While software equalizers can do things that hardware just can’t, hardware EQ definitely has its merits. It can impart a particular analog flavor to a signal that most software just can’t, especially when used on the front end. The best outboard equalizers tailor the sound in ways that make things really easy when it comes to mixdown.
There are a lot of great hardware EQs available today, from full rack units to 500 series. These are some of the best outboard equalizers available today. Here are some of the best hardware EQs on the market.
Best Neve style outboard EQ: Rupert Neve Designs 551
As one of the progenitors of top-shelf recording technology, Neve has a storied history of creating fantastic outboard gear in addition to their legendary consoles. They are renowned for their preamps and compressors, but their equalizer designs are just as expertly crafted.
The sound of countless recordings over the years, the EQ from their 1073 and 1081 models are still just as popular today as ever, and many companies have put their own spin on the circuits.
Neve has been making some of the best outboard equalizers for decades. This 3-band inductor equalizer is one of Neve’s first 500 series model. It takes its inspiration from the company’s classic consoles, and is built upon Class A gain stages with transformers and inductors that are custom wound.
The different bands offer a number of ways to sculpt your signal. The low and high frequency bands can be used in shelf or peak modes, and the highs can be adjusted to 8k or 16k. The midrange offers proportional bandwidth, and there is a high-pass filter at 80Hz.
Best Pultec style outboard EQ: Warm Audio EQP-WA
Perhaps the most mythical of all types of equalizer is the Pultec. It is unique in that it can boost and attenuate the signal simultaneously, creating some very interesting and musical EQ curves.
It fell out of fashion for a while but has made quite a resurgence in both hardware and software formats.
Warm Audio‘s take on the Pultec mimics the original device in sound and sight. It uses fully-discrete components and dual tube (12AX7/12AU7) topology with custom CineMag transformers. Five frequency points add greater flexibility than vintage Pultecs.
Best budget Pultec style outboard EQ: Klark Teknik EQP-KT
Another Class A design, this model features custom wound Midas transformers in a very affordable 2U rack unit. It offers 2-bands with seven frequency points as well as XLR and TRS balanced I/O.
Its musicality and low price point makes it one of the best outboard equalizers for people on a budget.
Best graphic outboard EQ: DBX 231s
Graphic EQs are more popular for live sound, but there is some merit in using them in the recording studio as well. The 231s offers two channels of 31-band EQ.
They are really easy to dial in, as you only have to adjust the sliders at your chosen equalization points.
Each band can be switched into cut or boost mode at a range of 6dB or 12dB. There is 108dB of dynamic range, and each channel goes from 10Hz all the way up to 50kHz!
This makes it a great choice for stereo sources like drums and monitor mixes.
Best two channel graphic EQ: dbx 215s
Graphic equalizers aren’t as versatile as parametric or semi-parametric models, but they have a distinct benefit those types of EQs don’t – way more frequency bands to work with!
The 215s features two channels with 15 bands each. All bands are set up in 1/3-octave with dbx’s Constant Q with +/- 12dB gain range. One thing that sets it apart from similar models is the very wide <10Hz – >50kHz frequency response.
You can connect it with TRS or XLR cabling, and 4-segment LED output metering lets you keep an easy eye on the levels. Like the dbx 231 above this is an efficient graphic EQ best suited for live sound reinforcement, but it’s great in a studio monitoring signal chain too.
Best outboard EQ for live sound: Art 351
Live sound is a much different animal than sculpting frequencies in the recording studio, and due to the varying sources seen in the field graphic EQs are the popular go-to.
The 351 is a 31-band, single rackspace graphic equalizer, but it has some interesting features that set it apart. “Constant Q” circuitry provides 3% center frequency accuracy, the sliders have detents for easy recall, boost/cut can be switched between 6dB and 12dB, and the I/O is active balanced and unbalanced.
Graphic EQs offer a “broad strokes” way to equalize signals, but they offer a wide range of frequency bands that are perfect for live sound.
Best API-style 500 series EQ: API 550A
API invented the 500 series format, and they make some of the best units to fill your lunchbox.
The 550A provides a unique type of reciprocal EQ over 21 points with five steps of boost at a maximum of 12dB each. Each of the three equalization ranges overlaps, and the high and low bands can operate in either peak or shelf modes.
What drives the fully discrete circuit is the 2520 op amp and Proportional Q that narrows the bandwidth of the filter at extreme settings. This provides a smoother type of EQ.
