Solid-State-Logic SiX CH 

SSL have squeezed a channel strip from their popular SiX desktop mixer into the SiX CHANNEL - perfect should you require some extra facilities after their SuperAnalogue mic preamp, including Phase, 48v and HPF.

The two-band shelving EQ is at 3.5 kHz (high) and 60 Hz (low), each with ±15 dB of gain. Both bands can be switched from shelving to bell curves, shifting centre frequencies to 5kHz and 200Hz respectively, for greater tonal flexibility.

A single-knob channel compressor uses SSL’s feed-forward design with program-dependent attack and automatic make-up gain

The convenient TRS line input on the front panel makes it easy to connect instruments on the fly or use the SiX CH as summing module. It features a 10kΩ nominal input impedance, switchable to 1MΩ via the Hi-Z option which is ideal for passive guitar pickups without the need for an external DI box.

It doesn't have a 'vintage vibe' like some of the other preamps featured here, but it has a lot of extra facilities for tracking allowing you to work quickly and cleanly.

Price £289 inc VAT

500 Series EQs

Cranborne Audio CARNABY 500 

Cranborne released their first EQ module, the CARNABY 500 in 2023 which features a 3-band custom analogue EQ circuit and unique ‘Saturation-Core’ technology for harmonically-enriching their EQ processing. Providing a new approach to EQ is what the Carnaby is really all about, and having tonal shaping alongside harmonic distortion allows for very creative uses, either when tracking or mixing.

The more you drive the circuits the more boost/cut and harmonics it produces and each band has an input and output level control that can be adjusted ±20dB for more saturation - or turned off for a cleaner EQ when required.

Think of it as a EQ+Saturation hybrid, really useful for adding life to dull sources and two units controls can be joined together by a clever Opto-Sync connectivity for stereo applications.

Price £499 inc VAT

H-Labs EQ169 

H-Labs are a new company created by Jérome Champlet designing and building their products near Lyon, France. Having been a professional audio service engineer for over 30 years Jérome decide to create his own brand guided by the 'most inspiring machines seen in his career'.

The H-Labs EQ169 module draws its design from the iconic Studer 169 mixing desk, renowned for its classic, musical EQ that has made it highly desirable among audio professionals. 

Featuring the semi-parametric EQ based on the original Studer 169 console, High Shelf and Low Shelf with ±20dB at 20kHz and 20Hz, and the continuously variable presence filter ±11dB at 150-7000Hz. Transformerless input and output provides a clear transparent sound, and brings the sound of the Studer 169 console EQ to the 500 Series format for the first time.

Price £333 inc VAT

Drawmer MQ-1 

Since 1982, Ivor Drawmer pioneered audio innovation, delivering professional audio equipment without the premium price tag, all designed and manufactured in the UK. The latest, the Drawmer MQ-1, holds true to his legacy and channels the spirit of the iconic Motown EQs that shaped the sound of the ‘60s in Detroit, USA.

This all-analogue EQ features 7 bell-band vintage-inspired frequencies, with ±10dB of cut or boost, and a smart proportional-Q design that keeps everything very smooth and intuitive.

But the real magic?

The ‘CRUSH’ circuit borrowed from the Drawmer 1971 which adds rich, harmonic saturation and classic analogue warmth, which I feel can help give your mix extra character in conjunction with the vintage EQ.

Price £299 inc VAT

D.A.V. Electronics BG503 EQ 

The D.A.V Electronics BG503 brings the Decca Studio heritage to the 500 Series format with a high-quality, 3-band EQ that’s all about precision and musicality.

Inspired by the revered BG3 mastering EQ, the BG503 features balanced I/O with ultra-low noise and minimal distortion, delivering clean, musical sonics.

The BG503 offers fully stepped controls for easy recall. The low and high bands give you ±8dB of gain, while the mid band, designed with a resonant circuit, offers ±12dB with a Q of 1.5 for tighter tone shaping.

Frequency points are thoughtfully spaced:

• Low band: 12.5Hz to 400Hz

• High band: 2kHz to 32kHz

• Mid band: from 240Hz to 5kHz, overlapping both ends for added flexibility.

Price £329 inc VAT

Harrison Audio MR3eq 

The Harrison MR3EQ now brings the tone of their legendary MR3 console to the modern 500 Series format. 

Harrison consoles were known for shaping countless classic records in the ‘70s and ‘80s and this EQ delivers the signature punchy, smooth sound engineers have trusted for decades.

