EQ1 – Weiss Engineering

Pro Audio

the reference mastering EQualizer

seven-band equalizer

The Weiss EQ1 is a seven-band stereo equalizer in a league of its own. It is no coincidence that it has been a staple at world-class mastering and mixing studios for decades. Use this unit to sculpt the tonal qualities of any audio material without generating the artifacts typically produced by other equalizers, be they analog or digital.

The EQ1 is available in four different versions, offering different capabilities and features. Also available since 2020 are the EQ1 and EQ1 MP plug-ins, 1:1 code ports provided by Softube for use with any major DAW.

Pro Audio

Main Features

Weiss EQ1

BASIC EQ1 FUNCTIONS

The EQ1 is available in four different configurations. The basic model is the EQ1-MK2, the linear phase model is the EQ1-LP, and the dynamic model is the EQ1-DYN. Lastly, the EQ1-DYN-LP incorporates both LP and DYN versions in one unit. All models are user-upgradeable to any other version.

The EQ1’s basic features are common to all four models, namely the seven identical parametric bands that cover the entire audio frequency range. Each band has Boost/Cut, Frequency, and Q/Slope knobs and operates in any of the following modes: High shelving, low shelving, peaking, high cut, low cut, or bypass.

Snapshots, MIDI, metering

Other basic features are an A/B compare memory, a 128-position snapshot bank with two additional banks for back-up (can also be dumped/recovered via MIDI), a peak meter with over indicators, MIDI control for each parameter, a bypass switch, a gain control, and a channel ganging switch.

M/S MODE

The EQ1 can be switched to M/S mode which is especially useful for the dynamic model of the EQ1. Other specialties are variable slope shelving filters and very high-Q (up to 650) peaking filters for notching out offending frequencies.

Controls, display

There are three knobs for each of the seven bands, in order to provide “one knob per parameter” operation. The knobs are touch-sensitive which triggers the LCD to display the parameters of the touched band. The LCD shows the overall frequency response, the detailed parameter values, and various status information.

Signal processing, connectivity

The internal processing is done at 88.2 or 96 kHz in a 40 Bit floating-point format. A very low noise filter architecture optimized for audio is used. The digital input/output are in AES/EBU format on XLR connectors. The AES/EBU output can be POW-R dithered to 16, 20 or 24 Bits.

Pro Audio

Technical Data

Weiss EQ1

AES/EBU Input

Sampling frequencies: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz.
Maximum input word length: 24 bits.
Channel Status Data: Input accepts professional or consumer format.
Connector: XLR female.

AES/EBU Output

Sampling frequencies: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz (always the same as the input).
Output word-length: 24 Bits.
Connector: XLR male.

Filters

The filter topology used in the EQ1 is a very low noise filter structure for state-of-the-art performance.

Center/corner frequencies: 13.8 – 21096 Hz
Boost/Cut: -39 – +18 dB
Q, peaking filters: 0.20 – 650
Shape, shelving filters: 1 – 128
Threshold, dynamic peaking filters: 0 – -60 dB
Slope, cut filters: 0, 6, or 12 dB/octave
Overall gain: Minus infinity – +10 dB

Dithering

Dithering algorithms are implemented using the POW-R set of algorithms, i.e. POW-R #1, POW-R #2, POW-R #3.

Dimensions

Depth: 30 cm / 11.8 inches
Width: 43.3 cm / 17 inches (19 inches with rack ears)
Height: 8.8 cm / 3.5 inches (2 RU)

Note: For more detailed product specifications, please refer to the user manual.

Manuals & Downloads

Press Reviews

What the media say

Gearwire

YouTube Channel

EQ1

It goes without saying that the thing sounds great, but the interface is fantastic! I can tell that it is going to be a real pleasure to work with. I didn’t realize how great the ergonomics were… I have been dreaming of your stuff for years, and suddenly I am in Weiss heaven!

Colin Jordan

Visit Website

Tape Op

Pro Audio Magazine

EQ1

Once you’ve worked with such a quality-made, over-the-top engineered digital processor, you can really see how one’s job can be made easier using such tools.

Larry Devivo

Download Review

More Reviews

Weiss Artists

What THE USERS say

Dan Shike

Tone and Volume Mastering

When asking about my gear, I’ve actually had people stop me after I mention the Weiss EQ, saying that’s all they need to hear.

Eddy Schreyer

Oasis Mastering

The top end just opened up. For the first time I could use digital EQ at high frequencies and get a smooth sound. I even tried 16k and it works. It sounds a lot like the Pultec analog EQ.

Bob Ludwig

Gateway Mastering

It was a delight to hear a digital EQ that actually sounded better than anything we’ve had before.

Chris Hatzistamou

Athens Mastering, Greece

I love our Weiss EQ1. This would be my first choice if I had to use only one EQ. And the M/S mode in the new software version is very useful

Alan Silverman

Arf! Mastering

The new upgrades to the EQ1-LP are remarkable. I think that the double-sampling EQ1-LP is the finest sounding equalizer that has ever been produced, whether analog or digital.

Maor Appelbaum

Mastering Engineer

The EQ1 is the best sounding Digital EQ1 have ever worked with. It’s so clear, naturally detailed and easy to operate – no wonder it is so highly regarded

Bob Katz

World-Renowned Mastering Engineer

My main comment is the sound is very very good, lovely, warm and beautiful, very analog-like. What more could one say?

Product Downloads

For your EQ1

EQ1-DYN-LP Manual

1.0
pdf
0.3 MB

EQ1-DYN Manual

1.0
pdf
0.6 MB

EQ1 Hi-Res Images

1.0
zip
2 MB

EQ1 High Resolution Photos

N/A
zip
45.3 MB

EQ1-LP Manual

1.0
pdf
0.9 MB

EQ1-MK2 Manual

1.0
pdf
0.4 MB

Weiss Gambit Series Latency Documentation

N/A
pdf
0 MB

Weiss Product Softube Complete Collection

Pro Audio

WEISS Plug-ins

1:1 CODE PORTS for any major DAW

In tight collaboration with Daniel Weiss, the plug-in developer Softube offers a series of Weiss Engineering plug-ins for use with any major digital audio workstation. The underlying digital processing comes from perfect 1:1 code ports of the corresponding hardware Weiss units. Therefore, the plug-ins provide the same sublime results that have made Weiss units staples in mixing and mastering studios for decades.

Some of the Weiss plug-ins maintain the familiar workflow from their hardware counterparts, while others offer layouts and features that better suit a computer-based workflow. Buy single units or get the bundled Weiss Complete Collection. The plug-ins can be purchased from Softube or via its dealer network.

Learn more

Weiss Softube PLugins

_{In partnership with Softube}

Weiss DS1-MK3
Weiss EQ1
Weiss EQ MP
Weiss MM-1 Mastering Maximizer
Weiss Deess
Weiss Compressor/Limiter
Weiss Gambit series for Softube Console 1
Weiss Complete Collection