Summit Audio Summit FEQ-50

Four-Band Parametric Equalizer

New from Summit Audio comes the FeQ-50, a four band parametric, passive equalizer. Each of the four bands has six switch selectable frequencies and 14dB of fully sweepable cut or boost. The low and high bands can switch between peaking and shelving filters, the low mid and high mid can switch between narrow and wide bandwidths. Also included is a switchable highpass filter fixed at 30Hz with a gentle 6dB/octave rolloff to reduce rumble. I/O includes a total of four simultaneous outputs, -10dB and +4dB vacuum tube out and -10dB and +4dB solid state out. Like all of our other ½ rack sized products, the FeQ-50 has an internal power supply and 3 year warranty.

The focus of the FeQ-50 from the very beginning has been the sound. Passive circuitry excels at rich harmonic content and phase coherency, resulting in a musically satisfying sonic experience. It was a challenge to fit fully passive circuitry into a box this size and at this price but we wanted to make the world of passive EQ available for anyone with an ear for quality. Although production costs can be high due to the high quality inductors needed to meet the strict tolerances necessary and the high value capacitors in the audio path, by creative and thoughtful engineering we were able to both fit the components in a ½ rack size and keep the price down. The result? A rich and accessible passive equalizer, simple yet versatile, and sure to complement your sound with a dash of flavor unlike any other.

A single-channel, four-band, parametric EQ with iron-based circuitry, the FeQ-50 was designed to be a sonically warm and harmonically pleasing equalizer that adds character and depth to any signal.

 “The FeQ-50’s life started as a totally different equalizer, but after testing and listening to customer feedback, we decided to start it again from scratch,” states Erik Papp, president of Summit Audio.  “It was a long time coming, but putting a fully passive equalizer in such a small package, we finally came up with a product that excited us all. The sound is simply amazing and it has a ton of versatility in a conveniently small package.  When you combine the unique passive circuitry, both vacuum tube/solid-state outputs and pristine Summit Audio-build quality with the price, there really is nothing else like it in the marketplace.” 
 
Each of the four bands features switch-selectable frequencies with six frequencies on each band, as well as fully sweepable gain of +/- 14dB with a center detent at 0dB. The low and high bands feature peaking or shelving select, the middle two bands with wide and narrow switches. The fully passive high-pass filter has a knee at 80Hz with a 6dB per octave roll off, while the signal path is transformerless.
 
Housed in Summit Audio’s familiar 1/2 rack chassis, the FeQ-50 is very versatile when it comes to I/O. Both XLR-balanced and 1/4” unbalanced inputs are accommodated on a Neutrik combo jack. For outputs, the FeQ-50 has balanced +4dB XLR and balanced –10dB TRS for both the solid-state and tube signal paths, all of which are individually buffered and can be used simultaneously. Like all Summit Audio products, the FeQ-50 has an internal high voltage power supply and has a 3 year warranty.

Key Features:

• Four frequency bands
  
• +/- 14dB cut and boost
  
• Six switch selectable frequencies per band
  
• Separate, bypassable high pass filter
  
• Master bypass
  
• Four simultaneous outputs, both vacuum tube and solid state
  
• Fully passive design (no amplifier in filter circuit)
  
• Internal high voltage power supply
  
• One 12AX7A/ECC83 vacuum tube
  
• 3 year warranty