Maselec MEA-2

Applications

Top recording and mastering engineers still use some analogue signal processing equipment, finding the familiar correlation between sound and control better to work with. However, most analogue equalizers have either continuously variable controls, making precise adjustments difficult, or just a few coarsely-stepped controls. Many fail to meet the standards of audio performance consistent with modern demands. The MEA-2 provides fully-stepped controls for precision and repeatability for ALL parameters.

The MEA-2 is extensively used in mastering but also works well on an insertion point in recording or mixing. The MEA-2 has stepped controls with a fine 0.5dB gain adjustment at low cut/boost settings. Maximum cut/boost per band is 8dB.

The MEA-2 is an equalizer that can provide precise equalization with minimal side-effects - it is designed to provide a very transparent signal path where only the desired equalization effect is obtained without adding any particular sonic signature.

Overview

The MEA-2 is a stereo or 2-channel, four-band precision analogue equalizer with stepped Q/shelf, frequency and cut/boost controls on each band. It is designed for recording and mastering applications where ultimate sonic performance, musicality and precision are required.

Pedigree and design philosophy

The MEA-2 was developed by Leif Mases in conjunction with recording engineers, producers and mastering engineers to provide a tool for high quality signal processing in the most demanding professional applications. It has been carefully designed to be easy to use and provide a natural warm sound with a great degree of transparancy. The MEA-2 also offers precision controls, which enable exact recalls of previously used configurations.

Using the MEA-2

The MEA-2 is a very special Equalizer that has been designed to achieve a certain sound. It has a distinctive character, discernable both sonically and in the unique shape of its EQ curves.

With 4 bands per channel, shelving/peaking/Q selection on each and 84 interleaved frequency settings per channel, the MEA-2 provides great flexibility and precision.

When a cut/boost control is set to 0dB; the associated frequency section is by-passed

Channel 1 and channel 2 can be by-passed individually with the illuminated push buttons on the front panel.

The inputs and outputs can be connected to both balanced or unbalanced equipment and are able to handle up to +29dBu levels.

The MEA-2 provides the warmth, punch or air you need with a minimum of effort and without compromising the signal path. All critical components are hand selected and matched.

Great sounding EQ is right behind the controls!

MEA-2 Features

• Four separate shelf/bell switchable equalizer sections per channel
• Unique equalization characteristics, optimized through extensive listening tests
• Precision stepped controls for accuracy and repeatability
• Overlapping frequency ranges with 84 settings per channel
• Excellent channel-to-channel matching
• Interactive cut/boost and bandwidth controls for more natural operation
• Low noise and wide dynamic range
• Electronically balanced inputs and outputs
• Individual EQ sections are completely switched off when the gain controls are set to 0dB
• Full bypass when the power is turned off

SPECIFICATIONS

• Maximum boost/cut - 8dB/section
• Minimum boost/cut - 0.5dB
• Frequency settings - 19Hz to 27kHz
• Maximum I/O Level - +29dBu
• Distortion - <0.001%
• Output noise (typical set-up) - <-95dBu
• Enclosure: 19-inch 3RU, depth: 280mm
• Power supply 90-120V, 200-250V, 50/60Hz, 20W