Golden Age Audio EQ-81 MKIII Neve Style Equalizer

Third version with useful additional functions

The Golden Age Project EQ-81 MkIII is a classic 4-channel equalizer with semi-parametric mids and switchable bass and treble bands. Compared to the MkII version, the EQ-81 MkIII is equipped with balanced XLR jacks for input and output, in addition to the familiar link jack. In addition, all bands can now be switched on and off individually by switching the frequency selection knob to the left stop. This practical feature allows, for example, to selectively turn up Air or Presence with the simultaneous guarantee that the other frequencies are not altered or colored.

Elaborate circuitry for better work

For coloring the EQ-81 is very good: With Neve 1081 EQs as a model, you get here an equalizer that definitely has its own, but very musical sound, and can be used on almost all sources for boosting and cutting. Like the original, the two center bands are induction coil filters* and sound much more open and rich than conventional filters, which is especially beneficial to plug-in sounds or digital synthesizers. But the usual suspects vocals and acoustic guitar also gain clarity and presence with the EQ-81 MkIII, making their placement in the mix easier. The wide control range of +/-18dB allows both corrective and sound-shaping interventions in the sound.

In addition, the range of functions is extended by switchable filter characteristics: bass and treble bands can be switched from bell to shelf, so that the EQ-81 is also suitable for generously "filling out" unwanted bass components or reducing the bite of vocals or cymbals. The mid bands, on the other hand, can be switched to a higher filter quality at the touch of a button, which is especially useful for large sound interventions.

*A filter here consists of two (capacitor plus coil) instead of just one frequency-dependent component (capacitor). Technically the same thing happens - sonically it is a big difference!