The latest addition to IK Multimedia’s T-RackS 6 plug-in suite faithfully recreates the sound of a popular stereo EQ unit owned by Gavin Lurssen and Reuben Cohen of Lurssen Mastering. Simply named Lurssen Mastering EQ, the plug-in is said to offer smooth, nuanced curves that deliver a stunning high and low end, enabling subtle yet powerful tonal enhancements.
As you might have guessed from the plug-in’s appearance, the hardware in question is the EAR 825Q, a five-band inductor-based valve EQ that is cherished in mastering circles for its musical character and unique tonal colouration. IK say that thanks to their analogue-modelling expertise, the new plug-in captures every nuance of the original unit, and also introduces some additional features that were requested by the Lurssen team — it was originally modelled exclusively for them, as has already been put to work on their sessions.
As well as faithfully modelling the EAR 825Q, Lurssen Mastering EQ also introduces some handy extras including Mid-Side processing and a new variable Color control.
The plug-in’s GUI closely replicates the panel of the hardware 825Q, with each of its five bands equipped with a large gain control that offers ±18dB of adjustment along with a frequency selection switch. As with its physical counterpart, Lurssen Mastering EQ features a proportional Q design, where the Q of each band automatically adjusts based on the amount of gain being applied.
While the plug-in faithfully recreates the behaviour of the hardware, including the interaction between bands, it also introduces some additional features that aren’t present in the original design. Firstly, the standard left/right operation is joined by a new Mid-Side mode, while a new Color option provides access to some additional harmonic saturation. There’s also an adjustable output level control for each channel and a parameter linking mode.
Compatibility
T-RackS Lurssen Mastering EQ can be used as a standalone plug-in, or as part of IK Multimedia’s T-RackS 6 plug-in suite. Both are supported on PCs running Windows 10 and above, and Macs running macOS 10.15 or higher. VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available.
Pricing & Availability
T-RackS Lurssen Mastering EQ is available now, and is currently subject to the following introductory offers:
- Lurssen Mastering EQ: $€49.99 (usually $€99.99).
- Lurssen Mastering EQ + Lurssen Mastering Console: $€99.99 (usually $€199.99).
- Lurssen Mastering EQ + Lurssen Mastering Console + T-RackS 6 MAX*: $€149.99.
* The bundle with T-RackS 6 MAX will not be available to purchase after introductory pricing period has ended.
