Empirical Labs ELQ Lil FrEQ 4-band parametric EQ

$1,766.79

GTIN: ELQLILFREQ SKU: ELQLILFREQ Category: Tags: ,

Description

As with ELI’s other signal processors, the Lil FrEQ Equalizer takes a somewhat unique approach to its job. Instead of daisy chaining several equalizers and frequency processors, we combined most of the sound sculpting tools an engineer needs into a compact single rack space box, while still offering the highest performance of any design in its class.

Eight Sections of Processing
There are eight sections of processing – what other EQ offers that? Even better – in addition to a master bypass, each of the Lil FrEQ’s sections features its own dedicated bypass switch, letting you instantly A/B the effect of each section as you adjust and fine-tune them.

HIGH PASS – The High Pass section is a really easy to use sharp filter that cuts all content below one of eight preset frequencies from 30-330 Hz. This filter is very steep and has a special shape that prevents frequencies from thinning out just above the cutoff point. The corner frequency is selected using up/down buttons, and indicated by LEDs that glow softly when the section is bypassed, and brightly when the section is engaged.

HIGH & LOW SHELVING – These two knobs function similarly to the familiar “bass and treble” tone controls found on many consumer audio playback systems; however, these are designed to a much higher performance standard, providing exceptionally smooth and musical boost and cut on the high and low frequencies.

PARAMETRIC EQ – The Lil FrEQ has four sections of fully parametric EQ (LF, Lo Mid, Hi Mid and HF), with each section featuring individual gain, bandwidth (Q) and frequency controls.  It may be the cleanest parametric EQ section ever produced, operating below .0007% THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) even at extremely high audio levels. Try finding those specs anywhere else!

DS (DYNAMIC EQ) – The DS section provides the highest performance, easiest to use, and possibly most natural sounding “De-esser” ever built.  This powerful tool combines tunable filters with a compressor-like circuit that can help contain and control excessive high frequency content such as sibilants or other sharp transients, especially in the absence of other lower frequency content.  It can also function as a one of a kind soft knee High Frequency limiter, which is one of the main things responsible for the Lil FrEQ becoming the go-to vocal EQ for engineers everywhere.  It has been used on many acclaimed albums and major live performances all over the world, becoming the “go to” EQ for key tracks like lead vocals, snares, and bass.  There are now dozens of hit record vocals that were processed thru the Lil FrEQ.


Frequency Response: 5 Hz to 140 kHz on transformerless inputs and outputs. Transformer output 10Hz to 110 kHz.
Dynamic Range: 120 dB from maximum output (.1% clipping) to minimum output. Greater than 110 dB signal to noise.
Distortion: Ranges between .00056% and .005% depending on mode and settings. DS section has THD < .005%.
I/O: DC coupled inputs and outputs and one transformer coupled output.
Dynamic Time Constraints: Attack is approximately .5 ms. Release .04 sec fixed internally.
Power Consumption: 15 Watts Max.
Metal Chassis: single height 1.75″ high, 10″ deep, 19″ wide.

