Best 500 Series Equalizers
Introduction
Don’t let the small, compact size of this equipment fool you—this gear can make a big difference in your workflow and dramatically improve the sound quality of your signals.
Many professional recording studios are embracing the 500 series format, and equalizers are a popular choice in this setup. If you’re looking for an affordable EQ to fill a spot in your 500 series chassis, you’ve come to the right place!
Even engineers from the Golden Age are adapting to these new EQ versions, relying on them to add punch and clarity to their mixes. You can find some great deals at many stores, but here we’re focusing on 500 series EQs that are perfect for any modern production.
Just a heads up: we’ll be listing these Best 500 Series Equalizers Reviews in no particular order. They’re randomized because we don’t want to rank them from best to worst.
Listed below are our Top 10 Best 500 Series EQs:
1. Solid State Logic 611EQ 500 Series Parametric Equalizer
Bring epic console equalization to your rack with the SSL 611EQ 500 Series 4-band EQ module. With the 611EQ, you actually get two legendary EQs in one. The SL 4000 E console, famous for its punchy and gritty sound, has helped shape countless classic records.
The E-series channel strip is one of the most beloved EQ designs ever made. Now, with the SSL 611EQ, you can capture the unique “Brown knob” sound from the early ’80s and the updated “Black knob” sound from the mid to late ’80s—all in one versatile 500-series package.
The 611EQ lets you switch the midrange bands between these two EQ flavors, so you’ll always have the perfect tool for shaping your material. Add a preamp module and a dynamics processor, and you’ll have a fully customized SSL channel strip.
Featuring a four-band design, the SSL 611EQ gives you plenty of flexibility for tone shaping. Both the low and high bands can be switched from shelf to bell, allowing for broad changes or precise adjustments. The midrange bands are fully parametric, with gain, frequency, and Q controls, giving you a wide range of tone-sculpting options.
- Versatile 4 Band Channel EQ
- Bell curve option for HF and LF
- Fully parametric LMF and HMF with Q
- Is based on the classic 611E Console Channel Strip
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Solid State Logic 611EQ 500 Series Parametric Equalizer |
2. API 550A 500 Series 3-band Equalizer
The 550A 3-band equalizer from API is a 500-series recreation of one of the most cherished EQ designs in music history—the revered 550, created by Saul Walker in the late 1960s. This equalizer offers a unique approach to tone shaping that can be described as “versatility through simplicity.”
The 550A features a clean, uncluttered front panel centered around three filter bands, each controlled by dual concentric pots. The blue pot lets you select a target frequency from seven options, carefully chosen by API for their musicality. The silver pot allows you to boost or cut frequencies in 2dB increments, up to 12dB. Bands 1 and 3 can also be switched between shelf and peak types using switches at the bottom of the panel.
The 550A includes API’s distinctive “Proportional Q” feature, which automatically widens or narrows the Q depending on how much boost or cut is applied. Staying true to API’s fully discrete circuitry, the 550A also features the brand’s proprietary 2520 op-amp, giving the EQ excellent headroom with a +30dB clip level. Just add this little tone shaper to your setup and enjoy the warmth of analog processing for years to come.
- 12 dB of boost / cut per band
- EQ band 1 and 3 in selectable shelf / peak characteristics
- Traditional API circuit design
- Headroom up to 30+ dB
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API 550A 500 Series 3-band Equalizer |
3. Elysia Xfilter 500 Series Stereo Equalizer
The xfilter 500 is a true linked stereo EQ in the 500 series format. It delivers the rich sound of an all-class-A equalizer in a surprisingly affordable package, with an accurate stereo image thanks to computer-selected, stepped potentiometers and low-tolerance film capacitors.
Every single aspect of this unit—sound, features, circuitry, components, design, materials, manufacturing—has been carefully considered and refined until there was nothing left to improve. Nearly every part of this exceptional product is custom-made, and most components are built to Elysia’s own designs and specifications.
This EQ is all about flexibility. It offers high and low shelf bands that can be switched into high and low cut filters with resonance, two mid-peak filters with selectable broad or narrow Q, plus additional passive LC stages with shielded coils for a stunning top end.
With its exceptionally open sound, clear transient response, and solid punch, the xfilter is the perfect match for the xpressor—or any other piece of top-notch outboard gear!
- Additional passive high band
- Stepped potentiometer (computer-selected)
- Special low tolerance capacitors
- Continuous mass shield
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Elysia Xfilter 500 Series Stereo Equalizer |
4. Pultec EQP-500X 500 Series Program Equalizer
In the early 1970s, after condensing the classic 3U EQP-1A into the 2U EQP-1A3 (with the same components and specs), Pulse Techniques introduced a solid-state line amp version of the EQP-1A3. This model, built primarily around the legendary API 2520 op-amp, became a favorite among engineers for certain applications, especially kick and bass. Pulse Techniques has now taken this trusted design further by adapting it for the 500 Series format. These EQs deliver all the punch and mojo of their full-sized predecessors.