Its three-band parametric layout includes high and low shelving bands (switchable to bell), a mid band with variable Q, and a high-pass filter with a signature resonant peak and I feel strikes a balance between surgical precision and musical warmth nicely.

Used on albums by legends like Michael Jackson, ABBA, and Queen, Harrison gear has long been a studio staple and it's great to finally see them release products in 500 Series format.

Price £359 inc VAT

Solid-State-Logic UltraViolet EQ 

When SSL released the FUSION processor a few years ago they also created their first new EQ for over two decades. The Violet EQ was a 2-band vintage inspired EQ chosen for quick, broad-stroke applications. 

The Solid State Logic ULTRAVIOLET EQ builds on this foundation further, enhancing its capabilities with two fully parametric mid-bands for more precise tone shaping. These feature a "Focus" mode, which increases the available gain beyond the standard ±9dB and tightens the Q for more surgical adjustments.

Being a Stereo EQ, the UltraViolet can be used for both mix bus and stereo instrument applications providing musical and intuitive EQ very quickly.

Price £379 inc VAT

500 Series Dynamics + Processors

Looptrotter SAT500 

The Looptrotter SAT 500 is designed to emulate the warmth of vintage valve consoles and tape recorders adding rich harmonic content without sounding harsh or overbearing.

The Lo Safe switch uses a pre-emphasis and de-emphasis circuit to preserve low-end clarity (preventing bass frequencies from distorting) and at the top end, the Hi Smooth function boosts and gently compresses high frequencies before saturation, adding a silky finish to brighter sources.

The Drive control dials in the desired saturation level and use the Dry/Wet knobs for parallel processing, this alongside two LED indicators which offer visual feedback, showing when the signal hits 4% and 8% total harmonic distortion helps you hit the sweet spot every time!

Empirical Labs DerrEsser 

The DERESSER by Empirical Labs is a versatile dynamic filter which functions beautifully as a level-insensitive de-esser but it goes far beyond that. Using a crossover to isolate frequency bands, it reduces harsh high-end content (like vocal sibilance) in a smooth, musical way without being affected by overall signal level.

The DerrEsser offers four unique modes: DS Mode, HF Limit, Highpass, and Lowpass. In DS Mode, the module compares high and low frequencies to reduce excessive highs dynamically and musically whilst the HF Limit Mode works more like a soft-knee high-frequency compressor, smoothing harshness in a level-sensitive way

In Highpass Listen Mode, you can monitor and process only the high-frequency content being affected by the dynamics. Flip to Lowpass Listen Mode, and you’ll hear the untouched lower frequencies, with both modes offering frequency control via a front-panel knob.

A truly flexible filter in the 500 Series format.

Price £449 inc VAT

SPL BiG Stereo Image Bigger Maker 

The SPL BIG 500 is a powerful and intuitive stereo image processor, designed to enhance width and depth while offering additional bass shaping. At the heart of the module is the Bigness control, a single large knob that adjusts the intensity of the stereo enhancement. It's tempting to go a long way but I found that maybe a Bigness max of 4-5 was a perfect enhancing starting point for mix duties. 

The Stereo Image Shaping section features two smart controls: Range, which selects the frequency area to be affected, and Stage, which moves that area forward or backward in the stereo field (a bit like the transient designer idea). Together, they offer precise control over how specific frequencies sit in your mix.

To finish off the sound, the Bass switch engages a gentle low-end boost using a passive filter inspired by SPL’s acclaimed AirBass circuit from the Iron Mastering Compressor. This subtle enhancement adds warmth and depth after the stereo processing.

Price £422 inc VAT

Harrison Comp 

The Harrison COMP 500 is a single-channel VCA compressor delivering the signature Harrison sound powered by a premium THAT 2180 VCA chip and featuring their classic feed-forward design. This is a versatile module capable of transparent levelling to colourful, character-rich compression.

Well known for smoothing out vocals and guitars or adding punch to drums and bass, the Comp 500 provides that Harrison sound. Its program-dependent Attack and variable Release make it highly responsive to source material and by using a low ratio and fast release for subtle dynamic control, or dial in higher ratios and slower releases to create bold, expressive textures you can make the unit very musical.

Price £285 inc VAT

With so many exciting new modules coming onto the market, there's never been a better time to get into 500 Series.

There's now a plethora of preamps, EQ and dynamics processors available for way under £500 - and the overall quality and choice has really improved at this end of the range.

So, instead of choosing a blank panel to fill your empty slots, why not choose something more fun! 

* Prices correct at time of publishing