Quick Hits: Gainlab Audio Empress Tube EQ

Since the 1950s, passive tube EQs have remained a go-to choice for engineers looking to add warmth, depth, and musical tone to their recordings. While many modern designs still follow the same blueprint, Gainlab Audio set out to expand the possibilities with the Empress 2x3 Band Tube Equalizer, blending classic passive EQ character with modern flexibility and control.

At its core, the Empress is a stereo three-band tube EQ built for everything from tracking and mixing to mastering and sound design. While inspired by classic passive equalizers of the past, the Empress pushes the concept further with the addition of a dedicated midrange section, giving engineers greater control over their sound.

Don't worry, though, the Empress is still able to do the old "Pultec trick", simultaneously boosting and cutting frequencies in both the low and high bands, effortlessly recreating the broad, musical tone-shaping techniques passive EQs are known for. In fact, Empress expands on the technique with an innovative Shift function that offsets the center points of the boost and cut controls, opening the door to more complex tonal shaping and creative EQ curves.

Under the hood, the Empress features a tube-driven gain stage, military-grade vacuum tubes, and Nanocrystalline alloy transformers, all working together to deliver rich harmonic color, depth, and smooth saturation. Combined with its stepped controls, Empress makes it easy to quickly recall or replicate settings.

In our latest Quick Hits video, we’re putting the Gainlab Audio Empress Tube EQ to work across a variety of sources to explore its range and musicality. Watch below to hear performances by Olivia Dear (Vocals), Bryan Reilly (Acoustic Guitar, Piano, Drums), and Dustin McLaughlin (Electric Guitar).

Want to listen deeper? Check out all of the tracks from our Gainlab Audio Empress video below.

 

Gainlab Audio Empress Tube EQ Spec Check

• Type: 2x3 Band Passive Tube Equalizer
• Channels: 2 (Stereo or Dual Mono)
• Frequency Bands: Low, Mid, High
• Low EQ: Boost & Cut, Shelf/Bell selectable (30 Hz, 60 Hz, 80 Hz, 100 Hz, 130 Hz, 180 Hz)
• Mid EQ: Boost & Cut with adjustable bandwidth (200 Hz, 300 Hz, 500 Hz, 1 kHz, 1.5 kHz, 2 kHz, 3 kHz, 4 kHz, 5 kHz, 7 kHz)
• High EQ: Boost & Cut, Shelf/Bell selectable (3 kHz, 4 kHz, 5 kHz, 8 kHz, 12 kHz, 16 kHz)
• Special Feature: Simultaneous boost/cut with shiftable mid frequencies
• Gain Stage: Tube-based
• Transformers: Nanocrystalline alloy
• Controls: Stepped attenuators for all settings
• Tubes: Military-grade vacuum tubes
• Applications: Tracking, mixing, mastering, sound design

If you’re interested in purchasing an Empress Tube EQ or have any questions about other Gainlab Audio products, we're here to help! Contact a Vintage King Audio Consultant via email or by phone at 866.644.0160.

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