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SettingsEmpirical Labs ELQ Lil FrEQ 4-band parametric EQ removeRupert Neve Designs 535 500 Series Diode Bridge Compressor removeRupert Neve Designs Portico 511 500-Series Mic Preamp with Texture Control Standard removeVermona Retroverb Lancet Spring Reverb Desktop Module removeRupert Neve Designs 551 500 Series Inductor EQ removeRupert Neve Designs 542 500 Series Tape Emulator remove
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SKUELQLILFREQ752423657377014109676608842505038574107524236571930141096754566
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Description
ContentAs with ELI’s other signal processors, the Lil FrEQ Equalizer takes a somewhat unique approach to its job. Instead of daisy chaining several equalizers and frequency processors, we combined most of the sound sculpting tools an engineer needs into a compact single rack space box, while still offering the highest performance of any design in its class. Eight Sections of Processing There are eight sections of processing – what other EQ offers that? Even better – in addition to a master bypass, each of the Lil FrEQ’s sections features its own dedicated bypass switch, letting you instantly A/B the effect of each section as you adjust and fine-tune them. HIGH PASS – The High Pass section is a really easy to use sharp filter that cuts all content below one of eight preset frequencies from 30-330 Hz. This filter is very steep and has a special shape that prevents frequencies from thinning out just above the cutoff point. The corner frequency is selected using up/down buttons, and indicated by LEDs that glow softly when the section is bypassed, and brightly when the section is engaged. HIGH & LOW SHELVING – These two knobs function similarly to the familiar “bass and treble” tone controls found on many consumer audio playback systems; however, these are designed to a much higher performance standard, providing exceptionally smooth and musical boost and cut on the high and low frequencies. PARAMETRIC EQ – The Lil FrEQ has four sections of fully parametric EQ (LF, Lo Mid, Hi Mid and HF), with each section featuring individual gain, bandwidth (Q) and frequency controls.  It may be the cleanest parametric EQ section ever produced, operating below .0007% THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) even at extremely high audio levels. Try finding those specs anywhere else! DS (DYNAMIC EQ) – The DS section provides the highest performance, easiest to use, and possibly most natural sounding “De-esser” ever built.  This powerful tool combines tunable filters with a compressor-like circuit that can help contain and control excessive high frequency content such as sibilants or other sharp transients, especially in the absence of other lower frequency content.  It can also function as a one of a kind soft knee High Frequency limiter, which is one of the main things responsible for the Lil FrEQ becoming the go-to vocal EQ for engineers everywhere.  It has been used on many acclaimed albums and major live performances all over the world, becoming the “go to” EQ for key tracks like lead vocals, snares, and bass.  There are now dozens of hit record vocals that were processed thru the Lil FrEQ. Frequency Response: 5 Hz to 140 kHz on transformerless inputs and outputs. Transformer output 10Hz to 110 kHz. Dynamic Range: 120 dB from maximum output (.1% clipping) to minimum output. Greater than 110 dB signal to noise. Distortion: Ranges between .00056% and .005% depending on mode and settings. DS section has THD < .005%. I/O: DC coupled inputs and outputs and one transformer coupled output. Dynamic Time Constraints: Attack is approximately .5 ms. Release .04 sec fixed internally. Power Consumption: 15 Watts Max. Metal Chassis: single height 1.75″ high, 10″ deep, 19″ wide.Originally developed for the dynamics circuit of the acclaimed Shelford Channel, the 535 Diode Bridge Compressor captures the soul of Rupert Neve’s original 2254 compressor while providing modern updates including advanced timing control, significantly lower noise, fully stepped controls throughout, and internal parallel processing capabilities. What is diode bridge compression? Where the VCA compressor found in the Master Buss Processor provides unmatched clarity, the weighty, harmonically rich tonality of diode bridge compression can be essential in pushing key sources like vocals, electric guitars, bass and drums to the forefront of a mix. By understanding the limitations of vintage units like the legendary 2254, painstaking effort was taken to reproduce the unique tone of these classics while improving the noise floor & accuracy, expanding inflexible time constants, adding full wave sidechain detection for improved dynamic response, and widening the range of threshold and ratio controls. Delivering the powerful sound of these iconic designs with enhanced flexibility for the modern age, the 535 Diode Bridge Compressor is a dynamic tool equipped to make a bold statement on virtually any mix or track. LINE INPUT TO LINE OUTPUT
  • Compressor Bypassed.
  • Z source = 40 Ohm Balanced
INPUT IMPEDANCE 10K Ohm OUTPUT IMPEDANCE 40 Ohm MAXIMUM INPUT LEVEL +23.5 dBu MAXIMUM OUTPUT LEVEL +23.5 dBu NOISE
  • 22 Hz - 22 kHz BW.
  • -101 dBu
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
  • 10 Hz - 120 kHz, 30ft Output XLR Cable.
  • +/- 0.25 dB
THD+N 
  • @ 1 kHz @ Maximum Output Level, 22 Hz - 22 kHz BW.
  • 0.001%

