Recording - September 2021 - 63

-Review by Bill Stunt
Massenburg
DesignWorks
MDWEQ6
Hi-Res Parametric EQ6 Plugin
What makes one of George's
EQs better? Read on...
Massenburg DesignWorks has recently released an
enhanced version of its popular MDWEQ plugin. Available
in AAX (DSP and Native), VST, and AU formats, MDWEQ6
can be used in virtually any DAW, which should catch
the attention of anyone craving some of that famed and
sought-after George Massenburg EQ mojo.
Minding his P's and EQ's
George Massenburg is acknowledged as the inventor of
parametric EQ. The filter curves he conceived and designed
back in 1969 were fully realized in the GML 8200 hardware
EQ, a device that resides in the racks of many professional
studios. Good news-the filter curves of the MDWEQ6 are the
same as the famed constant shape reciprocal filter curves of
the GML 8200. Better news-there are new filter curves! Along
with peak/dip, pass filters, and traditional shelving filters, the
MDWEQ6 includes new lo and hi shelving filters with hi-Q
options as well as new optional filter slopes for the pass filters.
The plugin offers three-band or five-band formats, with the threeband
format being more CPU friendly. The bands extend over an
overlapping and ultra-wide frequency range of 10 Hz to 41 kHz.
Layout
The plugin window is nicely laid out with an animated and customizable
display that shows the overall EQ frequency response
curve. The EQ bands each have dropdown menus to select the filter
types. There are knobs for each to adjust frequency, cut/boost,
and Q. These can also be adjusted by grabbing and dragging
control points or nodes on the graph. A series of well thought-out
command keys can also be used to change settings quickly.
IsoPeak
Each band features a selectable 'IsoPeak' function. When selected,
a notch is created at the selected frequency. These can be
quickly switched from a peak to a dip through a pair of key commands.
IsoPeak is very effective for identifying resonant,
masking, and sweet-spot frequencies. It's worth noting
60 RECORDING September 2021
that all filter parameters can be
independently automated.
Custom fit
The display itself can be
scaled vertically from between
+6dB to +24db to help with more subtle EQ adjustments. Its resolution,
range, and response speed are all customizable from
within a preference menu. There is a separate menu for adjusting
the color scale. Along with a universal gain adjustment, the upper
panel of the GUI features a phase reverse switch, preset save/
recall options, and an A/B snapshot setup and toggle feature.
More, please
I use the GML 8200 hardware unit, typically on the mix bus, for
its world-class pass filters and its hi shelf filter (noted for its famed 'air'
tonal characteristics). I've never had the luxury of having multiple hardware
units to place on mix elements-boy, have I been missing out!
Carve and sculpt
The surgical nature of the MDWEQ6 makes it an ideal tool
for sculpting out resonances or masking frequencies. I tried it first
on a snare track. Using the IsoPeak feature and the frequency
graph, I quickly identified frequency ranges that were poking
out. Employing steep dips with a sharp Q at those frequencies
freed up energy, allowing more of the low-end body of the snare
to come through. I used it similarly on an electric guitar track and
achieved fuller, more tonally balanced results. It's equally effective
at boosting. I used additive EQ with a broad Q to add luster
and sheen to a male lead vocal track. I also took advantage of
that airy top-end shelf filter to achieve a very polished outcome.
New
The new shelf filters with hi-Q deserve special mention. They
work somewhat like a Pultec-style EQ-boosting and attenuating
at the same time. I got some killer bass guitar tones by
carefully tweaking a hi shelf hi-Q filter. Once the frequency and
the Q were dialed in, it was magic.
Unfiltered endorsement
The MDWEQ6 has all the subtle sonic nuances that make the
GML 8200 superlative. It has the added advantage of being
affordable (both in terms of dollars and CPU cycles) to use on multiple
tracks. This one falls into the 'must-have' category for me-
did I mention that George invented the parametric EQ?
Price: $199 MDWEQ6 Native+; $329 MDWEQ6 AAX+ (upgrades available)
More From: massenburgdesignworks.com
http://www.massenburgdesignworks.com
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