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The Lil Freq from Empirical Labs is a mastering quality equalizer with eight processing sections including two shelf equalizers, a high-pass (low-cut) filter, four fully parametric equalizer bands, and a dynamic equalizer section for de-essing and high-frequency limiting.
The Lil Freq utilizes traditional and digitally controlled analog circuitry combined in a new topology, which offers a performance that exceeds most digital EQs in terms of distortion and noise. The high-pass section offer eight preset frequencies covering 30 to 330 Hz to remove low frequency content, while the high and low shelving sections offer musically smooth boost and cut on high and low frequencies. The fully parametric EQ section covers 4 overlapping frequency ranges (LF, Lo-Mid, Hi-Mid, and HF) with complete control over frequency selection, cut or boost, and bandwidth. The DS or dynamic EQ section combines tunable filters with a compressor-like circuit that can help control excessive high frequency content, such as sibilants or other sharp transients. The circuit also functions as a soft-knee high-frequency limiter.
There are both XLR and 1/4" / 6.35mm line-level inputs, each being DC coupled. The XLR output includes a Class-A transformer, which offers isolation from ground loops and hum with soft saturation and a beefy low end often associated with vintage gear. Additionally, there is a 1/4" / 6.35mm instrument input on the front panel, which effectively turns the Lil Freq into an instrument DI for studio recording and live performance applications. The Lil Freq is hand-wired in the USA and ships with a standard IEC power cord.
Empirical Labs Lil FrEQ
- Eight sections of processing
- Two shelving equalizers, special 3rd order HP (Low Cut) section with 8 selectable frequencies, 4 fully parametric bands, and one dynamic equalizer section
- Dynamic section that can be used for de-essing and high frequency softening
- Movable dynamic section allows de-esser to be before or after EQ
- High audio performance with the total harmonic distortion typically below .0006% with all EQ bands engaged
- Built in Instrument Preamp/Direct box – Just plug a guitar or bass into the front panel and engage the instrument switch, and you have the high performance direct box. Distortion is below .0007% on the instrument preamp, 114 dB dynamic range
- Three Outputs, including a Class-A transformer output to give you an isolated output with soft saturation and beefy low end often associated with vintage gear
- Traditional and digitally controlled analog combined in new topology
- Huge "DISTRESSOR" knobs with high resolution numbering offers easy readability and repeatable settings
- A “BAD!” Hard Clip Indicator light that lets the user know they are within 1 dB of hard clipping. It monitors every section of the EQ for internal clipping
- Locked and calibrated output level allowsfor speed in setting tape and live mix levels
- Discrete and integrated combination offering the best of speed/linearity with repeatability. Hand tested & selected components. All metal film and Roederstein resistors in the audio path with top quality components, most being high temperature military spec parts
- Switchable 115/230 volt operation - Extra fuse provided inside unit
- True EQ bypass
- XLR and 1/4" phone ins and outs.(XLR fully balanced design, pin-2 hot. Changeable by user to pin-3 hot)
- No internal connectors, high reliability parts and military grade switches and relays. All contacts doubled up for maximum reliability
- Limited three year warranty.
- Hand wired, calibrated in USA.
Freq. Response
- 5 Hz to 140 kHz on transformerless inputs and outputs
Transformer output response
- 10 Hz to 110 kHz
Dynamic Range
- 120 dB from maximum output (.1% clipping) to minimum output. Greater than 110 dB signal to noise
Distortion Ranges
- between .00056% and .005% depending on mode and settings. DS section has THD < .005%
DC coupled Input and Outputs
- one transformer coupled output
Dynamic Time Constants
- Attack is approximately .5 mS. Release .04 sec, fixed internally.