ngTubeeq

NEXT GENERATION TUBE EQUALIZER

Next generation tube equalizer with digital recall

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ngTubeEQ

Next generation tube EQ with digital recall and automation

For decades, tube equalizers have been cherished for their rich, musical sound, shaping the sonic character of countless classic recordings. Our ngTubeEQ elevates this legacy, offering a refined, analog experience seamlessly integrated into the modern digital workflow. With its lush tonal quality and intuitive digital control, the ngTubeEQ is set to become an indispensable tool in studios worldwide, continuing our tradition of blending vintage charm with contemporary functionality. Experience the best of both worlds – the soul of vintage sound and the ease of digital technology with ngTubeEQ.

Main Features

ngTubeEQ fully analog tube equalizer with digital recall.

  • Purely analog equalizer boasting an impressive 26dBu headroom.
  • Features four fully passive, inductor-based bands spanning a frequency range of 22Hz to 28kHz.
  • Equipped with active low-pass and high-pass variable filters, which can be completely bypassed as needed.
  • Offers flexible control via DAW/Live plug-in for quick and effortless recall settings.
  • Dual output design, featuring both a Tube and Carnhill transformer with an IRON PAD, alongside an electronically balanced option.
  • Includes adjustable Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) control for tailored sound dynamics.
  • Choice of Proportional Q or Constant Q for versatile equalization shaping.
  • The equalizer's operational range can be set to either moderate (-5dB to 5dB) or extended (-15dB to 15dB) levels.
  • Band Listen Mode to isolate and focus on band fundamental content via LPF and HPF adjustment.
  • Capability to store up to 100 presets on the device's internal memory for operation without plugin integration.

ANALOG SOUND, DIGITAL CONTROL

True ANALOG sound with extremely convenient control!

100% analog Tube Equalizer

The ngTubeEQ stands out as a fully analog processing unit, boasting 26dBu of headroom for exceptional clarity and dynamic range. Despite its digital control capabilities for ease of use and precision, the analog signal path ensures that all processing maintains the rich, full quality expected from a premium analog system.

Heart of the Unit: Passive Section

At the core of this unit is a beloved fully passive EQ section, designed around custom inductors. This classic approach to equalization offers the warm, musical sound characteristics that audio professionals and enthusiasts treasure.

4 Passive bands

This unit features four passive EQ bands, each offering 12 selectable frequency points for detailed sound shaping. Bands can be individually disabled for tailored frequency manipulation. The variable Q configuration allows for precise bandwidth adjustments. Covering a total frequency range from 22Hz to 28kHz, each band supports both Bell and Shelf configurations, providing versatility in sound contouring

LPF & HPF Active filters

Our active filter circuit offers adjustable low-pass and high-pass filters with selectable slopes of 12dB/octave or 24dB/octave. The entire circuit can be fully bypassed at the analog level for uncolored audio processing. Controls are variable, allowing for precise adjustments to fit your sound engineering needs.

3 Modes of operation

Enhance your audio processing with three versatile modes designed to fit any production need:

  • DUAL: Operate two independent channels for distinct processing.
  • STEREO: Process stereo tracks to enhance and balance the overall sound.
  • MID-SIDE: Manipulate the mid and side components separately for precise spatial adjustments and stereo imaging.

Carnhill transformers

Transformers in the ngTubeEQ aren’t merely functional for signal processing—they enrich the sound with a warm, sonic saturation that’s essential for high-quality audio production. The Carnhill transformers, integral to this equalizer, infuse your recordings with that sought-after vintage flavor, enhancing the depth and warmth of the audio spectrum.

Total recall and control plugin

This unit offers full control and instant recall capabilities through your DAW plugin, supporting all common plugin formats and digital audio workstations. It features a completely new GUI engine and an intuitive UX design. Designed for optimum ease of use, all parameters are accessible directly from the sweetspot, ensuring seamless adjustments during your creative process.

