IK Multimedia

T-RackS 3 Singles Product Spotlight: Linear Phase Equalizer
By Mark Hornsby

As many of us know, equalizers are composed of filters that manipulate the frequency content of an audio signal. One of the by products of this is that the frequencies that pass through a processed range are delayed by differing amounts. This delay in the signal is called phase shift. Phase shifting is an audible and sometimes undesirable occurrence. Typically equalizers are designed to introduce as little phase shift as possible. The amount of phase shift varies according to the filter design, and typically more aggressive filters (those with steeper slope) introduce more phase shift. The idea behind a linear phase EQ is to introduce zero phase shift to harmonic spectrum.

The T-RackS 3 Linear Phase EQ is a six band fully parametric EQ with all bands capable of being set to any of five available filter types: high and low shelf, boost/cut and high and low pass. Each band is fully sweepable across the 20Hz to 20 KHz spectrum range and allows for multiple overlapping when needed. Like all of the T-RackS 3 modules, you can also switch between L/R and M/S processing for even more control of the stereo field. It also has two modes of functionality that the user can switch back and forth between using the LP button at the bottom right of the interface. With the LP option OFF, the EQ is a classic high quality, high resolution digital IIR. When the LP (Linear Phase) option is switched ON, the EQ works on a "back and forth" principle, which is the most appropriate technique for linear phase EQs in critical mastering applications. The T-RackS 3 Linear Phase EQ can deliver a totally zero phase response over the entire audio spectrum, independent from the EQ curve the user sets.

In this example, you will hear a section of a song featuring a guitar solo without any processing. Download the file and listen in your own studio.

In this example, you will hear the same section using the T-RackS 3 Linear Phase EQ "Smooth Presence" preset. Download the file and listen in your own studio.

Notice the subtle lift in the upper midrange? The song is now brighter without sounding harsh or colored.

In this example, you'll hear the same section processed with the "Warm Me Up 1" preset. Download the file and listen in your own studio.

Now the bass and lower midrange are more in balance with guitar solo that's cutting through in the mix.

In this example, let's listen to the same section processed with the "Top Sparkle" preset. Download the file and listen in your own studio.

Hear how the Hi Hat and the "air" on top of the mix has been lifted? Again, notice that there's no added coloration or artifacts being added to the sound quality.

Not only is the T-RackS 3 Linear Phase EQ very transparent, but the included presets are immediately useful for a variety of applications depending on the user's taste.

As we can see, T-RackS 3 Linear Phase EQ is an excellent addition to any plug-in locker. Its flexibility, ease of use, and most importantly, its transparent sound quality can be a great asset for many occasions. Next spotlight we'll be looking at the new Vintage Tube Compressor/Limiter model 670 plug-in, a amazing recreation of the one of the most sought after Holy Grails of analog outboard gear.

Mark Hornsby is a Producer/Engineer in Nashville, TN. In addition to working with recording artists around the world, he is a certified Pro Tools Expert by Digidesign, contributing writer for Recording Magazine and guest lecturer at numerous universities across the United States.
For more information, check out: www.markhornsby.com

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