 those pieces that quickly earns “favorite” status once it’s in the rack. Let’s start with the obvious — the value is kind of ridiculous. For a very reasonable price, you get two channels of fully stepped controls across low, mid, and high bands in a Pultec-inspired design, along with a handful of thoughtful additions that expand what this EQ can do. It’s clear Gainlab didn’t just clone a concept; they refined it. Sonically, the Empress is huge. While using it in the studio, we were struck by how much life it adds to audio without ever introducing artifacts or harshness. Boosts and cuts feel smooth and musical, and engaging the tube boost adds real girth and authority in the best way. It works beautifully for mono and dual-mono tracking and mixing duties — and we absolutely recommend using it there — but where it truly shines is on bus applications. Parallel processing a drum bus through the Empress is eye-opening, and once you hear what it does to a full mix, it’s hard to go back. You might think your mixes are finished… and then you run them through the Empress and realize there’s an entirely new level waiting. This EQ doesn’t just polish — it elevates.

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OVERSIZED & HEAVY

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

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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.

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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

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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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