Arturia EQ SITRAL-295 User manual

USER MANUAL
_EQ SITRAL-295

Special Thanks
DIRECTION
Frédéric Brun Kevin Molcard
DEVELOPMENT
Samuel Limier
Loris De Marco
Alexandre Adam
Corentin Comte
Francois Reme
Vincent Travaglini
Kevin Arcas
Baptiste Aubry
Timothée Béhéty
Yann Burrer
Hugo Caracalla
Raynald Dantigny
Alessandro De Cecco
Geoffrey Gormond
Rasmus Kurstein
Pierre-Lin Laneyrie
Cyril Lepinette
Mathieu Nocenti
Marie Pauli
Patrick Perea
Stéphane Albanese
Fanny Roche
DESIGN
Martin Dutasta Clément Bastiat Shaun Elwood Morgan Perrier
SOUND DESIGN
Lily Jordy
Maxime Audfray
Clément Bastiat
Jean-Michel Blanchet
Victor Morello
TESTING
Arnaud Barbier
Thomas Barbier
Matthieu Bosshardt
Emmanuelle Le Cann
Florian Marin
Germain Marzin
Aurélien Mortha
Benjamin Renard
Roger Schumann
Adrien Soyer
Christophe Tessa
BETA TESTING
Paul Beaudoin
David Birdwell
Gustavo Bravetti
Andrew Capon
Chuck Capsis
Jeffrey Cecil
Marco «Koshdukai» Correia
Raphael Cuevas
Dwight Davies
Ben Eggehorn
Jam El Mar
Ken Flux Pierce
Tony Flying Squirrel
Andrew Henderson
Mat Herbert
Neil Hester
Guillaume Hernandez
Jay Janssen
Mat Jones
Luca Lefèvre
Terry Marsden
Gary Morgan
Paolo Negri
Mateo Relief vs. MISTER X5
William «Wheeliemix»
Robertson
Fernando Manuel
Rodrigues
Solidtrax
Tetuna
Peter Tomlinson
Bernd Waldstädt
George Ware
Elliot Young
Chuck Zwicky
TUTORIALS
Gustavo Bravetti François Barrillon
MANUAL
Fernando M. Rodrigues (author) Jimmy Michon

© ARTURIA SA – 2021 – All rights reserved.
26 avenue Jean Kuntzmann
38330 Montbonnot-Saint-Martin
FRANCE
www.arturia.com
Information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not
represent a commitment on the part of Arturia. The software described in this manual is
provided under the terms of a license agreement or non-disclosure agreement. The software
license agreement specifies the terms and conditions for its lawful use. No part of this
manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any purpose other than
purchaser’s personal use, without the express written permission of ARTURIA S.A.
All other products, logos or company names quoted in this manual are trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Product version: 1.0
Revision date: 8 June 2021

Thank you for purchasing Arturia's EQ
SITRAL-295...!
This manual covers the features and operation of the EQ SITRAL-295 plug-in.
Be sure to register your software as soon as possible! When you purchased EQ SITRAL-295,
you were sent a serial number and an unlock code by e-mail. These are required during the
online registration process.
Special Messages
Specifications Subject to Change:
The information contained in this manual is believed to be correct at the time of printing.
However, Arturia reserves the right to change or modify any of the specifications or features
without notice or obligation.
IMPORTANT:
The software, when used in combination with an amplifier, headphones or speakers, may
be able to produce sound levels that could cause permanent hearing loss. DO NOT operate
for long periods of time at a high level or at a level that is uncomfortable.
If you encounter any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should consult an audiologist.

Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of Arturia's EQ SITRAL-295...!
Arturia's passion for synthesizers and sonic purity has given demanding musicians the best
software instruments for professional audio production.
Arturia also has a growing expertise in the audio field, and in 2017 launched the AudioFuse,
a pro studio quality audio interface that features two proprietary DiscretePRO® microphone
preamplifiers and a set of top-notch AD/DA converters. This line was recently expanded with
the launch of the AudioFuse Studio and the AudioFuse 8Pre. Arturia has also been busy
making effect plug-ins, launching in 2018 the first Arturia effects bundle, which included
the Pre 1973, the Pre TridA, and the Pre V76. This was our first step in the field of audio
effect processing plug-ins, and a logical one, considering all the experience gathered while
programming the effects sections for our own synth plug-ins.
These also allowed us to take a first step in analyzing and reproducing retro and vintage
analog audio processing units.
Other bundles followed, dedicated to compressors, filters, delays, and reverbs. More
recently, Arturia added three new effects to the collection, this time dedicated to modulation,
this way consolidating its position as a leader in audio effect plug-ins.
The ARTURIA EQ SITRAL-295 is part of a set of three new effects plug-ins, dedicated to one
of the most important tasks in audio processing: bus sound processing.
ARTURIA has a passion for excellence and accuracy. This has led us to conduct an extensive
analysis of every aspect of some of the most famous and iconic equalization units built
in the 70s by a famous German manufacturer. We have carefully studied and reproduced
the behavior of their electrical circuits and components. We also came up with the idea of
combining them in a completely new equalizer, that would feature the best of each of these
vintage units.
The result is an effects plug-in that, although inspired by these sought-after EQs, includes
what may be considered our vision of what vintage equalization can be nowadays, suited
for the modern studio environment.
EQ SITRAL-295 runs as a plug-in in all major formats inside your DAW.
DISCLAIMER: All manufacturer and product names mentioned in this manual are
trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with
Arturia. The trademarks of other manufacturers mentioned are used solely to identify
the products of those manufacturers whose features and sound were studied during the
development of this plug-in. All names of equipment inventors and manufacturers have
been included for illustrative and educational purposes only and do not suggest any
affiliation or endorsement of EQ SITRAL-295 by any equipment inventor or manufacturer.
The Arturia team

Table Of Contents
1. WELCOME ......................................................................................................................................................................... 2
1.1. What is a bus effect? .......................................................................................................................................................... 2
1.2. What about the EQ SITRAL-295? ............................................................................................................................... 3
1.3. Where can you use a plug-in like this?.................................................................................................................. 4
2. ACTIVATION AND FIRST START.......................................................................................................................... 5
2.1. Activate the Arturia EQ SITRAL-295 license......................................................................................................... 5
2.1.1. The Arturia Software Center (ASC).................................................................................................................................................................... 5
2.2. Working with plug-ins ....................................................................................................................................................... 5
3. EQ SITRAL-295 OVERVIEW.................................................................................................................................. 6
3.1. Arturia’s EQ SITRAL–295 plug–in................................................................................................................................. 6
3.2. Understanding the EQ SITRAL-295 Signal Flow.............................................................................................. 7
3.3. Getting hands-on with EQ SITRAL-295.................................................................................................................. 8
3.3.1. The basics ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
3.3.2. The EQ ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 10
3.3.3. The filters........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 12
3.3.4. Other functionalities................................................................................................................................................................................................ 13
4. EQ SITRAL-295 CONTROL PANEL.................................................................................................................... 14
4.1. Channel Configuration (Mono/Stereo) .................................................................................................................. 14
4.2. Main Control Panel ............................................................................................................................................................ 15
4.2.1. Stepped Controls ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 15
4.2.2. Right Section................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 16
4.2.3. EQ Bands (Main Section) ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 19
4.2.4. Visualizer (Advanced Panel) ............................................................................................................................................................................. 22
5. USER INTERFACE ....................................................................................................................................................... 23
5.1. The Upper Toolbar.............................................................................................................................................................. 23
5.1.1. New Preset...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 23
5.1.2. Save Preset.................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 23
5.1.3. Save Preset As….......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 24
5.1.4. Import............................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 24
5.1.5. Export Menu .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 24
5.1.6. Resize Window options ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 24
5.1.7. Tutorials............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 24
5.1.8. Help..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 25
5.1.9. About ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 25
5.1.10. Preset Selection ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 25
5.2. The Lower Toolbar............................................................................................................................................................ 26
5.2.1. Stepped Controls ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 26
5.2.2. Bypass............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 26
5.2.3. Undo .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 27
5.2.4. History .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 27
5.2.5. Redo................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 27
5.2.6. CPU meter...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 27
5.3. The Preset browser.......................................................................................................................................................... 28
5.3.1. Delete Preset ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 29
5.4. Fine-tuning parameters................................................................................................................................................. 29
5.5. Resetting your controls................................................................................................................................................. 30
6. Software License Agreement............................................................................................................................. 31

