A-EQ is Sonimus’ newest addition to its modular EQ family. This innovative approach of the classic American EQ brings the clarity and character of the 550b equalizer to the 21st century. You can create your own custom EQ plugin with a wide range of tones, featuring eight interchangeable modules, including 512c and 216L-inspired preamp and filter modules.

Choose your workflow

A-EQ is different from your typical 550b equalizer. While it provides the classic four overlapping semi parametric frequency bands for low, low-mids, high-mids, and high frequencies, the modular system from Sonimus allows you to add up to 16 modules inside the plugins to create a user-centric EQ plugin and sculpt your sound in ways that the analogue unit would have never allowed.

Where the original unit only allowed changing the shape of the high and low-frequency bands from shelf to bell, A-EQ takes it to the next level, providing two different Q values, Bell and HiQ, for musical or surgical use, respectively.

But if that wasn’t enough customization, Sonimus has added three extra EQ modules to the equation: Low-Free, Mid-Free and High-Free. These new bands, while true to the shape and control of the original EQ unit, provide complete parametric control over the frequency spectrum. That way, users can choose between the classic 550-stepped knobs or a continued frequency and gain control. Or even combine the two and create an experience that adapts to the user’s workflow.

Color and attitude

The Preamp and Filters module is one of the plugin’s highlights. Sonimus has not only emulated the characteristic 512 line-level harmonic distortion within the A-EQ drive knob but also incorporated the mic mode saturation whenever you need to add extra edge and presence in any sound source. You can even turn the plugin into a distortion unit, pushing the drive knob to high values in mic mode just like you were passing sound through a guitar amp.

On the other hand, the 216-style low and high-pass filters are musical and can help shape the sound of any source on their own. In fact, thanks again to the modularity of A-EQ, users can set the plugin with just the Preamp module and take advantage of the filters and saturation for simplicity.

Modular EQ or Graphical EQ?

While adding band modules to the plugin is similar to turning the A-EQ into a graphical equaliser, the combination with the Preamp module makes this workflow different. Being that the signal gets processed from left to right in the plugin, a breakpoint is created every time a Preamp module is added to the chain. The preamp adds the characteristic 512 color and saturation to the signal, making any other module come after it, like adding a second EQ plugin.

It is then easy to imagine how this workflow can be used to your advantage. An example can be using filters and a subtractive EQ to clean your vocals, then saturating the signal with another preamp module and finally taming or exaggerating frequencies enhanced by the preamp with another set of EQ modules.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sonimus’ A-EQ is an innovative and versatile modular EQ plugin that brings the classic American 550b equalizer to the finest digital workflow of the 21st century. With its eight interchangeable modules, including preamp and filter modules, and the ability to add up to 16 modules inside the plugins, A-EQ allows users to create a user-centric EQ plugin and sculpt their sound in ways the analogue unit would have never allowed. A-EQ offers a unique workflow that adapts to your needs. Its characteristic 512 color and saturation, combined with the musical low and high-pass filters and the full control over the frequency spectrum, make A-EQ a valuable tool for music producers, mixing engineers, and sound designers who want to elevate their mixes, combining the heritage from an American classic with Sonimus’ innovative approach.

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