EQ4M
™
6-Band Dual Channel Mastering EQ
INTRODUCTION
The Maag Audio EQ4M™ is a 6-Band Dual Channel Mastering EQ with AIR BAND
®
(shelf boost from
2.5 to 40kHz), a true in/out bypass, a transparent INPUT ATTN (attenuator), and stepped (detent) con-
trols.
In 1993, Cliff Maag first introduced the AIR BAND
®
to the audio world in the NTI EQ3. The EQ3 was a
dual channel 6-Band EQ powered in a 19 inch rack and to this day is hailed as one of the most musical
equalizers ever made. Over two decades later, Maag Audio has captured the spirit of the EQ3 in the
EQ4M by providing More Power, More Headroom, and More Control than ever before.
MORE POWER
The EQ4M rides on extremely clean +-18v rails without the need of any supporting chassis or power
source. Just plug it in and make music.
MORE HEADROOM
More power, means more headroom. The EQ4M has an extra 2v compared to the EQ4 and boosts
headroom to +29 dBu.
MORE CONTROL
The EQ4M offers more control with its true in/out bypass, a transparent INPUT ATTN (attenuator), and
an extra 15 kHz selection on the AIR BAND. All controls are stepped (detented).
Copyright © 2015 Maag Audio, LLC
www.maagaudio.com
Model: EQ4M
OPERATION NOTES
Because of the Maag Audio EQ4M’s unique design, phase shift is very minimal. This helps the user
maintain the integrity of the original sound and enhance the “Airy” frequencies, while tonally shaping
the sound from the top to the bottom. The lack of phase shift and the AIR BAND® make the EQ4M
great on anything that needs EQ shaping.
The EQ4M’s band passes all interact with each other. Increasing the AIR BAND gain will also increase
the overall gain to a small extent. This is normal and is a necessary byproduct of the design. This hap-
pens because of the interaction (summing) of the AIR BAND with all of the other band passes. This
interaction is a necessary part of the design to ensure the integrity of the sound is maintained. To com-
pensate for the added overall gain, simply adjust the level via the INPUT ATTN. The EQ will remain the
same shape, but the overall gain will be lowered. This compensates for the extra gain added from the
interaction of the boosted band passes. This is the correct way to get the desired results from the
Maag Audio EQ4M. Here is another way to look at it: If lifting a desired frequency, you may want to
consider bringing down the level of the other band passes above and or below; always remembering
the band passes interact with each other. This is a different approach from other typical equalizers.
Understanding how the band passes and the AIR BAND interact in the Maag Audio EQ4M, will help
you better shape your sound; providing unparalleled transparency and top end presence while main-
taining the true natural sound behind the source.
