TL Audio EQ-1 Dual Valve Equaliser

The TL Audio Original Classic Series EQ-1 is a dual valve, stereo equalizer. It is a hybrid valve technology inside of the unit and can be used as each two separate four band EQ's, or a single, mono 8 band equalizer. The unit has both 1/4" and XLR connections, as well as a separate 1/4" auxiliary input in the front. It is a rack mountable piece of gear and will take up two rack spaces.

UTILIZATION

Using the TL Audio Original Classic Series EQ-1 is quite easy. For the most part, everything is pretty self explanatory, with parameters for both gain and frequency for each of the four bands per channel. You've got four different frequencies to choose from on each band and there is a gain knob for each of the two channels as well. There are also buttons for EQ in/out and mic/line selection, as well as a switch for choosing between either a mono or stereo unit. The manual has everything you'd need to know about the EQ-1, but isn't really necessary.

SOUND QUALITY

The tone of the TL Audio Original Classic Series EQ-1 is great overall. There is a reissue of the EQ-1 as well, but I've only used the original and I don't know if there would be a difference in sound at all (although I'd think not). The sound of this equalizer is awesome in general, as I find it perfect for adding a little low mid range boost when necessary. It's really a great overall EQ for making an sort of equalization moves, but especially for adding bottom end because it's a valve based EQ. For the price, this is one of the best EQ's I've heard...

OVERALL OPINION

As far as parametric equalizers go, the TL Audio Original Classic Series EQ-1 is one of the best bangs for your buck on the market that I'm aware of. It has a killer sound and offers up a good amount of flexibility, especially because of the fact that you can use it as either a four band, stereo EQ, or an eight band, mono EQ. I don't know if they are still making the reissues of these, but they should be easy enough to find used either way. The TL Audio EQ-1 is great for home and pro studios alike!

The TL Audio Dual Valve Equalizer is like the name states, a stereo valve based parametric equalizer. It has pretty simple characteristics, with connections in the back for both XLR and 1/4" for each of the channels and for both inputs and outputs. It also has a 1/4" auxiliary input on the front of the panel. It has a standard power cord jack and will take up two spaces in a standard size rack mount.

UTILIZATION

For those who have experience with parametric EQs, the TL Audio Dual Valve Equalizer will seem pretty familiar, as this is more or less your standard make up for a four band parametric EQ. Each of the four bands has parameters to choose your frequency and to set your gain cut or boost. The bands have four fixed frequencies to choose from, which are well choose and cover all of the bases. There are also buttons for choosing either mic or line input and bypass and a switch for using the unit as either a mono or stereo piece of gear. The manual for the Dual Valve EQ is put together well and covers just about everything you'd need to know about it.

SOUND QUALITY

The tone of the TL Audio Dual Valve Equalizer is overall quite clean. I find it easy to get the types of equalizing that I'd like to get done with this, as everything about it makes it possible to do so. It can be used for any type of application, as I don't think I'd necessarily favor one thing over another. I do love the way that it sounds for drums, vocals, and guitars, which are three of the main things that I would record anyway, making it a versatile unit as well. It doesn't have the thick sound that you'd get with a tube EQ, but rather has a slightly different type of sound from the valves, which isn't a bad thing at all, it's just a bit different...

OVERALL OPINION

While the TL Audio Dual Valve Equalizer is now discontinued, you can still find them around if you're interested in doing so. They do have some newer versions of the Dual Valve EQ, but this review has been for the original one. The price of this EQ was actually pretty reasonable when it was new, so I'm imagine that those that you could find used wouldn't be too much money at all. As far as hardware EQs go, this one is the perfect mixture of high quality sound and price...

Mic preamp, line and instrument / stereo equalizers.
Connect Pro Classic.
Transistor preamp, EQ Tube
2 channels - each with 4-band equalization valve

LF band gives ± 12dB shelving - 60Hz, 120Hz, 250Hz or 500Hz
(12dB/oct) (12 dB / oct)
LM band gives ± 12 dB - 250 Hz peak, 500Hz, 1kHz or 2.2kHz
(Q = 0.5) (Q = 0.5)
band gives ± 12dB peaking HM - 5kHz, 2.2kHz, 3.6kHz or 5kHz
(Q = 0.5) (Q = 0.5)
HF band gives ± 12dB shelving - 2.2kHz, 5kHz, 8kHz or 12kHz
(12dB/oct) (12 dB / oct)

Balanced microphone and line level inputs with variable gain control
Balanced line outputs, switchable for-10dB or +4 dB
inputs and outputs duplicated on unbalanced jack connections
Front auxiliary single ended input (for guitars, etc.)
48v phantom power
Cascade switch operation for 8 single band (Channel A output is applied
in channel B). Channel B gain control input becomes all
Output level control
Insert point on each channel (between mic pre and EQ section)
EQ bypass switch with status LED
Frequency response of 20Hz to 40kHz +0 /-1dB
SPECIFICATIONS
Mic Input: Impedance: 10k. Gain Range: 16 to 60 dB. Input - Input Noise (EIN): -
127dBu (22Hz-22kHz). Max Input Level: +10 dBu. XLR connector.
Line input (balanced) Impedance: 5k. Gain Range:-10dB to +35 dB. Max
Input Level: +30 dBu. XLR connector. (Unbalanced) Impedance:
5k. Gain Range:-10dB to +35 dB. Max Input Level: +30 dBu. Jack connector.
Auxiliary Input: Impedance: 100k. Max Gain: 50 dB. Max Input Level: 0 dBu.
"TS connector. Output: Balanced output impedance:

UTILIZATION

The general configuration is simple?

Yes it is very simple

SOUND QUALITY

Perfect Hot AC that are working well.
The 2 preamps sound as those of C1 Dual Valve (Neve 1073) is very good, thank you TL Audio

OVERALL OPINION

For how long have you been using it? 2years

What is your opinion about the value for the price? Excellent

Knowing what you know now, would you make the same choice? ... YES