Summit FeQ-50 Four-Band Parametric Equalizer

FeQ-50
Four-Band Parametric Equalizer

New from Summit Audio comes the FeQ-50, a four band parametric, passive equalizer. Each of the four bands has six switch selectable frequencies and 14dB of fully sweepable cut or boost. The low and high bands can switch between peaking and shelving filters, the low mid and high mid can switch between narrow and wide bandwidths. Also included is a switchable highpass filter fixed at 30Hz with a gentle 6dB/octave rolloff to reduce rumble. I/O includes a total of four simultaneous outputs, -10dB and +4dB vacuum tube out and -10dB and +4dB solid state out. Like all of our other ½ rack sized products, the FeQ-50 has an internal power supply and 3 year warranty.

The focus of the FeQ-50 from the very beginning has been the sound. Passive circuitry excels at rich harmonic content and phase coherency, resulting in a musically satisfying sonic experience. It was a challenge to fit fully passive circuitry into a box this size and at this price but we wanted to make the world of passive EQ available for anyone with an ear for quality. Although production costs can be high due to the high quality inductors needed to meet the strict tolerances necessary and the high value capacitors in the audio path, by creative and thoughtful engineering we were able to both fit the components in a ½ rack size and keep the price down. The result? A rich and accessible passive equalizer, simple yet versatile, and sure to complement your sound with a dash of flavor unlike any other.

Key Features:
•	Four frequency bands
•	+/- 14dB cut and boost
•	Six switch selectable frequencies per band
•	Separate, bypassable high pass filter
•	Master bypass
•	Four simultaneous outputs, both vacuum tube and solid state
•	Fully passive design (no amplifier in filter circuit)
•	Internal high voltage power supply
•	One 12AX7A/ECC83 vacuum tube
•	3 year warranty

FeQ-50 Basic Operating Instructions

What is a passive EQ?
A passive equalizer uses no amplifier in the filter circuit, it uses inductors and high value capacitors to filter the sound. The result is very musical overtones and excellent phase coherency.

How do I hook up my FeQ-50?
The FeQ-50 has both -10dB (on ¼") and +4dB (on XLR) inputs on a single combo connector. Four outputs are supplied, +4dB XLR Tube and Solid State as well as -10dB ¼" TRS Tube and Solid State.
For example: 2BA-221 XLR out -> FeQ-50 XLR input -> FeQ-50 XLR Tube output -> recording device input

How can I send the outputs of the FeQ-50 to multiple places?
All four outputs on the FeQ-50 are active at the same time so send them where you want! For example: 2BA-221 XLR output -> FeQ-50 XLR input -> FeQ-50 XLR tube output -> DAW input; FeQ-50 XLR solid state output -> TLA-50 input -> TLA-50 output to DAW input; FeQ-50 ¼" solid state output -> monitor input for no latency monitoring

I don't hear the HPF working when I switch it on; is it working?
The high pass filter on the FeQ-50 is a rumble filter only. It is set at 30Hz with a gentle 6dB per octave rolloff. If you don't have a bunch of low frequency rumble making your sound muddled you probably won't hear it working.

How do you mount the FeQ-50?
Use the SRK-100 from Summit Audio to mount one or two FeQ-50's. They will also fit into a standard rack shelf although they tend to sag under the weight of these pieces.

How and when should you change your tubes?
We have seen 10,000 hours and more out of our vacuum tubes without signal degradation. We accomplish this by regulating the heater voltage to the tubes, greatly increasing their life, something of a rarity if this industry. So, time is not as much of an issue as is sound. If you hear a ringing sound in your audio or when you rap your knuckles on the front, the tube is going microphonic. If you hear an increase in the noise floor, the tube may need to be replaced. Contact us if you need new tubes, we can help.