1. WELCOME
1.1. What is a bus effect?
As far as audio effects are concerned, bus or masterbus effects occupy a place of their own.
These effects are used to polish a more complex, composite sound, be it a group sub-mix or
even the final master bus output. Since their main goal is to perfect and balance the overall
sound spectrum (and maybe add some color to it), they are specially tailored for and tuned
to those tasks.
Therefore, their audio circuits are more carefully planned and usually more complex, their
components are chosen with top quality in mind, and more expensive and retro components
are used, like real tubes for example.
All in all, what one wants to achieve is a sound that's richer, fuller and with more body,
maybe supplemented with the kind of saturation you don't usually get in today's pristine
audio chains, where we aim for the cleanest sound possible. And why not add a touch of
EQ to make the sound a bit more transparent and detailed in certain bands.
Traditionally, there are just a few types of these bus effects: Equalizers, compressors
(usually called bus compressors, to differentiate them from the usual channel compressors),
and maybe more complex units with complete audio channels, comprising several modules.
Arturia - User Manual EQ SITRAL-295 - WELCOME 2

1.2. What about the EQ SITRAL-295?
Equalizers play a very important role in audio production. In fact, almost all mixing involves
adjusting the tone and dynamics of the audio. For the dynamics, you have the compressor;
for the tone, you have the equalizer.
By boosting or attenuating bands of frequencies, the EQ changes the overall spectrum,
this way adjusting the tone of the mix. This may be important when working in channels,
to better place a certain instrument in the mix, by creating space for it in the spectrum,
reducing the bands that overlap.
In a mix bus, it is more a matter of sculpting the tone to what better suits your taste (or the
taste of the author, if you are working for someone else), or of adapting to the style of music
you are aiming for. All EQs are different and sound different. Some may be more neutral,
others may have more character. The number of frequency bands available for processing,
the ranges and EQ curves vary a lot from unit to unit. That's why you can never have too
many EQs.
The Arturia EQ SITRAL-295 is an EQ unit inspired by classic designs of units built in the 70s
by a famous German manufacturer. These classic vintage EQs were first used in German
broadcast consoles. When broadcasters updated their setups, these modules found their
way into the recording studios.
This plug-in is based on three different EQ modules, all made up of fully discrete class-
A components. After a careful analysis in order to get perfect emulation models, these
were merged into a single unit, with their ranges expanded, and complemented with some
features that add extra possibilities for the user, while remaining faithful to the spirit of the
originals.
This means you will get the richness given by the old analog discrete circuits coupled with
a modern design and features adapted to the modern studio and the working environment
of the computer. This is a true modern vintage stereo equalizer with character.
The distinctive sound of the devices this software is modeled after and their very gentle and
musical EQ curves make them suitable for multiple types of sounds.
3 Arturia - User Manual EQ SITRAL-295 - WELCOME

1.3. Where can you use a plug-in like this?
A plug-in like the EQ SITRAL-295 is so versatile that it can be used pretty much everywhere.
Sure, due to its musicality, it shines as a bus EQ, but nothing prevents you from using it as
a channel EQ.
As a matter of fact, some find it an incredible tracking and mixing tool which can be used
for a wide variety of applications, from vocals to drums, to guitars, and bass.
Others love its silkiness and sweet character, and the way it can boost program material
without ever sounding harsh.
It can be an excellent tool, which you can use as an alternative to or paired with the more
commonly seen Neve and Pultec EQs, so it can add a different flavor and yet maintain the
"polished/expensive record" sound you're aiming for.
Arturia - User Manual EQ SITRAL-295 - WELCOME 4