Selectable output stage

Choose between two distinct output settings to suit your sound preferences:

  • GREEN: Electronically balanced for a cleaner, punchier sound with minimal sonic imprint.
  • RED: Tube amplification stage coupled with a transformer balanced output. This setup includes the ‘IRON PAD’ feature, allowing you to increase the unit’s output to aggressively drive the Tube Amplification and transformer sections, while the passive attenuation section maintains consistent output levels.

Hardware A/B/C buttons to compare two independent settings

Experience the simplicity of the ngTubeEQ as a pure analog signal processor. With just the press of a button, effortlessly switch between three parallel settings to enhance your audio workflow.

THD – total harmonic distortion

Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): Featuring our proprietary harmonic distortion circuit, this system is fully bypassable via an analog relay for clean, unaltered sound. It includes variable control offering 100 precise steps, integrated seamlessly with the internal gain structure to introduce inductor-based saturation for richer audio.

Propotional and Constant Q

  • Proportional Q: Widely acclaimed for its musical qualities in numerous EQ designs, Proportional Q dynamically adjusts the bandwidth—narrowing the Q as more boost is applied, which enhances the focus on specific frequencies.
  • Constant Q: Favored for its precision, Constant Q maintains a fixed bandwidth for each band, regardless of gain changes. This feature is highly valued by professional users seeking meticulous control over their source material, ensuring that frequency adjustments are consistent and predictable.

5dB/15dB Gain Mode

The ngTubeEQ offers versatile gain settings for each band, allowing you to choose between a 5dB or 15dB mode. In the 5dB mode, you can adjust with fine granularity, approximately 0.1dB per step. For more substantial adjustments, the 15dB mode provides increments of about 0.25dB per step, facilitating broader changes with precision.

Plugin Integrated metering

Experience precision with our plugin’s integrated metering, which ranges from 0dBu to 26dBu and includes clip detection to ensure your audio levels are always in check.

Interactive LCD Display: Edit parameters in real-time with our interactive LCD display, which features integrated high-precision metering for detailed and accurate adjustments on the fly.

Plug-in presets database

Our plug-in boasts an unlimited number of presets, providing extensive flexibility and customization. Users can organize their settings into personalized categories. Additionally, each unit comes preloaded with a selection of factory presets, expertly crafted to get you started immediately.

Band Listen Mode

This mode allows for the isolation of the fundamental frequency by using precise adjustments of low pass and high pass filters. This is a unique hardware feature, setting it apart from other hardware equalizers as it is purely based on hardware components, offering an unmatched level of precision and control.

Internal Presets Memory

The device offers the capability to store up to 100 presets in its internal memory. This feature is perfect for users who prefer a plugin-free solution, providing convenience and reliability by allowing easy access to settings directly on the hardware.

Main features summary:

  • 100% Analog Parametric Tube Equalizer: The ngTubeEQ offers pure analog processing with a substantial 26dBu headroom.
  • Custom Passive Section: At its core, the ngTubeEQ features a passive section built around custom inductors for exceptional sound quality.
  • Four Passive Bands with Extensive Range: Boasting 12 selectable frequency points per band, covering from 22Hz to 28kHz.
  • Bypassable Passive Bands with Variable Q: Each band is independently bypassable and includes a fully variable Q for nuanced sound sculpting.
  • Versatile Active Filters: Active LPF & HPF filters with 12/24 dB per octave slopes, variable controls, and analog bypass switch.
  • Three Operational Modes: Offering dual, stereo, and mid-side operational modes for flexible sound staging.
  • Comprehensive DAW Plugin Control: Full control and instant recall through an efficient GUI in all plugin formats, compatible with PC/MAC across all DAWs.
  • Dual Output Options: GREEN for electronically balanced output, RED for a tube amplification stage with transformer output and IRON PAD.
  • THD with Proprietary Circuitry: Features a unique harmonic distortion circuit, fully bypassable, that integrates with the gain structure for adjustable inductor-based saturation.
  • Unique Q Settings: Proportional and Constant Q options, making it a rare EQ with both constant and variable Q implementations.
  • Flexible Gain Modes: Two gain modes – 15dB (±15dB range, 0.25dB step) and 5dB (±5dB range, 0.1dB step).
  • Band Listen Mode to isolate and focus on band fundamental content via LPF and HPF adjustment.
  • Capability to store up to 100 presets on the device’s internal memory for operation without plugin integration.
  • Integrated LCD Parameter Display: A compact LCD screen that visualizes metering and parameter changes upon knob interaction.
  • Comprehensive Metering: Integrated LCD and plugin metering for detailed input and output monitoring.
  • Band Listen Mode to isolate and focus on band fundamental content via LPF and HPF adjustment.
  • Hardware A/B/C Memory Settings: Easily switch between three analog preset settings using simple buttons, even when using the ngTubeEQ as a pure analog processor.
  • USB and Ethernet Connectivity: Supports direct USB connection or network integration via Ethernet for versatile setup options.
  • Capability to store up to 100 presets on the device’s internal memory for operation without plugin integration.
  • Analog Automation Capability: Draw automation lines in your DAW to control the analog device settings dynamically, with touch-sensitive encoders for recording automation back to your DAW.

