Pope Audio BAX 2020R 'Beast' Stereo Equalizer and Drive

The Pope Audio BAX 2020R is a stereo/dual-mono version of the Pope's BAX2020 'Beast' version 500 series module which features an Avedis 1122 opamp input, with an Avedis 1122 opamp driving transformer output. It includes an additional switch, so the "HI" frequency point can be moved up to 40 kHz from the original 20 kHz. Additionally, the external power supply is ±18V DC, giving the unit another 6 dB of headroom over a standard 500 series unit.

The BAX 2020 'Beast' combines analog 'Hi' & 'Lo' frequency gain controle. As noted, this utilizes Avedis 1122 on the inputs, giving the user a chance to "drive" the input stage to get the desired level of "flavor" from the DAO (Discrete Op Amp). Plus it has another 1122 driving into a transformer on the outputs. When not required in the signal path, the unit is in hard bypass, meaning that the signal is left 100% unaffected by the unit.

WHAT IS A BAXENDALL EQ?

The Baxendall equalizer is a simple shelving EQ, but unlike traditional shelving EQs, which have a steep rise above a set frequency (i.e., 2 kHz), a Baxandall shelving curve (named after Peter Baxandall) exhibits a gently rising slope (or falling if you are cutting at a certain frequency), which sounds a lot more natural. These gentle slopes also mean that the signal does not suffer so much phase distortion that other EQ designs can introduce.