MXR 147 - graphic eq for studio work?

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joninc
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MXR 147 - graphic eq for studio work?

Post by joninc » Tue Jan 19, 2016 5:16 pm

Anybody know anything about these units? Are they still used by anybody? Its the same freq points as the API graphics but I am sure not in the same league components wise. It's all RCA ins and outs.

Curious if anybody uses them, mods them or knows what they are worth or good for...
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Jim Williams
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Post by Jim Williams » Wed Jan 20, 2016 7:34 am

I have a couple here, 15 and 31 band. I rebuilt them with new opamps, filter caps and a new power supply. They are excellent and are very high quality.

Mine are direct coupled, no caps. They can create complex EQ curves a parametric won't because you will eventually run out of bands.
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joninc
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Post by joninc » Wed Jan 20, 2016 12:40 pm

thanks Jim. What kind of things do you use them on - mix buss? drum buss?
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Post by Jim Williams » Thu Jan 21, 2016 8:02 am

I don't do mix buss EQ here, EQ is applied locally to tracks only. These are used for complex fixin'.

Occassionally I get a turkey track that needs some "corrction". These will do that. General gentle EQ is applied with the analog console EQ here.

I also have a DOD R-831 31 band graphic. This one is unique as it is modified to have + - 30 db adjustment range. 30 db of EQ boost is far more than most have ever heard. A 60 db gain adjustment EQ can fix just about anything. Fortunately, I rarely need to use it.

Graphics are the forgotten analog EQ. Very powerful tools. Avoid newer designs for getting sounds. They are called "constant Q" designs, a bandpass filter in place of gyrators. Older designs work best. Avoid Rane, dbx, Yamaha, etc. The gyrators extrapolate the EQ curves into a smooth response. Contant Q designs will all have a "nipple" it the band center, you cannot get a smooth curve with those. They are designed for notching resonances.
Jim Williams
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