FEATURES

  • 12-way precision rotary switch controls gain from 0 to 66 dB in 6 dB steps
  • Continuously variable +/-6 dB level control
  • Silk circuit, reduces negative feedback, adding harmonic content as needed
  • Red Silk accentuates the saturation in the mid and high frequencies
  • Same presence and sweetness found in standard Portico Series modules
Number of Channels
Single
Inputs
1x XLR, balanced
Output
1x XLR, transformer-balanced
Maximum Output Level
+23dBu
Meter
8 segment LED meter
Power Requirements
Power Requirements @ +/-16VDC 100mA
Dimensions
Not specified by manufacturer
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
10.2 x 7.8 x 2"
Effective against boredom, supporting creative sound design A unique team play of spring reverberation, analogue multimode filtering, distortion and VCA, modulated by an ultra fast LFO and an envelope that can be triggered in flexible ways – Retroverb Lancet offers a comprehensive arsenal of many-sided effects for different applications. The spectrum by far surpasses classic reverberation, filter sweeps or overdrive because you are able to tweak and bend any parameter fast and intuitively to your liking. Retroverb Lancet will change the way you work with effects. It becomes part of your sound engine, fires it up and will end up as essential part of your sonic signature. Source of effectiveness We designed Retroverb Lancet in a way that it can perfectly handle signals of any kind: Guitars, basses, synthesizers, organs or microphones. On top of that, Retroverb Lancet allows you to create percussive sounds using its crash function. Retroverb Lancet is a real jack of all trades with character, suited for adventurous sound designers and tinkerers. Audio Input
  • max. input sensitivity: –32 dBu
  • impedance: 1 MΩ
Output
  • max. output level: 20 dBu
  • impedance: 600 Ω
Trigger- and CV-inputs
  • audio trigger
    • max. input sensitivity: –32 dBu
    • impedance: 1 MΩ
  • gate & CRASH
    • min. voltage: + 4 V
  • external cv
    • voltage: ± 10 V
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
  • direct: > 80 dB
  • effect (filter completely open, no reverb): > 75 dB
Spring Tank
  • number of springs: 3
  • reverbration decay: between 2.75 db and 4.00 s
Filter
  • modes: 24-db-lowpass, 24-db-highpass, 12-db-bandpass
  • modulations sources: envelope generator, envelope follower, external CV, LFO
LFO
  • frequency range: 0.05 Hz … 300 Hz
  • waveforms: ramp up, ramp down, square, sine, S&H, envelope generator
Envelope Generator
  • modes: AD, ASR
  • attack: 1 ms … 10 s
  • decay/release: 1 ms … 15 s
Miscellaneous
  • power supply: external DC-adapter with 12 V/1000 mA
  • dimensions: 26 cm x 14.5 cm x 8 cm (width x depth x height)
  • weight: 0.75 kg
Accessories
  • wooden side panels
The vintage EQ tones you know & love. The 551 is the only equalizer for the 500 Series actually designed by Rupert Neve. Featuring 3 bands of EQ inspired by Mr. Neve’s most prized vintage designs, along with custom-wound inductors, transformers and class-A gain blocks, the 551 brings the thick, powerful lows and sweet highs of Rupert’s classics to the 500-Series format. The “Best-Of” EQ The 551’s 3-band, custom-tapped inductor EQ was inspired by our favorite elements of Rupert’s vintage EQ designs. The low frequency band is designed to produce a creamy, resonant bass response similar to a vintage 1064 – but unlike the vintage modules, the LF band on the 551 can be used as either a shelf or a peak filter, adding punch, dimension, and control to your low end. The midrange band is based on that of the 1073, ideal for sweetening vocals and instruments while bringing them forward in a mix, and its proportional “Q” response makes it well-suited for minimizing problematic frequencies. The high frequency band is a hybrid vintage / modern design, blending inductor circuitry with capacitor-based topologies to achieve vintage tones with enhanced control. The High Pass filter is a 12dB/octave design with a fixed 80Hz frequency, and can be used in tandem with the low frequency EQ to add low-end presence without clouding the source material. As with Rupert’s most prized classic designs, each EQ section uses low-feedback, class-A discrete electronics to prevent low-level artifacts and harshness from detracting from the tonal shaping. However, this new circuit is a decidedly modern design with updated techniques and components that were simply not available 50 years ago, and is definitely not a “clone”. What Are Inductors? Inductors are wires wound around a coil that provide a form of frequency-dependant resistance. When they saturate, they bring out beautifully musical harmonics that give your tracks the smooth, polished sound that has made Rupert’s consoles and equipment so desirable for over fifty years. This is what makes them different from capacitor-based EQ designs, which do a great job at surgical equalization. But inductors provide the tone. While it is certainly possible to create a functioning EQ using off-the-shelf inductors, we choose to use our own custom inductors for the 551. This attention to detail in controlling variables such as the winding and core materials in relation to the surrounding circuitry allows the 551 to capture the vitality and personality of Rupert’s classic designs. NOISE
  • Measured at Main Output, un-weighted, 22Hz-22kHz, source impedance 40 Ohm balanced.
  • Better than -102 dBV
FREQUENCY RESPONSE Main output, no load: +/- 0.1 dBu from 20 Hz to 31.5 kHz, -1 dB @ 120 kHz MAXIMUM OUTPUT LEVEL  23.25 dBu TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION AND NOISE
  • @ 1 kHz, +20 dBu output level, no load: Better than 0.0025%
  • @ 20 Hz, +20 dBu output level, no load: 0.13% Typical (2nd and 3rd harmonic)
HIGH PASS FILTER
  • -2.7 dB @ 80 Hz
  • Slope: 12 dB/Octave
NOISE
  • Measured at Main Output, un-weighted, 22 Hz - 22 kHz, source impedance 40 Ohm balanced.
  • Better than -94 dBV
FREQUENCY RESPONSE Main output, no load: +/- 0.25 dBu from 20 Hz to 45 kHz, -2 dB @ 120 kHz MAXIMUM OUTPUT LEVEL  23 dBu TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION AND NOISE
  • @ 1 kHz, +20 dBu output level, no load: Better than 0.009%
  • @ 20 Hz, +20 dBu output level, no load: 0.13% Typical (2nd and 3rd harmonic)
POWER REQUIREMENTS
  • 120mA on +16VDC
  • 110ma on -16VD