Specification

ngTubeEQ specification

Frequency response Normal (green)5Hz-100kHz (-0.5dB)
Frequency response Tube (red)20Hz-25kHz (0.5dB)
Dynamic range122dB
THD+N Normal(green)0.0025% (+4dBu), 0.009% (+18dBu)
THD+N Tube(red)0.04% (+4dBu), 0.016% (+18dBu)
Noise-93dBu (A-weight)
Crosstalk-120dB (40Hz), -100dB (20kHz)
Max input level+28dBu
Max output level+27dBu
Input impedance44kohm
Common mode rejection ratio70dB
Output impedance Normal (green)100ohm
Output impedance Tube (red)150ohm
Dimensions135x483x252mm
Box dimensions274x550x382mm
Unit weight8,8 kgs
Box weight11,5 kgs
Power consumption (MAX)45W

User Manual

Download ngTubeEQ User Manual

ngTubeEQ VIDEO STORIES

Watch the product videos

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What Tube type is used?

ngTubeEQ when RED Mode is engaged uses  1 x JJ ECC 81 and 1 x JJ ECC82 per channel.

Should I uninstall WesAudio application before installing new release?

There is no need to uninstall the WesAudio application before installing a new release. The update process will seamlessly overwrite the existing version.

ng500 Module (e.g. _DIONE) is frozen and doesn’t react to encoder moves – Factory reset is needed

If the module doesn’t react to any changes to the knobs on the front panel, the first necessary step is to rewrite firmware into the flash memory (Factory reset procedure re-writes firmware into internal flash memory – it doesn’t affect anyhow unit configuration). To proceed with factory reset, please follow below steps:

  1. Connect unit either:
    1. Through front panel USB socket,
    2. Or keep the unit in ng500 chassis – _TITAN, but please note that chassis has to be connected to the PC/MAC either via USB or Ethernet cable.
  2. POWER OFF your 500 series chassis.
  3. Depends on the product please press following front panel control:
    1. _MIMAS – RATIO button,
    2. _DIONE – RATIO button,
    3. _RHEA – THD button,
    4. _PROMETHEUS – HIGH CUT encoder (top-right encoder),
    5. _HYPERIONLMF GAIN encoder,
    6. _CALYPSO – MENU encoder.
  4. While keeping this control (button/encoder) pressed, POWER ON your 500 series chassis.
  5. LEDs should present a strange pattern.
  6. Now open GConManager:
    1. WIN: C:/Program Files (x86)/WesAudio/GConManager.exe
    2. MAC: /Applications/WesAudio/GConManager.app
    3. Or click on the WesAudio “Tray” icon, and select “Open GConManager”
  7. Go to _UPGRADE application.
  8. Hit start!
The NGRack unit (e.g. ngBusComp) is frozen and doesn’t react to encoder moves – Factory reset is needed

If the module doesn’t react to any changes to the knobs on the front panel, the first necessary step is to rewrite firmware into the flash memory (Factory reset procedure re-writes firmware into internal flash memory – it doesn’t affect anyhow unit configuration). To proceed with factory reset, please follow below steps:

