WesAudio ngTubeEQ
The WesAudio ngTubeEQ is a next-generation tube equalizer with digital recall and automation. Known for their rich, musical sound, tube equalizers have shaped the sonic character of countless classic recordings. The ngTubeEQ elevates this legacy, offering a refined analog experience seamlessly integrated into modern digital workflows. With its lush tonal quality and intuitive digital control, the ngTubeEQ is an indispensable tool in studios worldwide. It blends the soul of vintage sound with the ease of digital technology for the best of both worlds.
Main Features
- 100% analog tube equalizer with 26dBu headroom.
- Four fully passive, inductor-based EQ bands covering 22Hz to 28kHz.
- Active low-pass and high-pass filters with variable slopes, fully bypassable.
- Dual output options: tube with Carnhill transformers and electronically balanced.
- Adjustable Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) control for customized saturation.
- Proportional and Constant Q options for versatile sound shaping.
- Moderate (-5dB to 5dB) and extended (-15dB to 15dB) operational range.
- Band Listen Mode for isolating frequency content via LPF and HPF adjustments.
- Internal memory to store up to 100 presets for standalone use without a plugin.
- DAW integration for full recall and plugin control with supported formats (VST, AU, AAX).
Analog Sound, Digital Control
The ngTubeEQ offers true analog processing with 26dBu of headroom, ensuring clarity and dynamic range. Despite its digital control capabilities for precision and ease, the signal path remains fully analog for rich, vintage sound quality.
Heart of the Unit: Passive EQ Section
At the core of the ngTubeEQ is a fully passive EQ section built around custom inductors. This classic approach to equalization delivers the warm, musical sound engineers love, with four passive EQ bands covering a broad frequency range from 22Hz to 28kHz.
LPF & HPF Active Filters
The active filter section includes adjustable low-pass and high-pass filters with 12dB/octave and 24dB/octave slopes. These filters can be fully bypassed at the analog level for uncolored audio processing.
Three Modes of Operation
- DUAL: Two independent channels for separate processing.
- STEREO: Processes stereo tracks to enhance balance and depth.
- MID-SIDE: Allows separate control over mid and side channels for precise stereo imaging.
Carnhill Transformers
The ngTubeEQ uses Carnhill transformers in its output stage, which contribute a rich, warm sonic saturation essential for high-quality audio production. The IRON PAD feature allows the output to be driven for a vintage tone while maintaining consistent output levels.
THD – Total Harmonic Distortion
The ngTubeEQ features proprietary harmonic distortion circuitry that integrates seamlessly with the internal gain structure. Offering precise control over inductor-based saturation, the THD can be adjusted in 100 steps or bypassed for clean audio.
Selectable Output Stages
Choose between two distinct output stages:
- GREEN: Electronically balanced for a clean, punchy sound.
- RED: Tube amplification coupled with transformer output for a warm, analog sound with saturation capabilities.
Proportional and Constant Q
- Proportional Q: Adjusts bandwidth dynamically, narrowing the Q as more boost is applied for musical frequency shaping.
- Constant Q: Maintains a fixed bandwidth, ensuring precise, predictable adjustments regardless of gain changes.
5dB/15dB Gain Mode
The ngTubeEQ offers both moderate (-5dB to 5dB) and extended (-15dB to 15dB) gain modes. In the 5dB mode, adjustments are made in fine 0.1dB steps, while in the 15dB mode, adjustments are made in 0.25dB steps for larger changes.
Band Listen Mode
Isolate specific frequency content using the LPF and HPF filters to focus on individual EQ bands. This hardware feature allows unmatched precision when tuning the audio spectrum.
Total Recall and Plugin Control
The ngTubeEQ offers seamless integration with most DAWs, providing instant recall and plugin control via VST, AU, and AAX formats. Store up to 100 presets internally for standalone use without the plugin.
