URS A10 series

The URS A10 Series equalizer is a graphic EQ plug-in that is basically a software version of the API 560B 10-band equalizer. The plug-in is available as an individual plug or within a few different URS bundles if you're looking to get more bang for your buck, although it's a pretty good deal anyway. I don't own this myself, so I wasn't involved in the installation of the plug-in. The configuration of the actual plug-in itself is really simple, as it's just as you'd expect a 10-band equalizer to look. It has 10 bands that range in frequencies from 31 Hz to 16 kHz. In addition to the ten bands, it also contains sliders for input and output, and buttons for in/out and phase. The decibel range on each of the sliders can go to 12 db either way. I haven't had a look at the manual for this plug-in...

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I've used the URS A10 Series EQ on a few different systems at the studio where I'm currently working. We have a number of different rooms with different studio configurations, but all of them are Pro Tools HD rigs and run with Mac Pro computers. We very rarely have performance issues within plug-ins or otherwise, so this set up isn't a great judge for how well this plug-in will run. Having said this, I'd be surprised if there were many users out there having trouble running it since it's a basic EQ plug.

OVERALL OPINION

Overall, the URS A10 Series is a more than adequate graphic equalizer. It's straight and to the point and there should definitely be no debate on how to use the features in here. The frequency range and the chosen frequencies are adequate for equalization for a number of applications. In my time using the plug-in I've found it most useful for use on snare drum and other drums where I'm looking to bring out a certain color. It definitely works well across the board however, as it's a general EQ with a clean sound - it's really just what you do with it. If you're looking to expand your plug-in palette with a graphic EQ, the URS A10 Series is a nice choice that can be had for a pretty reasonable price...

Problem-free installation

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

On Athlon 1.2 Ghz, 512MB Ram XP Pro, no crash, does not consume much CPU

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for a few days. In use it is night and day compared to all the equalizers I could try here and there (waves, cubase, Sonalksis, Timeworks). This is not an opinion when the technical quality of the plugin's, I think we can get good results with others and I do not have sufficient equipment (microphone, preamp, listening) to a real comparative but at the first adjustment, there is at once that this plug URS "sounds".

What strikes most is that whatever the chosen setting, the sound is always great. However much push or cut frequencies no matter how radical and provide filtering, the sound is beautiful, deep and warm. And it works both on a single track on a mix.

And I'm not ashamed to say I always had trouble with the parametric equalizer. It is very accurate indeed! But I always lose a lot of time to find 'the' setting. So with a good graphic equalizer viel especially this one, everything becomes natural setting like the sound. Bliss.

In short, with this plug, beyond the ease of use, listening, there are really sensations from analog .... the breath and the hum and less! beautiful and compelling.

In the series of EQ URS N Series A and really stand out, the S is more like what is proposed Waves, Parametric's very accurate, but a little cold.