VINTAGE EQUALISER
QUICK START GUIDE
MQ-1 Band Equaliser
CONTACTING DRAWMER
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Telephone: +44 (0)1709 527574
E-mail: tech@drawmer.com
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Congratulations on the purchase of your MQ-1 Vintage E.Q.. This quick-start guide should provide you with the very basics to get you started with integrating the MQ-1 into your studio. More information can be found by going to the MQ-1 page on the Drawmer website: www.drawmer.com.
DOWNLOAD MANUAL
Obtain the MQ-1 Operator’s Manual at https://www.drawmer.com/uploads/manuals/mq1_operators_manual.pdf or scan the code to the left using a QR scanner app on your mobile device.
PRODUCT REGISTRATION
Register your MQ-1 at https://www.drawmer.com/register.php or scan the code to the left using a QR scanner app on your mobile device.
Features
Taking inspiration from the legendary ‘Motown EQ’, the MQ-1 is a single-channel 7-band proportional Q parametric Equaliser with EQ curves akin to the renowned EQs used in the illustrious Detroit studios in the 1960s. This 100% analogue EQ features 7 bell curves, each having a variable cut/boost of ±10dB and set at the beautifully musical frequencies of the original.
But it doesn’t stop there, in addition, it incorporates the highly regarded ‘CRUSH’ feature present on the Drawmer 1971. When you activate the crush circuit, get ready for some pleasing harmonic saturation and that classic analogue warmth that adds a ton of character to any signal passing through the unit. The result? It fattens up the bass, adds presence to the mids, and brings a delightful shimmer to the top end. The harder you drive the EQ, the more Crush you’ll get! Designed and manufactured in England, this is THE classic warm analogue sound you’ve been looking for.
- 7 band proportional Q parametric Equaliser for 500 series.
- Inspired by the 1960s Motown EQ.
- Integrated ‘CRUSH’ feature that warms up your mix with harmonic saturation.
- Fully variable 10dB boost or cut
- Hard-wired bypass.
- Designed and manufactured in the U.K.
Installation
Installation of the MQ-1 into a 500 series rack:
- It is essential to consult the manual provided with the 500 series rack, as it should contain all the necessary information for the installation procedure.
- The MQ-1 requires one 500 series slot.
- Prior to installing or replacing the MQ-1 module, ensure that your 500 series rack is powered off and that the power cable is disconnected.
- Position the MQ-1 module into the adjacent vacant slot within your rack, ensuring that the connectors of the module are accurately aligned with the connectors of the rack.
- Gently press the MQ-1 module into the rack connectors, being careful not to use excessive force, and secure it by tightening the screws on the front panel.
- Connect the MQ-1 module to your audio setup using the connections available on your 500 series rack.
- Finally, reconnect the power cable to the 500 series rack and turn it on.
Controls
EQUALISER
There are seven fixed-frequency controls that allow broad cuts or boosts of up to 10dB:
12.5 kHz BRILLIANCE
This range is utilized for achieving a sparkling quality and adding airiness to the sound, but over-boosting can emphasize his and lead to ear fatigue.
5 kHz PRESENCE
Boosting enhances clarity and gives signals an edge, but too much can make the sound abrasive, while a reduction may create a sense of distance.
2 kHz UPPER MIDRANGE
This frequency is crucial for enhancing the presence and definition of percussive hits and adding a crunchy character, but care must be taken to avoid ear fatigue from excessive boosting, so moderation is key.
800 Hz MIDRANGE
Boosting this range improves the visibility of elements in a mix, though over-application can result in honkiness, leading to ear fatigue if not used judiciously.
320 Hz LOW MIDRANGE
This frequency range is essential for adding bass presence, definition, and fullness. Too much can lead to a muddy sound, while too little results in a hollow perception.
130 Hz BASS
Boosting this area adds warmth and a deeper sound with enhanced thump; however, an excessive boost can create a boomy effect, while too little results in a thin sound.
50 Hz SUB-BASS
This frequency is typically felt rather than heard, imparting weight and a solid foundation that resonates in the chest, although care should be taken as it can amplify low-end rumble.
GAIN +20 to -20dB
Typically, this Input Gain control is used to match the output of the preceding device/slot to the input needs of the EQ. bands that the signal will pass through.
If the input is too low, the signal of every e.q. The band will need to be boosted just to reach the optimum output level. If the input is too high, every band will have less headroom to boost the signal before clipping occurs.
BYPASS Switch
With the Bypass switch active, the input signal is routed to the output with no signal processing taking place. Use it to provide A/B comparisons.
CRUSH On / Off
Adds a fixed time constant, auto gain makeup compressor, and introduces some musically pleasing harmonics to each of the EQ bands.
The effectiveness of the Crush button will vary depending on the frequency band that it is used in and also on the instrument that it is applied to. Use it in the lower frequencies to fatten up the kick, tom or snare drums, bass guitar, and other elements of the rhythm section. In the mid frequencies, it will help to warm the mix and enhance the presence. It will thicken the guitars and add punch to the percussion, increase the attack of a piano, as well as help to bring out the raspiness in a vocal, for example. At the high frequencies, it will bring out the shimmer of cymbals and brighten the string instruments.
The effect is progressive, so as more boost is added to the band, the CRUSH effect is more apparent. If you wish to apply much more boost to a band in order to obtain more ‘crush’, the GAIN control can be used to reduce the levels should the signal reach the rails. Use the switch to listen to A/B comparisons to hear the effectiveness of the feature.
HARMONICS LED
This LED indicates the level of harmonics available using the current equaliser settings. These harmonics are switched in and out of the circuit using the Crush control.
The LED is progressive, so it lights up brighter the more the EQ/crush is driven.
Documents / Resources
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DRAWMER MQ-1 Band Equaliser [pdf] User Guide MQ-1, MQ-1 Band Equaliser, Band Equaliser, Equaliser |