Golden Age Audio EQ-81 MKIII

An Equalizer in the Spirit of the 1081: Musicality Above All

The EQ-81 MKII follows the tradition of analog equalizers designed to "sound" immediately, with an approach where curve and texture matter as much as precision. Its class AB equalization circuit captures the spirit of the classic 1081 equalizer section, focusing on the essentials: four effective bands, without high-pass or low-pass filters, to get straight to the point.

Result: a sound signature known for remaining pleasant even when pushing the equalization, with a warm rendering, solid low-end impact, and brilliance that retains softness. It's the kind of tool that can be used on a wide variety of sources and styles, whether the goal is to correct, emphasize, or simply add dimension.

For Whom and For What: Recording, Mixing, and Sound Design

The EQ-81 MKII is aimed at demanding home studio users, sound engineers, and producers seeking a 4-band analog equalizer capable of adding personality without complicating the workflow. Thanks to its stepped frequencies, it is particularly suited for situations where you want to recall a setting easily: multi-track sessions, mix recalls, or repeated processing chains across multiple takes.

In recording, it is well suited for "commit" use: sculpting a vocal, adding body to a bass, rounding a guitar, or bringing out the attack of a snare drum. In mixing, it becomes a quick enhancement tool, with musical curves that allow working in moderation without resulting in an aggressive sound. For sound design, the Hi Q mode on the mids helps target a resonance, presence, or a more precise bite.

Band Control: Ergonomics Designed for Quick Decisions

Stepped Frequencies: Precision, Speed, and Consistency

The EQ-81 MKII features stepped frequency controls with a detented selector, offering a wide selection from 33 Hz to 15 kHz. This approach simplifies choices: focus on the right frequency area, then adjust the gain. It's an ergonomics highly appreciated in studio contexts because it speeds up equalization while making settings more consistent from session to session.

BASS and TREBLE: Shelf or Bell Depending on the Goal

The BASS and TREBLE bands are switchable between shelf and bell. In shelf mode, you work on a global balance (more weight in the lows, more air in the highs). In bell mode, you target a specific area to shape an attack, clear a veil, or reinforce a fundamental. This dual personality makes the equalizer very flexible, suitable for both subtle correction and assertive enhancement.

Two MID Bands with Hi Q Option: From Broad Shaping to Narrow Focus

The two MID bands are bell-type, with a switchable Hi Q setting to narrow the equalization effect when more precision is needed. In standard Q, you sculpt broadly and naturally, useful for adding presence to a vocal or intelligibility to a guitar. In Hi Q, you can emphasize an attack, tame a resonance, or bring out a more "forward" character in the midrange.

Gain Range and Off Modes: A Modular Equalization Section

Each band offers a control range of up to +/- 18 dB, allowing as much room for delicate adjustments as for more pronounced choices. And to keep the signal chain clear, all four bands can be set to "Off" mode: ideal for quick comparisons or to use only the necessary sections without affecting the rest.

Signal Path: Components Chosen for an Analog Aesthetic

The EQ-81 MKII incorporates tantalum capacitors in the signal path, a design choice often sought after for its rendering and contribution to a denser analog feel. Combined with the class AB architecture, this contributes to an equalizer designed as much for efficiency as for its sonic identity.

Technical specifications

Category	equalizer	Rack unit	1
EQ	4 channels

Boost/cut

+/- 18 dB maximum

Connections

6.3 mm jack input and output