Mäag Audio EQ4-500

Mäag Audio EQ4-500

The Mäag Audio EQ4-500 is a professional single-channel 6-band equalizer for the 500 Series format, bringing the fundamental design philosophy of the larger EQ4M into a compact module. Combining five broad musical EQ bands with Mäag's signature AIR BAND®, the EQ4-500 is designed less as a surgical correction tool and more as a musical tone shaper for recording and mixing. The current version complements the established circuit design with a refreshed front panel, improved spacing between controls and a true hardwire bypass.

The five main bands operate at fixed frequencies of 10 Hz (SUB), 40 Hz, 160 Hz, 650 Hz and 2.5 kHz. The first four sections use broad bell-shaped curves, while the 2.5 kHz band operates as a shelving EQ. All five bands provide an unusually asymmetrical adjustment range of up to +15 dB boost and -4.5 dB cut. Centre detents at 0 dB make settings quick to establish and easy to recall.

In addition, the EQ4-500 incorporates Mäag's renowned AIR BAND®, an exceptionally broad high-frequency shelving filter. The current EQ4-500 provides selectable frequencies of 2.5, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 40 kHz, plus an Off position, while the dedicated Air Gain control provides up to +20 dB of boost. Due to its broad transitional slope, frequencies below the selected point are also affected, allowing presence, openness and perceived detail to be shaped differently from a conventional high-frequency EQ.

Sound Character

Sonically, the EQ4-500 follows the classic Mäag philosophy: open, transparent and musical with very low phase shift. Its individual filters are intentionally broad and interact with each other. Rather than creating isolated surgical changes, adjustments reshape the overall tonal balance in a fluid and musical way. Small combinations of boost and cut can therefore produce surprisingly significant results.

The AIR BAND® is the defining sonic feature of the EQ4-500. It can add openness and presence to the upper frequencies without necessarily introducing the hardness or aggression associated with conventional presence EQ. It is particularly effective on vocals, acoustic instruments, overheads and stereo buses, where it can enhance air and perceived detail. The 20 and 40 kHz settings provide particularly broad and subtle enhancement, while the lower settings reach more noticeably into the audible presence range.

The 10 Hz SUB band is equally distinctive. Although its centre frequency lies below the fundamental range of most musical material, its broad curve extends into the audible bass region and can add weight and foundation. The 40, 160 and 650 Hz bands provide control over low-end punch, warmth, body and lower-midrange balance, while the 2.5 kHz shelf shapes presence and articulation. The result is an equalizer particularly well suited to broad musical tone shaping and sweetening.

Highlights

✔ professional single-channel 6-band equalizer
✔ compact 500 Series module
✔ based on the design philosophy of the Mäag Audio EQ4M
✔ fully analogue signal path
✔ 6 EQ sections
✔ four broad bell-shaped filters
✔ additional 2.5 kHz shelving filter
✔ legendary Mäag AIR BAND®
✔ selectable AIR BAND® frequency
✔ AIR BAND® frequencies: Off / 2.5 / 5 / 10 / 15 / 20 / 40 kHz
✔ dedicated AIR GAIN control
✔ AIR GAIN provides up to +20 dB boost
✔ 10 Hz SUB band
✔ 40 Hz band
✔ 160 Hz band
✔ 650 Hz band
✔ 2.5 kHz shelving band
✔ main bands provide up to +15 dB boost / -4.5 dB cut
✔ centre detents at 0 dB
✔ broad, musical filter curves
✔ minimal phase shift
✔ interactive EQ-band behaviour
✔ particularly suitable for recording and mixing
✔ excellent for vocal sweetening
✔ suitable for individual tracks and stereo buses
✔ current model with redesigned front panel
✔ increased spacing between frequency controls
✔ improved visibility and ergonomics
✔ true hardwire In/Out bypass
✔ bypass circuit derived from the EQ4M
✔ green signal-present LED
✔ signal indication from -20 dBu
✔ red peak LED
✔ peak indication at +23 dBu
✔ high analogue headroom of +25 dBu
✔ THD + Noise below 0.005%
✔ extended frequency response to 75 kHz
✔ occupies only one 500 Series slot
✔ compatible with 500VPR systems

Typical Applications

✔ vocal recording
✔ vocal sweetening
✔ lead vocals
✔ backing vocals
✔ acoustic guitars
✔ electric guitars
✔ bass
✔ piano
✔ strings
✔ synthesizers
✔ drum machines
✔ snare drum
✔ kick drum
✔ overheads
✔ drum rooms
✔ percussion
✔ drum bus
✔ instrument buses
✔ stereo keyboards
✔ electronic music
✔ individual track processing during recording
✔ EQ processing during mixing
✔ AIR BAND® for open and airy top end
✔ adding presence without aggressive high-frequency character
✔ low-frequency shaping with the 10 Hz SUB band
✔ adding foundation to bass and kick
✔ adding warmth and body around 160 Hz
✔ midrange shaping at 650 Hz
✔ presence control with the 2.5 kHz shelf
✔ broad musical tone shaping
✔ subtle sonic enhancement
✔ analogue hybrid studios
✔ professional 500 Series racks
✔ recording chains following microphone preamps
✔ mix-bus applications
✔ creative tone shaping

Technical Specifications

✔ model: EQ4-500
✔ manufacturer: Mäag Audio
✔ product type: single-channel 6-band equalizer
✔ format: 500 Series
✔ channels: 1
✔ slots required: 1
✔ EQ bands: 6
✔ SUB band: 10 Hz
✔ low band: 40 Hz
✔ low-mid band: 160 Hz
✔ mid band: 650 Hz
✔ high band: 2.5 kHz shelf
✔ AIR BAND®: Off / 2.5 / 5 / 10 / 15 / 20 / 40 kHz
✔ SUB / 40 Hz / 160 Hz / 650 Hz: bell filters
✔ 2.5 kHz: shelving filter
✔ AIR BAND®: high-frequency shelving filter
✔ main band boost: up to +15 dB
✔ main band cut: down to -4.5 dB
✔ AIR GAIN: up to +20 dB
✔ main band zero position: centre detent
✔ bypass: true hardwire In/Out bypass
✔ signal LED: from -20 dBu
✔ peak LED: at +23 dBu
✔ frequency response: -2 dB points at 10 Hz and 75 kHz
✔ nominal input impedance: 48 kΩ balanced
✔ nominal output impedance: 50 Ω balanced
✔ headroom: +25 dBu
✔ THD + Noise: < 0.005%
✔ power: supplied by compatible 500 Series rack
✔ rack compatibility: 500VPR / API-compatible 500 Series systems