PSPaudioware have revealed a new EQ plug-in based on the first-generation version of the Datamix, a rare analogue console famed for its characterful, old-school sound. The company say that PSP Datamix A567 has been designed to almost never sound neutral, and that simply placing it on a DAW track with all its bands set to zero will be enough for users to either love or hate it!
The plug-in offers three bands of equalisation: Low, which offers a peak filter when boosting, and either a peak or shelf when cutting, depending on the selected frequency; Mid, which provides a peak on boosts and a notch on cuts; and a High band that offers a peak for boosts and shelf for cuts. A Drive control makes it possible to push the preamp section harder for more obvious colouration, while an Output dial makes it possible to maintain a sensible level at the plug-ins output, which itself emulates a transformer-based circuit. Some helpful extras include an Alt Q mode that fixes the Q of each band regardless of frequency, and a Sharp Mode that adds a pronounced resonance in the High band.
PSPaudioware were able to model a rack of eight original models sourced from the console installed at Record Plant, which are now owned by Adam Piskorz. Each individual module has been recreated in digital form, with a set of buttons allowing users to select which one is active as well as adjust its tuning. There’s also the option to choose an average of all of them, or an ‘idealised’ version that boasts settings far more precise than the original design has become known for! The process seems to have done the trick, as the plug-in has been officially approved by legendary engineer Eddie Kramer, who worked on Datamix consoles at Record Plant and Electric Lady when crafting the records of artists such as The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Led Zeppelin, KISS and many more.
“In today’s market, it’s great having the Datamix mic pre and equaliser available to use on contemporary Pop/Rock, R&B, Hip Hop, Metal — where every producer/engineer is looking for something different. This is the weapon of choice!” - Eddie Kramer Engineer & Producer for Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Kiss, The Rolling Stones and many more
Datamix in Classic Tracks
To find out more about Record Plant and the Datamix console, check out our Classic Tracks article from the November 2005 issue of SOS.
Compatibility
PSP Datamix A567 is supported on PCs running Windows 7 or higher, and Macs running macOS 10.14 and above. VST, VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available. Authorisation is taken care of by PACE’s iLok system, but a physical dongle is not required.
Pricing & Availability
PSP Datamix A567 is available now, and is being offered at an introductory price of $99 until 16 November 2024, after which it will cost $149. If you’d like to try the plug-in out before purchasing, a 30-day trial version is available.
