Bayview Pro Audio - Summit FEQ-50 w/ Free Gear

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.

What is a passive EQ?

A passive equalizer uses no amplifier in the filter circuit, it uses inductors and high value capacitors to filter the sound. The result is very musical overtones and excellent phase coherency.

How do I hook up my FeQ-50?

The FeQ-50 has both -10dB (on ¼") and +4dB (on XLR) inputs on a single combo connector. Four outputs are supplied, +4dB XLR Tube and Solid State as well as -10dB ¼" TRS Tube and Solid State.
For example: 2BA-221 XLR out -> FeQ-50 XLR input -> FeQ-50 XLR Tube output -> recording device input

How can I send the outputs of the FeQ-50 to multiple places?

All four outputs on the FeQ-50 are active at the same time so send them where you want! For example: 2BA-221 XLR output -> FeQ-50 XLR input -> FeQ-50 XLR tube output -> DAW input; FeQ-50 XLR solid state output -> TLA-50 input -> TLA-50 output to DAW input; FeQ-50 ¼" solid state output -> monitor input for no latency monitoring

I don't hear the HPF working when I switch it on; is it working?

The high pass filter on the FeQ-50 is a rumble filter only. It is set at 30Hz with a gentle 6dB per octave rolloff. If you don't have a bunch of low frequency rumble making your sound muddled you probably won't hear it working.

How do you mount the FeQ-50?

Use the SRK-100 from Summit Audio to mount one or two FeQ-50's. They will also fit into a standard rack shelf although they tend to sag under the weight of these pieces.

How and when should you change your tubes?

We have seen 10,000 hours and more out of our vacuum tubes without signal degradation. Summit accomplish this by regulating the heater voltage to the tubes, greatly increasing their life, something of a rarity if this industry. So, time is not as much of an issue as is sound. If you hear a ringing sound in your audio or when you rap your knuckles on the front, the tube is going microphonic. If you hear an increase in the noise floor, the tube may need to be replaced. Contact us if you need new tubes, we can help.

CASCADE FAT HEAD- RIBBON

The Cascade FAT HEAD offers the natural and open sound associated with the finest ribbon microphones. You will find that when recording acoustic guitars, guitar cabinets, vocals, drum over-heads, and countless other types of instruments, the ribbon microphone will produce the warmth that is vital to today's digital recording environment. We firmly believe you will also agree that this microphone will make a great addition to your collection.

We inspect and check the audio quality of each and every Cascade microphone before it leaves our shop, once you try one...you'll be a believer.

Specifications:

Type: Ribbon (velocity) Microphone
Ribbon type & Dimensions: 99% Pure aluminum, 2.5 micron, 1 3/4" (L) X 3/16" (W)
Polar pattern: Figure 8 Symmetrical design
Sensitivity: -56 db +/- 2 dB (0 dB=1V/Pa)
Frequency response: 30 to -18,000 Hz (+/- 3dB)
Output Impedance: <=200 Ohms
Recommended load impedance: >1000 Ohms
Max.SPL (1% THD @1000 Hz): 165 dB
Connector: 3-Pin male XLR
Size: Diameter: 3” (O.D. grill), overall length 6 1/2”, 7/8" (O.D. body)

Includes:

FAT HEAD Ribbon Microphone
Premium suspension shockmount
Wood box with heavy-duty latch and hinges
Aluminum case
Micro-fiber cleaning cloth

Frequency Response and Polar Pattern

Frequency Response and Polar Pattern w/ Stock Transformer

The Cascade M20u offers a new body style & grill along with improved specifications and performance. The new 1.07" gold vapor-diaphragm makes the M20u a great studio microphone capable of excelling in many applications of recording tasks and environments. The M20u is great for recording vocals, acoustic guitars, drums, guitar cabinets, horns and percussion instruments.

The M20u employs a -10 dB pad and lo-cut filter switch. With it's smooth frequency response, transparency, and dynamic range, it's easy to see why the M20u is a valuable addition to a wide range of users.

Specifications:

Capsule: New 1.07”/28 mm 5µ edge connected, gold vapor-diaphragm
Construction: heavy duty machined brass with anodized finish
Polar Pattern: cardioid
Operating voltage: +48V Phantom Power
Electronics: New low-noise class A discrete Fet+Bi-Polar, transformer-coupled
Frequency range: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Sensitivity: -38.5 dB (0 dB=1V/Pa)
Equivalent noise level: (A-Weighted per IEC 286-4) <15 dB
Maximum SPL for THD: <0.5% (1 kHz) 140 dB w/Pad
Switchable low frequency cut-off: -6 dB @ 100 Hz
Switchable pad: -10 dB
New improved suspension shockmount
Connector: 3-Pin male XLR
Weight: 525 grams/1.16 lbs.
Dimensions: 47x215 mm / 2x8.6”

Includes:

CASCADE M20u 1.07" LDC
Suspension shockmount
Vinyl zipper pouch
Micro-fiber cleaning cloth

PDF with Frequency Response

Quote from Eben Grace:
"The Cascade M20 is an amazingly well built and great sounding microphone. It gets used all the time in my studio and makes a great match with the Grace Model 101." - Eben Grace of Grace Design.

Summit Audio Summit FEQ-50 w/ Free Gear