2. ACTIVATION AND FIRST START
The Arturia EQ SITRAL-295 plug-in works on computers equipped with:
Windows 8 or later and macOS 10.13 or later.
You can use the EQ SITRAL-295 plug-in as an Audio Unit, AAX, VST2 or VST3 plug-in (64-bit
only).
2.1. Activate the Arturia EQ SITRAL-295 license
Once the software has been installed, the next step should be to activate your license, so
that you can use it without limitations.
This is a simple process that involves a different software program: the Arturia Software
Center.
2.1.1. The Arturia Software Center (ASC)
If you have not already installed the ASC, go to this web page:
https://www.arturia.com/support/updates&manuals
Look for the Arturia Software Center at the top of the page, and then download the version
of the installer that you need for your system (macOS or Windows).
Follow the installation instructions and then:
• Launch the Arturia Software Center (ASC)
• Log into your Arturia account
• Scroll down to the My Products section of the ASC
• Click the Activate button
That's all there is to it!
2.2. Working with plug-ins
The EQ SITRAL-295 can be used in all major digital audio workstations (DAWs), including
Live, Logic, Cubase, Pro Tools and others, as it comes in all the main plug-in formats. Unlike
what happens with hardware, you can load as many instances of the effect as you find
useful. Using the software plug-in has two other big advantages over hardware:
• You can automate numerous parameters using your DAW’s automation system;
• Your settings and current plug-in state will become recorded in your project, and
you can pick up exactly where you left off the next time you open it.
5 Arturia - User Manual EQ SITRAL-295 - ACTIVATION AND FIRST START

3. EQ SITRAL-295 OVERVIEW
3.1. Arturia’s EQ SITRAL–295 plug–in
Our goal was to give users the experience of a great tool, an EQ modeled after some
classic units of the early seventies. The originals were initially used in broadcast consoles.
Soon enough, recording studios found out that these broadcast modules had very high
specifications and sounded amazing. The next step consisted in upgrading their recording
equipment with cassette modules featuring these very same EQ units.
The user interface we created allies the simplicity and analog feel of the originals with a
modern approach, more suitable for working in a computer environment. The Main panel
has the controls for the three EQ bands, coupled with some buttons and switches on the
right side, to control parameters such as Mid/Side, Auto Gain and channel linking, or to
change the character (coloring) of the EQ.
There is also an extra panel, as has become usual with almost all the effect plug-ins from
Arturia. There, you have the visualizer. This is a very important add-on, which gives a touch
of modernity to this classic unit. The visualizer displays the EQ curve, while allowing you
to monitor the input and output sound spectra. The input spectrum is displayed in dimmed
colors, while the output spectrum is shown with bright colors. Switches on the left allow you
to turn On and Off any of the two spectra and to display both channels of the stereo or just
one of them.
We will take a detailed look at all of these elements in the Control Panel chapter [p.14]. Now,
it's time to check out how it works and how it sounds. Let's go!
Arturia - User Manual EQ SITRAL-295 - EQ SITRAL-295 OVERVIEW 6

3.2. Understanding the EQ SITRAL-295 Signal Flow
The EQ SITRAL-295 is an EQ effect plug-in specially tailored for bus tasks. As we stated in
the Introduction, bus effects tend to be a little more complex (both in functionalities as well
as in their inner workings) than their channel counterparts. It is not the case with this EQ.
Being inspired by classic units of the seventies, it keeps the simplicity of those units. As a
consequence, although its musicality makes it suitable for bus processing, it is simple to
operate and understand, and you can (and probably should) also use it in regular audio
channels. This isn't an EQ for surgical tasks, but rather for overall sound sculpting.
Let's take a look at the inside to understand a little more about EQ SITRAL-295:
The EQ SITRAL-295 signal flow is very straightforward. When the audio signal enters the
unit, it is directed through a first stage, with several switches that may change the way the
audio circuit will work.
These are the switches on the right-hand side of the control panel: the "Charakter" switch, a
range of three switches, (M/S, Auto Gain and Link), and the Range selector. We will see what
these do in the next chapters.
After that stage, the audio enters the circuit and then is directed through the High Pass Filter,
Low Shelf, Presence bell, High Shelf, and finally the Low Pass Filter, serially.
Each band and filter performs its own processing, and the final result is then routed to the
final gain stage, where the Output knob will dtermine the final gain of the plug-in.
And that's it. This is the complete signal flow of the EQ SITRAL-295. It is simple, but
nevertheless very powerful. Study the circuit carefully, spend some time with the controls
of each band, try the different switches, and we're sure you'll fall in love with this unit and
enjoy its incredible power. The following section will definitely help you with this.
7 Arturia - User Manual EQ SITRAL-295 - EQ SITRAL-295 OVERVIEW

