Description
The Maselec MEA-2 is a stereo or 2-channel, four-band precision analog equalizer with stepped Q/shelf, frequency, and cut/boost controls on each band. It is designed for recording and mastering applications where ultimate sonic performance, musicality, and precision are required.
Applications
Top recording and mastering engineers still use some analog signal processing equipment, finding the familiar correlation between sound and control better to work with. However, most analog equalizers have either continuously variable controls, making precise adjustments difficult, or just a few coarsely-stepped controls. Many fail to meet the standards of audio performance consistent with modern demands. The MEA-2 provides fully-stepped controls for precision and repeatability for ALL parameters.
The MEA-2 is extensively used in mastering but also works well on an insertion point in recording or mixing. The MEA-2 has stepped controls with a fine 0.5dB gain adjustment at low cut/boost settings. The maximum cut/boost per band is 8dB.
The MEA-2 is an equalizer that can provide precise equalization with minimal side effects – it is designed to provide a very transparent signal path where only the desired equalization effect is obtained without adding any particular sonic signature.
Pedigree and design philosophy
The MEA-2 was developed by Leif Mases in conjunction with recording engineers, producers, and mastering engineers to provide a tool for high-quality signal processing in the most demanding professional applications. It has been carefully designed to be easy to use and provide a natural warm sound with a great degree of transparency. The MEA-2 also offers precision controls, which enable exact recalls of previously used configurations.
Using the MEA-2
The MEA-2 is a very special Equalizer that has been designed to achieve a certain sound. It has a distinctive character, discernable both sonically and in the unique shape of its EQ curves.
With 4 bands per channel, shelving/peaking/Q selection on each, and 84 interleaved frequency settings per channel, the MEA-2 provides great flexibility and precision.
When a cut/boost control is set to 0dB; the associated frequency section is by-passed
Channel 1 and channel 2 can be bypassed individually with the illuminated pushbuttons on the front panel.
The inputs and outputs can be connected to both balanced or unbalanced equipment and are able to handle up to +29dBu levels.
The MEA-2 provides the warmth, punch, or air you need with a minimum of effort and without compromising the signal path. All critical components are hand-selected and matched.
Great sounding EQ is right behind the controls!