Rupert Neve Designs Portico 542 500 Series Tape FX Standard

FEATURES

  • Add depth and character to your sound
  • Control the mix of pre and post tape signals
  • Send signals through "True Tape" circuitry
  • Silk circuit, reduces negative feedback, adding harmonic content as needed
  • Red Silk accentuates the saturation in the mid and high frequencies
  • Use soft clip to tame overly transient material like drums
  • Provides +/- 12dB adjustment of level on incoming signal levels

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

Rupert Neve Designs Portico 542 500 Series Tape FX
  • Line Amp Specifications (Measurements with tape circuit disengaged)
  • Noise: Measured at Main Output, un-weighted, 20Hz-22kHz, Input Terminated 40 Ohms.
  • Unity Gain Better than -100dBu
  • Frequency Response
  • Measured at +10dBu, trim at unity.
  • Main Output +/- 0.25dB from 5Hz to 60Khz -2dB @ 120KHz
  • Maximum Output Level 23.25dBu
  • Total Harmonic Distortion and Noise:
  • @ 1kHz, +20dBu output level Better than 0.0025% @ 20Hz, +20dBu output level 0.07% Typical (2nd and 3rd harmonic)
  • Tape FX Specifications
  • Noise:
  • Measured at Main Output, un-weighted, 20Hz-22kHz, Input Terminated 40 Ohms.
  • Saturation @ minimum Better than -100dBu Saturation @ maximum Better than -100dBu
  • Frequency Response:
  • 15 IPS, Input @ -0 dBu -3dBu @ 28kHz Saturation @ minimum 0dBu @ 10Hz +5dBu Peak @ 60Hz
  • Saturation @ maximum -3dBu @ 20kHz -3dBu @ 12.5Hz +2.4dBu Peak @ 60Hz
  • 30 IPS, Input @ -0 dBu -3dBu @ 120kHz Saturation @ minimum -3dBu @ 10Hz +3.15dBu Peak @ 125Hz
  • Saturation @ maximum -3dBu @ 100kHz -3dBu @ 12.5Hz
  • +1.3dBu Peak @ 110Hz
  • Total Harmonic Distortion and Noise
  • Refer to sweeps on page10 15 IPS, Input @ -0 dBu 0.4% @ 3kHz to 1% @ 175Hz typical
  • Saturation @ minimum Greater than 1% below 175Hz typical
  • Saturation @ maximum 1% at 6kHz typical 0.3% @ 1kHz to 3% @ 50Hz typical
  • 30 IPS, Input @ -0 dBu 1% at 1kHz typical
  • Saturation @ minimum 0.6% @ 400Hz 5% @ 20Hz typical
  • Saturation @ maximum 1.5% @ 20kHz to 0.4% @ 1kHz typical 0.4% @ 1kHz to 2 %@ 50Hz typical
  • Power requirements:
  • Supplied by 500 series rack with 110-125 mA @ +/- 16V DC
Weight
DimensionsN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Additional information