3.3. Getting hands-on with EQ SITRAL-295
3.3.1. The basics
• Load a stereo clip into an audio track in your DAW. A master out or group submix
would be great, since this is more of a tone sculpting EQ than a surgical EQ;
• Load an instance of EQ SITRAL-295 as an insert in that track. Open the plug-in
window;
• Ensure the Default preset is loaded. This way, all parameters assume their
default values. Now click the Visualizer button in the right corner of the Upper
Toolbar. This will open a graphical panel above the main EQ controls;
• Start playback. You will notice several things. First: there is no EQ being applied.
That's because, with the EQ controls in their default positions, the EQ circuit of
the plug-in is not processing the audio. If you look at the graphical window
above them, you will see a flat line with just a slight curve on the right side,
and the sound spectrum. A dimmed color fills the spectrum, while a brighter line
surrounds it. That brighter line is the spectrum output;
• The second thing you may notice is that, because the audio is going through the
"electronics" of the unit, they will add a slight coloration to it. This unit is very
transparent, therefore the coloration is very, very subtle. But still, the audio is
processed;
• Now press the small "In" button to the left of the display. You'll notice that the
dimmed full-colored spectrum disappears, and only the brighter colored output
line remains. This is because you turned off the In spectrum. Now press the In
button to turn it on again, and press the Out button to turn it off. Now the brighter
lined spectrum disappears, and only the dimmed color-filled spectrum remains.
This is the Input spectrum. By using this, you can clearly see the effect of the EQ
on the overall audio spectrum;
• You can also turn each of the two stereo channels on and off by pressing the L
and/or R buttons to the bottom left of the display. This may be handy when there
are very different spectra in each channel (unlikely for a mastering track, but not
that uncommon for individual tracks);
SITRAL-295 with the two channels unlinked and two completely different EQ curves, to
emphasize the stereo image
Arturia - User Manual EQ SITRAL-295 - EQ SITRAL-295 OVERVIEW 8

• To the right, there is a VU meter. This displays the audio volume. When the audio
reaches dangerous levels, the display turns orange and then red. When the audio
is within safe levels, the display is green.
Now it's time to start EQing the audio:
9 Arturia - User Manual EQ SITRAL-295 - EQ SITRAL-295 OVERVIEW

3.3.2. The EQ
• With the audio playing, start testing the output volume (the small knob labeled
"Output" on the right-hand side of the Main panel). You have probably noticed
that there are two identical panels. The upper one is for the Left channel (or
the Mid when in Mid/Side mode - more on that later on) while the lower one is
for the Right channel. That's right - you can EQ each side differently. Move the
Output knob for the Left channel. You'll notice that the Right knob moves exactly
the same way. That's because they are "linked". The "Link" button is placed just
a bit further to the right, below the M/S and Auto Gain buttons, and is pressed.
To unlink the channels, click it. This turns it off, and the two channels are now
unlinked. Try moving the Left Output knob again. This time, the Right Output knob
remains in place.
• Press the link button again. We will process the stereo file as a whole (this is
probably what you will want to do in a master bus). Now, let's start making
changes to the bands;
• You have three EQ bands. The lower and upper bands are similar (shelf bands),
while the middle band is a Peak or Bell band. These are the usual EQ bands.
All have a fixed EQ curve, so you will only be able to change the frequency
and the amount of gain or attenuation. There is another important element - by
default, to remain faithful to the original units' behavior, the controls move in
fixed steps. However, you may change this by pressing the "Stepped Controls"
button in the Lower Toolbar. Do it now to change the behavior to continuous
rather than stepped.
• Now, let's start by changing the middle band, labeled "Präsenz" - you might
have guessed that this is German for "presence". Bands labeled Presence were
very common in the sixties and seventies. They refer to frequencies in the
middle of the spectrum, mainly between 1 kHz and 5 kHz, but you can extend
these upwards and downwards a little. Since our hearing is very sensitive to
these bands, any change made to them will immediately be noticed. When
these bands are attenuated, the audio becomes muffled and loses clarity. When
these bands are too strong, the audio becomes strident and may cause hearing
fatigue. That's why you need to be very careful with these frequencies;
• Look at the spectrum. If you see it lacks frequencies in the 800 Hz to 2 or 3 kHz
range, that's where Presence comes in handy. Even if it's OK in there, a little boost
in that range may make the audio more clear and defined. Turn the "dB" knob a
little to the right (+1.5 dB should be enough) and now turn the "kHz" knob until you
are satisfied with the results. If the audio is too bright, you may try attenuating
(turning the knob to the left, to -1.5 dB or -2 dB) to get a softer spectrum;
• Just for fun, and to see what this band can do, turn the "dB" button all the way to
the left. You'll notice the audio loses clarity (becomes "muffled"). Now turn it back.
You'll feel like a curtain has opened and let the audio come in;
• It will come as no surprise that the control to the left of Presence (labeled with
a quarter note below a line) changes the behavior of the lower frequencies,
while the control to the right of Presence changes the behavior of the higher
frequencies. These are switchable bands, which means that the center
frequency can only have certain pre-defined values, controlled by a switch. For
the lower frequencies, the center may be 50 Hz, 100 Hz, or 300 Hz. For the
higher frequencies, the center frequency may be 5 kHz, 10 kHz, or 30 kHz.
Fear not: sometimes, less is more. Most of the time, you may leave the center
frequency at the default value and simply adjust the gain button (labeled "dB",
like for the Presence band). That's what you will do for now;
• Double click the Presence "dB" knob. This will get it back to 0. Double clicking a
control will always get it back to its default value. Now turn the lower frequency
dB knob up by +3 dB. To get a more precise movement, press control while
turning the knob. This is a common way of getting more precise values in any
continuous control;
Arturia - User Manual EQ SITRAL-295 - EQ SITRAL-295 OVERVIEW 10

