MINIREVIEW: UNIVERSAL AUDIO NEVE 1073 EQ PLUG-IN
Oct 4, 2006 2:18 PM Jason_Scott Alexander (Writer)
Sporting the same RAF military aesthetics and oversize knob controls of arguably the greatest preamp/EQ module in the world, UA's latest plug-in for its UAD DSP cards was co-developed under exclusive license from AMS Neve. At the right end sits a selectable four-frequency highpass/low-cut filter featuring musical sounding roll-offs at 50, 80, 160 and 300 Hz. Next is a four-frequency low-shelving EQ with 35, 60, 110 and 220 Hz settings, perfect for contouring all-important "pocket" frequencies. The six-position midrange section is a bell-shaped parametric EQ with settings of 360 Hz, 700 Hz, 1.6 kHz, 3.2 kHz, 4.8 kHz and 7.2 kHz, while the high-frequency band is a fixed-shelving type set to 12 kHz. For the mid and low bands, you click on or near the detented markings on the outer frequency ring, while the inner attenuation knob is continuous, making adjustments quick and mouse friendly. Boost/cut values aren't labeled, but as with the original, 16 dB in either direction is possible. Other features include a 30dB range of make-up gain control, off positions for each band and phase reverse and EQ bypass buttons.
Whereas you tend to cut with most EQs, it seems like the Neve was made for boosting. All three bands—especially the treble—add gobs of character and make components of a mix really stand out and sound larger than life. The sheen, clarity and present character exactly mimic the original. This level of accuracy comes at a CPU price, however; a DSP-optimized SE version of the plug-in is included, allowing 16 mono or 15 stereo instances per UAD-1 card. I do wish UA had broken from strict Neve convention and added modern touches such as switchable 10, 14 and 16kHz positions to the Hi EQ, and perhaps extended the mid to include 10 kHz. But the Neve 1073 EQ sounds impeccable and painstakingly accurate.
For more information, visit www.uaudio.com.
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