Empirical Labs EL-Q LilFreq

Descriptions détaillées

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.

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.

There are engineers who enjoy the flexibility of being able to EQ audio signals when they’re tracking.  For them, we offer the Trak Pak – a combination of our Mike-E and Lil FrEQ processors set up for seamless integration.  With a killer mic pre, famed ELI compression, tape saturation and eight individually defeatable EQ sections, we feel it’s simply the most powerful and flexible “channel strip” solution available.

specifications

• Freq. Response - 5 Hz to 140 kHz on transformerless inputs and outputs.
• Transformer Output response is 10 Hz 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%.
• DC coupled Input and Outputs and one transformer coupled output
• High quality audio caps used internally.
• Dynamic Time Constants - Attack is approximately .5 mS. Release .04 sec, fixed internally.
• Number of Channels : 2
• Number of Bands : 4
• Tube : No
• Frequency Response : 3Hz-180kHz (-3dB)
• Freq Range High : .9-20kHz
• Freq Range Hi-Mid : .4-10kHz
• Freq Range Mid : No mid
• Freq Range Lo-Mid : 100-2700Hz
• Freq Range Low : 40-600Hz
• Boost/Cut Range : 14
• Q Type : Variable
• High Pass Filter : Yes
• Low Pass Filter : No low pass
• Bypass : Yes
• Inputs : 2 x XLR
• Outputs : 2 x XLR
• Rack Spaces : 1U

Effective and Versatile EQ

The Lil FrEQ's High Pass section is a sharp filter that cuts all content below one of eight pre-selected frequencies. Called a "colored" filter since it is completely steep and it sports a special shape that prevents thinning out frequencies just above the "cutoff" frequency. The corner frequency is indicated by LEDs that glow softly when the section is bypassed by the Lil FrEQ, and brightly when the section is engaged. As with all the EQ sections in the Lil FrEQ, there is a dedicated bypass switch. The Lil FrEQ's High and Low Shelving are totally similar to your standard "Tone Controls", but extremely high performance, providing exceptionally smooth boost and cut on the "bass" and "treble" frequencies. There are four sections of fully parametric FrEQ operating below .0007% THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) at extremely high audio levels. 

Dynamics Control

The Dynamics section of the Lil FrEQ combines filters with a compressor-like circuit that can help contain and control excessive high frequency content such as sibilants, especially in the absence of other lower frequency content. There are two modes of operation on the Lil FrEQ, with threshold control plus a frequency select control. There are four LEDs that indicate the amount of Gain Reduction: -1.5dB, -8dB, -14dB, -24dB. The Dynamics section has the high performance and ease of use, plus a natural-sounding De-esser, plus a one-of-a-kind soft knee High Frequency Limiter for multi-faceted dynamics management. 

DC coupled Input and Outputs

The Lil FrEQ features DC-coupled circuitry for an extremely pure sound. The greatest advantage of DC-coupled circuitry is that the lack of capacitors means that the circuitry will never wear out, ensuring reliable performance day in and day out. DC-coupled circuitry is found in only the coolest high-end recording gear, and the Lil FrEQ is no exception.