• Now turn the higher "dB" knob up to +3 dB too. If you look at the EQ curve,
you'll notice that its shape resembles the letter U (or a U curve). This is called a
loudness EQ curve (again, this is because of the way we hear - since our ears
are less sensitive to lower and higher frequencies, you sometimes need to boost
these to get a more satisfying sound).
Now that we have seen how the EQ bands work, it's time to check the filters:
11 Arturia - User Manual EQ SITRAL-295 - EQ SITRAL-295 OVERVIEW

3.3.3. The filters
• Sometimes EQs have filters to remove unwanted frequencies at the extreme
ends of the spectrum. It is the case of the SITRAL-295. You have a filter to
cut the extreme lower frequencies, and another one to cut the extreme higher
frequencies. The controls for these are conveniently and logically placed at both
ends. That's what makes sense, since these are the last controls for those bands;
• These filters have a fixed slope, so you can only define the frequency where they
start cutting. Let's start from where we left off - the loudness EQ curve -, but we
will change the High and Low EQ bands first. Please click the Hz switch for the
High band and change it to 10k. Now do the same for the Low band, changing it
to 300. You'll notice that the U curve becomes more pronounced;
• Now turn the other High Cut knob until it displays something like 19000 Hz.
Remember to use the Ctrl key together with your mouse to get a precise value;
• Then go to the other Low Cut knob and turn it up to 30 Hz. The display curve is
now completely different, with round curves at then ends of the U;
• These filters may come in handy to cut extremely low and high frequencies.
Frequencies below 30 Hz, for example, will not be heard, but they may push
the volume higher and prevent you from giving more gain to the audio. On the
other hand, very high frequencies may produce some audio artifacts and cause
hearing fatigue. It's up to you to decide whether these filters are needed or not.
Arturia - User Manual EQ SITRAL-295 - EQ SITRAL-295 OVERVIEW 12

3.3.4. Other functionalities
• We have already mentioned that there are several buttons and switches on
the right side of the Main Control Panel. The first one is M/S, which stands for
Mid/Side. Mid/Side is another way to control the stereo image, used in different
recording environments. For a more detailed explanation, please refer to the Mid/
Side mode [p.17] explanation in the Control Panel chapter of this manual.
• Right below M/S, you have the Auto Gain button. This button compensates
for changes in volume due to EQing, balancing the output level so that it is
similar to the input level. You may try it yourself. Since what we've done has
probably changed the output volume, pressing this button may change it back to
something equivalent to the Input;
• We have already talked about the Link button, labeled with two interlocking rings.
By default it is on, linking both channels. Unlinking them allows to process each
channel independently;
• Range is a very important feature. We've already said that less can be more.
This is a perfect example. By changing this control, you can soften the EQ curve.
This way, you can start at more extreme values, and then soften them by simply
turning Range. Give it a try!
• "Charakter" (another German word whose meaning is clear enough) changes
the color of SITRAL-295. This is pretty subtle, so don't expect sudden and very
noticeable changes. The original is the behavior of the main EQ unit modeled,
while "Alternativ" gives a slightly different color, after another analog EQ unit.
This alternative mode saturates the low frequencies when they are at a high
level, which might add a nice touch. Please try both, and see if you can notice a
difference (and, more importantly, if you like it).
And that's it. These are just a few examples of what you can do with EQ SITRAL-295. This
is a very musical EQ, capable of some subtle (or not so subtle) tone sculpting. It has a lot to
offer, and if you pay attention to detail and invest some of your time to learn how to use it,
you will be able to get the most out of it. As always, use your ears and persevere, to find the
best and more interesting ways of using it.
13 Arturia - User Manual EQ SITRAL-295 - EQ SITRAL-295 OVERVIEW

