Bettermaker Stereo Passive Equalizer
- 2 Channel Analog EQ with Digital Control
- Digitally controlled parameters
- Pultec Style EQing
Bettermaker Stereo Passive Equalizer Review
The Bettermaker Stereo Passive Equalizer is a Pultec-style, 2U rackmount unit featuring a 100% analog signal path, refined for top-tier audio quality. This equalizer is fully DAW-controllable and offers complete digital memory recall. The stereo passive EQ comes equipped with pure analog circuitry, low and high frequency cut/boost controls, high boost bandwidth adjustment, and variable output levels.
The Pultec-inspired passive tube equalizer connects to a Mac or PC via USB and can be managed directly from a DAW plug-in. This allows you to save and recall presets, as well as automate parameters. Despite its digital control, the SPE is true analog hardware in both input and output, ensuring a pristine analog signal path and professional sound quality.
The unit has an elegant appearance and a clear, intuitive layout. The left side of the front panel handles low frequencies, while the right side controls the highs. As you might expect, Pultec-style EQs are designed for simultaneous boosts and cuts in both low and high-frequency ranges.
This approach allows you to enhance desirable frequencies while reducing any unwanted elements at the same time. As such, the SPE features both Boost and Cut controls for each frequency range.
Bettermaker Stereo Passive Parameters
The Bettermaker Stereo Passive Equalizer offers much more flexibility than a basic passive EQ. On the low end, you can choose boost or cut frequency centers at 20Hz, 30Hz, 60Hz, and 100Hz. On the high end, you get a generous range of boost frequencies at 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, and 28kHz.
You can also independently select 2, 10, and 20kHz as your HF lower frequencies. Bandwidth management is conveniently placed on the unit’s robust faceplate, allowing you to shape your curves from sharp to broad. Overall, it’s a highly efficient design that behaves and sounds a bit like a classic passive EQ, but with much greater sound-shaping capabilities.
In use, the Bettermaker Stereo Passive Equalizer is straightforward and intuitive, making it nearly impossible to get a bad sound out of it.
Inside Bettermaker Stereo Passive Equalizer
All of the electronics are mounted on two large rectangular printed circuit boards. The first board sits vertically behind the front panel, while the second covers much of the enclosure’s bottom.
The vertical board holds all the front-panel encoders, buttons, and LEDs. The horizontal board contains the components for digital management, the equivalent left and right channel analog audio paths, and the internal power supply for the ±15V rails.
As with other Bettermaker products, both boards and their components are of exceptionally high quality, and the board layout, in our opinion, looks flawless.
All user interactions with the SPE’s analog electronics—whether performed manually from the front panel or remotely from a DAW using the SPE plug‑in—are processed in the digital domain and managed by a 32-bit system.
Bettermaker Stereo Passive Equalizer Design
By taking a modern approach to classic designs, fashionable and high-spec components are selected for long-term reliability. These choices help maintain the fast transient response and low noise floor that today’s recording practices demand.
At the same time, enhanced performance boosts efficiency and provides the flexibility needed for today’s hybrid studio workflows. Wherever possible, Bettermaker engineers refine gain resolution and frequency response to ensure the highest sound quality.
Rigorous automated bench testing and careful listening tests both play a crucial role in developing Bettermaker equipment. The results speak for themselves.
Bettermaker Stereo Passive Equalizer Sound
The Stereo Passive Equalizer shapes the character of a stereo signal, giving it a fuller low end, a more detailed mid-range, and a clear, airy high end. The low frequencies stay smooth and controlled—never boomy—while the highs remain open and clear, without any harshness or brittleness.
Everything simply sounds more musical and alive after passing through this equalizer. And with Bettermaker’s plug-in control and instant recall, it’s easy to fit the Stereo Passive Equalizer into any modern studio workflow. Engineers can quickly send rough mixes to clients and return to the exact same mix later to make adjustments—no need for guesswork or meticulous note-taking!
A built-in frequency analyzer within the plug-in gives users real-time feedback on their adjustments and the resulting sound changes. Even better, its built-in curves precisely match the bandwidth and gain of the actual filters.
Plus, new features let users store and trigger up to thirty-two “snapshots,” either manually or via automation. This means you can instantly recall full sets of parameters from track to track in a mastering session with a single command.
- 100% analog audio signal path
- USB connectivity for Mac and PC
- Low Frequency Boost Knob
- Low Frequency Cut Knob
- Engage Button with True Bypass
- Low Frequency Selector Buttons
- High Frequency Boost Knob
- High Frequency Cut Knob
- Bandwidth Knob for High Boost
- High Boost Frequency Selector Buttons
- High Cut Frequency Selector Buttons
- Gain Set & Reset To Defaults Button
Why You Need the Bettermaker Stereo Passive EQ
In today’s world, where nearly everything happens on a computer, having high-quality analog equalizers that are still controlled by your DAW is essential. You can add analog warmth with this classic-style EQ both physically and digitally in just seconds.
This equalizer is perfect for both mixing and mastering, allowing you to fully shape and finish your tracks’ frequencies. While it may not be the most versatile for mastering, it definitely adds something special that you might be missing if you’re doing your entire mastering process in the box.
Conclusion
There’s not much left to say when it comes to the Bettermaker brand—they’ve built their reputation from the ground up, and now their units can be found in some of the most renowned studios worldwide. Compared to other devices in their lineup, the Stereo Passive EQ is a bit more affordable, making it accessible even for home and project studios.
If you have the budget, don’t hesitate to give it a try. You’ll have the option to test it out and return it if you’re not satisfied. Take a look at the links we provided above if you’re considering making a purchase!
