04/09/2023
Periodically, Ingram Engineering posts tips and application information for its recording studio products. This post relates to using the EQ52 to implement the high frequency characteristics of an NAB tape equalization curve in a setup that emulates tape high frequency magnetic saturation.
In this case, a pair of Ingram Engineering EQ52s is used in conjunction with a companion piece of gear that adds a pleasing amount of saturation when driven hard. Signal is first be passed through one EQ52, then to the saturating stage. Signal level into the saturating stage, or the gain of the saturating stage is adjusted so that the desired amount of distortion is achieved.
To complete the saturation effect, the saturated signal is passed through a second EQ52 that has reverse frequency characteristics as the first EQ52 in order that the overall response is flat, or even adjusted so that high frequencies are slightly attenuated. This mimics the slight high frequency reduction of saturated tape. For this example, only the high frequency part of the NAB curve is used, with its 3183 Hz frequency break point. Note that the amount of boost/cut is different between the two EQ52 See-Saw filters in order that slight high frequency reduction is achieved.
The NAB curve example is given, but the same idea could be applied for an IEC type or custom EQ curve for this and many other applications.
Thanks for your interest! EQ52 specs, sound clips and other details are at this web page: https://ingramengineering.net/products/eq52.html