It’s expensive, and you’ll need a 500 rack to use it. But there’s a reason API has some of the best EQ (and compressors) in pro audio.
Best transparent 500 series outboard EQ: Maag Audio EQ4
With 500 series modules becoming increasingly popular, manufacturers are coming up with new and exciting innovations in regards to equalization. There are some products available in 500 series modules that aren’t available in standard rack units.
This is a console-style 6-band EQ with Maag’s proprietary AIR BAND technology that provides a transparent high-end and presence. It is entirely musical, especially useful at adding sparkle and shimmer to the top end, and all controls are detented for easy recall.
Best full spectrum 500 series outboard EQ: Kush Audio Electra
Electra can do interesting things with the harmonics and transient profile of any signal that is run through it. It’s a Class A, 4-band EQ with two sweepable proportional bands and high and low shelving filters. A proportional sweep means the more you boost or cut the more focused the bandwidth becomes.
The low shelf is fixed, but the high shelf is sweepable. All in all it covers 25Hz all the way up to 20kHz at the top end. All of these unique and useful features make it one of the best outboard equalizers.
Best clean 500 series outboard EQ: DBX 530
A fully parametric, 3-band 500 series equalizer, this selection is a versatile and cost-effective addition to your 500 rack. Each band can be boosted or attenuated up to 15dB, and the high and low bands can switch between shelving filters or peak.
The frequency ranges can also overlap for unique sound sculpting. But perhaps the coolest feature is the “Infinite Notch Mode” which lets you turn any band into a notch filter.
Best console-style 500 series outboard EQ: Midas 512
The 512 is a 4-band, fully-parametric EQ based on the same module that comes with the Heritage 3000 console. Dual concentric controls set the frequency point and gain for each band. The frequency bands overlap, meaning you can get some interesting EQ curves out of it.
Additionally, there are bell switches that switch the high and low shelves into parametric mode. Transformer balanced input and output stages ensure silent operation.
Best semi-parametric 500 series outboard EQ: Fredenstein Artistic EQ
Another unit built upon Fredenstein’s proprietary OPA2 op-amp, this 500 unit provides classic sound with modern reliability. It features 3 semi-parametric frequency bands, and the high and low bands can be used in shelf or bell mode. The “Color” switch lends a vintage tube flavor.
What to look for in an outboard equalizer
EQ type
The first thing to consider is the type of EQ – parametric, graphic, shelving, or a hybrid.
Parametric EQs offer precise control over frequency, bandwidth (Q), and gain. This makes them ideal for surgical adjustments and tonal shaping. Graphic EQs provide fixed-frequency bands, useful for broad tonal shaping and live sound.
Sound quality
A great outboard EQ should enhance audio with good execution and minimal phase distortion. Some EQs are designed for transparency while others introduce harmonic coloration and saturation, adding warmth and depth.
Vintage-style EQs like tube or transformer-based designs are adding harmonic saturation. Understanding how an EQ interacts with different audio sources helps to determine the best fit for your needs.
Features and flexibility
Look for an EQ with a suitable number of bands and adjustable parameters that fit your workflow. Some include switchable high-pass and low-pass filters, mid-side processing, or dynamic EQ capabilities, which adds versatility.
Bypass switches are essential for quick A/B comparisons, and true-bypass designs prevent unwanted coloration when the EQ is not in use. Some units offer stereo-linking for balanced processing across stereo sources and busses, which is important for mixing and mastering engineers.
FAQ
What is the most versatile equalizer?
EQs come in a few different types, but parametric EQs generally offer more specific ways to shape your sounds. This is especially true when it comes to setting the bandwidth or “Q” of the curve. This control lets you set how wide or narrow the equalization band is.
Do equalizers affect sound quality?
Equalizers are intended to affect sound quality. They’re one of the best processing tools in audio to tailor the sound of tracks. They let you cut out areas of the frequency spectrum you don’t want or need and increase the areas that sound good.
What is the best EQ for bass?
There really isn’t a “best EQ” for bass. Ideally you want an equalizer with a wide selection of frequencies, especially those that offer good low end and mid-range frequency bands. A parametric EQ is a great starting point considering you can get more specific with your equalization.
What are the three types of equalizers?
The three main types of EQs include parametric (or semi-parametric), graphic, and dynamic. Each has their own best use case, so what you need to equalize will determine the best type for the application.
