Maag Audio EQ4M User manual

EQ4M
6-Band Dual Channel Mastering EQ
Copyright © 2015 Maag Audio, LLC
www.maagaudio.com
User Guide

EQ4M™ 6-Band Dual Channel Mastering EQ
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read these instructions
2. Keep these instructions
3. Heed all warnings
4. Follow all instructions
5. Clean only with dry cloth
6. Do not block any ventilation openings.
7. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appa-
ratus (including amplifiers) that produce heat
9. Protect the power cord from being walked on
or pinched particularly at plugs and the point
where they exit from the apparatus
10. Only use attachments/accessories specified
by the manufacturer
11. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms
or when unused for long periods of time
12. Refer all servicing to qualified service person-
nel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has
been damaged in any way, such as power-supply
cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled
or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the ap-
paratus has been exposed to rain or moisture,
does not operate normally, or has been dropped
13. CAUTION: To disconnect the unit completely
from the MAINS, unplug the unit. Turning the
power switch off does not disconnect the unit
completely from the MAINS
14. The unit shall not be exposed to dripping or
splashing and that no objects filled with liquids,
such as vases, shall be placed on the unit
15. WARNING: This is a Class I apparatus. It
should be connected to a MAINS socket outlet
with a protective earthing connection
Copyright © 2015 Maag Audio, LLC
www.maagaudio.com
Model: EQ4M
VOLTATE SELECTION AND FUSE
This unit is capable of operating over a range of
mains voltages as marked on the rear panel. En-
sure correct mains voltage setting and correct
fuse before connecting mains supply. Do not
change mains voltage settings while mains sup-
ply is connected. To avoid the risk of fire, replace
the mains fuse only with the correct value fuse,
as marked on the rear panel. The internal power
supply unit contains no user serviceable parts.
Refer all servicing to a qualified service engineer,
through the appropriate Maag Audio dealer.
For mains voltages from 100-120 volts, use a
0.5A 3AG fuse with Slo-Blo characteristics only
and configure the mains selector to display 115V.
For mains voltages from 200-240 volts, use a
0.25A 3AG fuse with Slo-Blo characteristics only
and configure the mains selector to display 230V.
The selectable fuse holder accepts 1/4” x 1-1/4”
or 5mm x 20mm fuses.

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.

EQ4M™ 6-Band Dual Channel Mastering EQ
CONTROLS
AIR BAND®
Boost only shelf at 2.5 kHz, 5 kHz, 10
kHz, 15 kHz, 20 kHz, and 40 kHz.
The frequencies below the shelf
peaks are also affected due to the
transitional slope.
GAIN
Gain control for the AIR BAND
(+15 dB)
IN
Engages and disengages the AIR
BAND
INPUT ATTN
Input attenuator (0-12 dB)
PEAK
Red LED starts to illuminate when the output signal reaches
23 dBu
SIGNAL
Green LED indicates audio signal presence. Illumination starts
@ -20 dBu
SUB (10 Hz)
Fixed boost and cut bell
(+15 dB, -4.5 dB)
40 Hz
Fixed boost and cut bell
(+15 dB, -4.5 dB)
160 Hz
Fixed boost and cut bell
(+15 dB, -4.5 dB)
650 Hz
Fixed boost and cut bell
(+15 dB, -4.5 dB)
2.5 kHz
Fixed boost and cut shelf
(+15 dB, -4.5 dB)
Copyright © 2015 Maag Audio, LLC
www.maagaudio.com
Model: EQ4M
CH1/CH2
Engages and disengages the chan-
nel as a true bypass.
IN
Green LED indicates when the chan-
nel is engaged or bypassed.
Umlaut
Orange LEDs indicate when the
EQ4M is powered on. Controlled with
the power switch on the back of the
unit.
Input and Output Connections
Input and Output connections are 3-
pin XLR balanced connectors
XLR Pinout
1 = G, 2 = +, 3 = -

EQ4M™ 6-Band Dual Channel Mastering EQ
Product Warranty
Maag Audio expressly warrants its products for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase.
Products will be free of manufacturing defects. Within the warranty period, a product will be tested, re-
paired or replaced at the sole discretion of Maag Audio, free of charge. All warranty service will be con-
ducted through authorized Maag Audio dealers only. The end user is required to provide proof of pur-
chase (receipt or invoice) of the product. This warranty is offered solely to the original purchaser of the
product from an authorized Maag Audio dealer and is not transferable. This warranty does not include
the shipping charges to and from the authorized Maag Audio dealer from whom the product was pur-
chased. Maag Audio will pay for shipping costs between the dealer and Maag Audio. All warranty ser-
vice requires a Maag Audio issued RMA number. Please conduct warranty service communication with
an authorized Maag Audio dealer.
Warranty Exclusions
The foregoing express warranty is made in lieu of all other product warranties, expressed and implied,
including merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose which are specifically disclaimed. The ex-
press warranty will not apply to defects or damage caused by post purchase shipping and transporta-
tion, storage, careless handling, nor damage caused by misuse, hot swapping, accidents, neglect, al-
terations, operator error, or failure to properly maintain products.
Copyright © 2015 Maag Audio, LLC
www.maagaudio.com
Model: EQ4M
Specifications
Specification Value Specification Value
Frequency Response -2dB points, 10Hz & 75kHz Headroom +29 dBu @ 10 K Ohms
+28.5 dBu @ 600 Ohms
Nominal Input Impedance (XLR) 48 K Ohms, balanced Nominal Output Impedance (XLR) 50 Ohms, balanced
*Specifications subject to change without notice.