The Pultec EQP-500X is a 500 Series adaptation of the classic EQP-1A Passive EQ, combining the best features of the EQP-1A3-SS and EQP-1S3-SS. The EQP-500X uses the API 2520 in place of the tubes found in the original EQP-1A. This API-inspired op-amp gives a cleaner, more transparent tone while keeping the depth and musicality for which Pultec EQs are known.
Blending the characteristics of the EQP-1A3-SS and EQP-1S3-SS, the EQP-500X offers a unique selection of frequencies, with expanded high peak boost options at 1kHz, 2kHz, 3kHz, 4kHz, 5kHz, 8kHz, 10kHz, 12kHz, and 16kHz. It also includes two shelving boost frequencies at 5kHz and 10kHz. High attenuation frequencies feature the classic 5kHz, 10kHz, and 20kHz.
- Solid State
- Chassis Module
- 500 Series
- Module Slot Count: 1 Slot
5. Rupert Neve Designs 551 500 Series Inductor Equalizer
While there are plenty of companies like Heritage Audio building faithful clones of Rupert Neve’s early designs, Mr. Neve himself has never been one to rest on his past achievements. He is always improving and experimenting with new ideas.
The Rupert Neve Designs 551 EQ is a three-band EQ for the 500-series format, using the same inductor-based circuitry as the three-band EQs found in both the Shelford 5051 EQ/Compressor and the Shelford 5052 Mic Preamp and EQ.
This EQ can be seen as a ‘best-of’ collection from Rupert Neve’s work over the years. It takes inspiration for its low-frequency band from the 1064, while the midrange and high-frequency bands are based on the famous 1073 EQ.
The Rupert Neve Designs 551 brings the thick lows, powerful midrange, and sweet highs of Rupert’s classic inductor EQs to the compact 500 Series format for the very first time. But what exactly are inductors?
Inductors are wires wound into coils that provide a special kind of frequency-dependent resistance. When they saturate, they generate beautifully musical harmonics, giving your tracks the smooth, polished sound that has made Rupert’s consoles and gear so desirable for over fifty years. This is an EQ with a true vintage soul.
- Low EQ: +/-15 dB shelf or peak
- Selectable for 35 Hz, 60 Hz, 100 Hz or 220 Hz
- High / Peak switch to increase the Q-factor
- Hi shelf: +/-15 dB shelf or peak, selectable for 8 kHz and 16 kHz
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Rupert Neve Designs 551 500 Series Inductor Equalizer |
6. Lindell Audio PEQ-501a 500 Series Retro 2-band Program Equalizer
Get your 500 Series rack ready for true tonal excellence with the Lindell Audio PeQ-501a—a single-channel, retro-inspired 500 Series 2-band equalizer based on the legendary Pultec EQP-1A.
Thanks to its vintage-style 1731 op-amp, hand-wound inductor, and transformer-balanced output, you can add silky highs and powerful lows to everything from bass and drums to vocals and synths. With all rotary controls stepped for easy recall, the PeQ-501a is perfect for mastering, recording, and mixing alike.
Both the high- and low-frequency bands offer extended frequency ranges and allow for simultaneous boost and cut with independent controls. A dedicated toggle switch provides true hardware bypass. The gold-plated PCB improves conductivity and resists corrosion. The PeQ-501a takes up two slots in any standard 500 Series power supply (required and sold separately).
This equalizer delivers stunning sonic results: the highs are smooth and velvety, while the lows are rich and punchy. True bypass guarantees complete preservation of your original signal’s quality, making it easy to compare processed and unprocessed audio.
- Hand-wound induction coil
- Symmetrical output transformers
- Hardware bypass switch
- Design: 500 Series module
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Lindell Audio PEQ-501a 500 Series Retro 2-band Program Equalizer |
7. Maag Audio EQ4 500 Series 6-band Equalizer
The Mäag Audio EQ4 is a single-channel, six-band equalizer featuring the famous AIR BAND—a shelving boost that ranges from 2.5 to 40 kHz. It’s compatible with the API 500-6B lunchbox and 500VPR rack systems.
Building on the legacy of the EQ3 and EQ3-D, the EQ4 delivers unmatched transparency and top-end presence, all while preserving the natural character of your mix. The EQ makes adjustments with minimal phase shift, and its detented controls make it easy to recall your favorite settings.
The AIR BAND itself is an exceptionally wide, boost-only shelf, and it can work wonders on certain sources. Imagine stepping outside after a thunderstorm, when everything feels clear, crisp, and vivid—that’s what engaging the AIR BAND sounds like.
Inventor Cliff Maag, Sr. explains that his quest began with trying to add high-end detail without making sibilance harsh. It took him years to perfect the solution, which first appeared in the classic NTI EQs and is now refined in the EQ4. He nailed it—it’s simply outstanding on vocals.
All controls are stepped for easy recall. Each band offers a gain range of +15 to -4.5 dB. We do wish there was finer control—something like +/-3 dB in 0.25 dB steps would be even better.
