Bettermaker Valve Stereo Passive Equalizer (VSPE) Valve Passive EQ with Transformer Output

Bettermaker Valve Stereo Passive Equalizer (VSPE) Valve Passive EQ with Transformer Output

The Bettermaker Valve Stereo Passive Equalizer (VSPE) takes Bettermaker's digitally recalled passive EQ and adds a valve drive stage and Bettermaker's own transformers, so you can choose between a clean passive curve and rich valve and transformer colour at the press of a button. The audio path stays fully analogue, and every setting can be recalled and automated from the included DAW plugin.

The HEAT circuit brings in the valve and transformer stage for warmth, weight and harmonic density, ideal for bus processing and mastering where a passive EQ alone is too polite. The valves are vintage military-grade double triodes selected for low noise and low microphonics. The output transformers were developed in-house after years of comparing classic designs, with a focus on keeping the low end tight and coherent.

Key Features:

• Passive EQ with valves and transformers:
  Classic low boost/cut and high boost/cut curves, with extended 20kHz and 28kHz air settings.
• HEAT circuit:
  Switch in the valve drive stage and transformer-balanced output for analogue saturation.
• Bettermaker transformers:
  Handmade audio transformers designed for low distortion at low frequencies.
• Stereo or dual mono:
  Linked stereo for mastering, or independent channels when the plugin is connected.
• Quantize mode:
  Optional 17-step control positions for repeatable, easy-to-match settings.
• Hybrid plugin:
  Recall and automate every control, store session snapshots, and use the digital HPF and LPF. Drag points on the EQ graph, with the selected band soloed while you adjust it.
• Metering and analysis:
  The plugin includes level meters and a spectrum analyser.

In the Box:

• Bettermaker Valve Stereo Passive Equalizer (VSPE)
• External power adapter (100 to 240V AC)
• Bettermaker VSPE plugin (download from Bettermaker)

Specifications:

• Low boost / cut: 20, 30, 60, 100Hz; max boost 15dB, max cut 16dB (at 100Hz)
• High boost: 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 28kHz; max 18dB
• High cut: 5, 10, 20kHz
• Control resolution: 101 steps (Lo Boost, Lo Cut, Hi Boost, Bandwidth), 34 steps (Hi Cut), 17 steps in Quantize mode
• Output gain: ±8dB (0.1dB resolution, 1dB in Quantize mode)
• Maximum input level: +24dBu (balanced, 48kΩ)
• Maximum output level: +22dBu
• Output impedance: 120Ω, or 30Ω with HEAT on (transformer balanced)
• Nominal level: +4dBu
• Power: 18W (2W standby)
• Format: 2U rackmount, 140mm deep
• Weight: 2.7kg (unit only), 3.5kg shipping