  1. Connect the unit to either USB or Ethernet.
  2. POWER OFF your unit.
  3. Depends on the product please press following front panel control:
    1. ngBusComp – far left Ratio on Channel 1 (Ratio “-”),
    2. ngTubeEQ – THD encoder on Channel 1,
    3. ng76 – “IN MODE” button,
    4. ngLEVELER – use a small screwdriver and press button available on the rear panel via a small hole in the chassis.
  4. While keeping this control (button/encoder) pressed, POWER ON your unit.
  5. LEDs should present a strange pattern.
  6. Now open GConManager:
    1. WIN: C:/Program Files (x86)/WesAudio/GConManager.exe
    2. MAC: /Applications/WesAudio/GConManager.app
    3. Or click on the WesAudio “Tray” icon, and select “Open GConManager”
  7. Go to _UPGRADE application.
  8. Hit start!
Unit passes signal only when bypassed

This is a very common issue and in most cases the root cause lies in the connection of the unit and audio interface. If that happens it should be checked if audio interface input isn’t connected to the chassis input and if audio interface output isn’t connected to chassis output. As this initially would seem to be entirely wrong and shouldn’t work at all, as all our units implement “True Bypass” via relays, the unit will pass a signal when the bypass is engaged. The reason for that is that the relay is in fact hard wiring input to the output, and thus the unit will pass the signal, as it doesn’t go through any active circuit of the unit.

Plug-in doesn’t connect to hardware when a plug-in instance is created

This is actually how it is supposed to work, so after the plug-in instance is created, please use a small triangle button which usually is on the bottom side of the plug-in and select proper HW ID from the drop down menu. If the drop down menu doesn’t list any hardware units, please check Your connectivity and other possible root causes in this FAQ.

Unit can’t connect to a plug-in

This is a wide topic, and there may be at least several root causes, but there are few things that should be checked. However, the first and most important thing is to double check that GConManager doesn’t list this device in the _CONFIG app. If this is the case, it means that WesAudio unit can’t connect on the OS level, and some of the below steps may help:

  1. First of all double check if module connection is properly executed, this procedure is described here.
  2. USB specification indicates that USB 2.0 works up to 5 meters. This is however not entirely true, as it strongly depends on the peripherals that unit is connected to. Even if our modules are USB 2.0 compatible, your USB port could support USB 3.0 – USB is a backward compatible protocol, so it may be that USB 3.0 cable length limit should be considered which is 2 meters. We would recommend having a USB cable up to 2 meters to remove those limitations from the equation.
  3. USB HUB is very common root cause to those problems, if module can’t connect via HUB – just for the sake of the test, it is mandatory to connect unit directly to PC/MAC to verify if the problem isn’t caused by it.
  4. Please note any system warnings attached to “WesAudio Tray Icon”.
Unit disconnects by itself

As USB controllers have limited capacity it could be a reason for random unit disconnection. Usually, it happens when a lot of USB devices are plugged into the PC/MAC. The usual behavior would be that the unit works normally, and after reboot it doesn’t, but it strongly depends on the OS implementation so exact reaction could be a little bit different. If this is suspected, just for the test, it would be good to disconnect most of the devices from the USB ports, reboot PC/MAC and double check the connectivity from stability point of view. If it leads to the conclusion that this is the root cause of the problem, we would recommend using a decent USB hub, and ideally a TB/USB dock station which tends to offload a lot of responsibilities from our PC/MAC.

Unit can’t connect anymore

If the unit was working fine, and suddenly it couldn’t connect (it is not visible in the GConManager _CONFIG app) that could lead to the conclusion that some devices were added to our USB line, and we could have problems with the USB controller inside PC/MAC. In that case please check the description in the above “Unit disconnects by itself”.

How to open GConManager in Admin mode

GConManager in Admin mode enables special functionalities which are used during WesAudio units calibration.

OSX: 

  1. Please open terminal.
  2. Copy-Paste following command:

open /Applications/WesAudio/GConManager.app --args --admin

WINDOWS:

  1. Go to “START” and open “Command Line”.
  2. copy paste this command:

"c:\Program Files (x86)\WesAudio\GConManager.exe" --admin

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