- Bypass: Yes
- Frequency Response: 10Hz-75kHz
- Manufacturer Part Number: EQ4-500
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Maag Audio EQ4 500 Series 6-band Equalizer |
8. API 560 500 Series Graphic EQ
Inspired by the iconic equalizer section found in classic API consoles from the 60s and 70s, the 560 is a 10-band graphic equalizer compactly designed for the portable 500-series format. Each band is spaced an octave apart and offers up to a 12dB boost or cut, making this equalizer an incredibly flexible tool for sculpting the tonal character of any sound.
What truly sets the 560 apart is API’s unique “Proportional Q” design. This feature automatically widens the Q at lower boost or cut settings and narrows it as you push the controls further. As a result, the 560 is perfectly suited for everything from subtle tone shaping to precise, surgical adjustments—and anything in between.
While the 560 preserves all the character and musicality of the original EQ design, API has made several improvements to better serve today’s audio landscape. Enhanced resolution around the ±4dB range and exceptional headroom, thanks to the proprietary 2520 op-amp, deliver an accurate representation of low-frequency content and ensure consistent EQ response, even at extreme settings.
Despite its compact size, the 560 carries a rich legacy of high-quality sound. There are other EQ options available, but API stands out as a pioneer in this field. For decades, this equalizer has played a major role in shaping the sound of countless songs. Now, it’s your turn to create something special with it.
- Connectors:15 position .156 sp edge connector
- Power Requirements:+/-12/18 Volts/DC, at 60 ma.
- Size:1.5″ X 5.25″ X 6″ Deep
- Actual Weight:1.5 lbs.
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API 560 500 Series Graphic EQ |
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9. Solid State Logic UltraViolet EQ 500 Series Equalizer
Thanks to SSL’s minimal phase-shift design, the UV EQ excels as a master equalizer and sounds just as impressive on any stereo or mono signal you run through it.
The LF and HF sections are shelving designs, similar to those on the SiX, but they’re much more versatile. For the highs, you can choose between 8, 12, 16, and 20kHz, while the lows offer 30, 50, 70, and 90Hz options. We love the beautiful top-end sheen and sparkle from the 8 and 12kHz settings, while the 16 and 20kHz bands add a halo of air and space rarely found in solid-state designs.
The LF shelf also interacts with the HPF to create interesting EQ curves. However, if you’re hoping to do the classic ‘low-end trick’—where you boost the lows and cut the low-mids—you can’t quite achieve that with these controls alone. That’s not really an issue, though, because the parametric mid-band section lets you create almost any curve you need.
This flexibility is thanks to the incredible control you have over the Q, or the width of the frequency band. Both the LMF and HMF sections give you variable Q control, and engaging the unique Focus switch narrows the bandwidth even further. This makes it easy to zero in on and eliminate problematic frequencies.
- LF Shelf EQ: +/- 9dB gain @ 30/50/70/90Hz
- HF Shelf EQ: +/- 9dB Gain @ 8/12/16/20kHz
- HMF Parametric EQ: +/- 9dB Gain @ 600Hz – 6kHz
- LMF Parametric EQ: +/- 9dB Gain @ 100Hz – 1.1kHz
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Solid State Logic UltraViolet EQ 500 Series Equalizer |
10. Neve 1073LBEQ 500 Series EQ
The Neve 1073LBEQ delivers the legendary sound of the classic Neve 1073 EQ circuit in a compact 500-series module. With its three bands of powerful, punchy EQ, the 1073LBEQ instantly adds the rich, recognizable Neve character to any recording.
Since its introduction in 1970, the Neve 1073 has been the go-to choice for engineers, producers, and musicians searching for that iconic analog sound. From pop and rock to hip-hop and beyond, the unmistakable tone of the Neve 1073 has shaped countless hit records over the past 50 years.
Perfect for adding warmth and depth to vocals, bass, and acoustic guitar, the 1073LBEQ is an excellent solution for audio professionals needing a compact, versatile EQ with a classic vibe.
The mid band is great for carving out space in busy mixes and adding warmth or grit to instruments, with fixed frequencies at 360 Hz, 700 Hz, 1.6 kHz, 3.2 kHz, 4.8 kHz, and 7.2 kHz. The low band is ideal for giving tracks tight, punchy lows, with selectable frequencies at 35 Hz, 60 Hz, 110 Hz, and 220 Hz. Clean up your low end with a dedicated high-pass filter, switchable between 50 Hz, 80 Hz, 160 Hz, and 300 Hz.
- Electronically balanced inputs / outputs
- Fully shielded housing for max. Shielding against electromagnetic influences
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Neve 1073LBEQ 500 Series EQ |
Conclusion
Getting a professional audio signal chain with 500 series gear is truly simple. The original signal can be processed through high-quality audio equipment designed by experts, all with the goal of enhancing your music.
Many of these EQ modules only require a single slot in your chassis, and if you have a good power supply, there will be enough power to run them without issues. These modules prove that a small unit can add incredible detail to your sound. Whether used on single channels, the mix bus, or for processing one or multiple microphones, they can definitely add the sparkle your mix might be missing.
If you have any questions about the topic we covered in this article, please let us know in the comments section and we will do our best to respond as soon as possible!