4. EQ SITRAL-295 CONTROL PANEL
The EQ SITRAL-295 plug-in can be used in Mono or Stereo configurations.
The Mono configuration is automatically loaded when you use the plug-in with mono tracks.
When inserted in stereo tracks, the Stereo configuration is automatically loaded as well.
By default, the plug-in works according to the source material.
♪: Not all DAWs work with mono tracks, in which case you will not be able to use the mono
configuration.
4.1. Channel Configuration (Mono/Stereo)
In stereo mode, the plug-in loads in full, with two processing modules, one for each channel.
When instantiated in stereo channels, the plug-in loads in stereo mode.
When instantiated in mono channels, the plug-in loads just one processing module. Also,
the M/S switch and Link switches are absent, as they would not have any role to play in
this mode. What's more, the Auto Gain switch changes place and appears under the Output
control.
EQ SITRAL-295 Mono configuration with Visualizer opened. Notice the Auto Gain switch
under the Output control knob.
Arturia - User Manual EQ SITRAL-295 - EQ SITRAL-295 CONTROL PANEL 14

4.2. Main Control Panel
The EQ SITRAL-295 Graphical User Interface presents both a retro look for the Main Panel
and a modern look for the Advanced Panel (Visualizer). This way, you get a modern classic
look, that is both inspired by the look of the original EQ units and adapted for working in a
computer environment. This is a mixed approach that we feel works better with a computer,
without losing the classic retro feel we love so much.
As is the case with the previous effects, as well as all current Arturia plug-ins, this GUI has
an Upper Toolbar and a Lower Toolbar. The Lower Toolbar is very important because it gives
you access to the Undo and Redo functions, lists the editing history, allows you to bypass the
plug-in (the Bypass button mirrors the Power button on the Main control panel) and displays
CPU consumption.
Of course, the Upper Toolbar is also very important, since it is where you access the main
menus, perform important tasks like loading and saving presets and banks of presets, and
where you can select a preset and see the name of the active preset. The toolbars and their
features are covered in detail in the User Interface chapter [p.23].
We will now have a look at all the controls and discover their function, their ranges, and how
to interpret the numbers.
Notice that each time you click a control (knob or button), or simply hover the mouse over
it, the Lower Toolbar displays the parameter name at the bottom left. Also, a small pop-up
box displaying the current parameter value appears to the right of the control. This changes
every time you move that control, updating the parameter value in real time.
Now, let’s take a look at each control on the Main Control Panel.
4.2.1. Stepped Controls
There is a button in the Lower Toolbar labeled "Stepped Controls". By default, SITRAL-295
loads with Stepped Controls on, to be faithful to the original's behavior. The original unit
didn't have continuous controls, but switches with predetermined values. For example, the
gain controls changed in 3 dB intervals. This behavior is preserved when "Stepped Controls"
is active; therefore, when you move a control, it jumps from one value to the other.
For a more modern behavior, (which is probably what you are used to) please press the
Stepped Controls button in the Lower Toolbar. This will turn it off, and you will have the usual
continuous values control behavior. Beware that this only applies to knobs. Switches and
buttons will still just have predetermined values, as expected.
EQ SITRAL-295 Main Panel in Stereo mode. In this panel, under the Output knob, there are
small lights signaling Left and Right stereo channels. When in M/S mode, those lights read
M and S
15 Arturia - User Manual EQ SITRAL-295 - EQ SITRAL-295 CONTROL PANEL