Mesanovic MQ712 500 Series EQ

The Mesanovic MQ712 is a premium 500 Series 7-band inductor-based analogue equaliser featuring proportional Q filters, custom-wound inductors, transformer-balanced input and output stages, ±12 dB of boost and cut on every band, switchable high and low shelf or bell filters, and a discrete 1991 operational amplifier for precise tonal shaping with classic analogue character.

Classic Inductor Equaliser Design with Modern Engineering

The Mesanovic MQ712 draws inspiration from the highly regarded "swinging input" equalisers of the 1970s while incorporating modern component quality and manufacturing techniques. It delivers the musical response associated with classic inductor EQ designs whilst offering improved consistency, reliability and precision for contemporary recording, mixing and mastering environments.

The equaliser provides seven fully adjustable frequency bands, allowing engineers to make subtle corrective adjustments or create more pronounced tonal shaping across the entire frequency spectrum.

Seven-Band Proportional Q Equalisation

The MQ712 features seven independent equalisation bands, each offering up to 12 dB of boost or cut. Every filter uses a proportional Q design, meaning the bandwidth naturally becomes narrower as additional gain is applied. This behaviour allows gentle, broad tonal adjustments when making small changes while providing increasingly focused equalisation for more aggressive settings.

This design makes the MQ712 suitable for both transparent corrective EQ and more creative tonal enhancement.

Switchable Shelf and Bell Filters

The high and low frequency bands can operate as either shelving or bell filters. Shelving mode adjusts everything above or below the selected frequency, making it ideal for broad tonal balance. Bell mode targets a more specific frequency range for greater precision when shaping individual instruments or vocals.

This flexibility allows the equaliser to adapt to a wide variety of recording and mixing applications.

Custom-Wound Inductor Filters

The equaliser centres around seven custom-wound inductors manufactured in-house by Mesanovic.

The four lower frequency bands use pot-core inductors, which deliver excellent stability and low magnetic interference while maintaining the smooth musical response associated with classic inductor EQs. The upper three bands utilise MPP toroidal inductors, providing accurate high-frequency performance with excellent consistency.

These custom inductors contribute significantly to the distinctive analogue character of the MQ712.

Transformer-Balanced Signal Path

The MQ712 features transformer-balanced circuitry at both the input and output.

A custom-wound input transformer provides excellent signal integrity while the full steel-core output transformer introduces subtle harmonic enhancement that adds depth, warmth and character without overwhelming the original source.

This fully balanced signal path also supports professional studio integration and excellent noise performance.

Discrete 1991 Operational Amplifier

At the heart of the amplifier stage sits Mesanovic's discrete 1991 operational amplifier.

Unlike integrated circuit op amps, the discrete design delivers increased headroom, fast transient response and the rich analogue character expected from premium outboard equipment.

Premium Components Throughout

Mesanovic builds the MQ712 entirely in-house using carefully selected high-quality components.

The design incorporates custom potentiometers with centre detents for accurate recall, Wima, Vishay and Nichicon capacitors for reliable performance and long-term stability, along with precision Ritel collet knobs that provide smooth, positive control.

Every component contributes to consistent performance and professional reliability.

Designed for Professional Studios

The MQ712 supports maximum input levels of +20 dBu at 1% THD+N at 20 Hz, making it suitable for demanding professional recording chains. Distortion remains below 0.1% THD+N across the full 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency range at +10 dBu, preserving clarity whilst maintaining analogue musicality.

With a 27 kΩ input impedance, 75 Ω output impedance and a 90 dB signal-to-noise ratio referenced to +4 dBu, the equaliser integrates seamlessly into professional 500 Series systems.

Why Choose the Mesanovic MQ712

• Delivers the musical sound of a classic 1970s inductor equaliser with modern reliability.
• Shapes everything from subtle tonal balance to highly focused corrective equalisation.
• Adds natural transformer warmth without sacrificing clarity.
• Integrates easily into any professional 500 Series rack.
• Offers excellent control for tracking, mixing and mastering applications.
• Uses premium components and in-house manufacturing for long-term reliability.
• Provides flexible shelving and bell filter options for a wide variety of audio sources.

• 500 Series format
• Seven-band inductor-based analogue equaliser
• Inspired by classic 1970s swinging input EQ topology
• Seven custom in-house wound inductors
• Four pot-core inductors for low frequency bands
• Three MPP toroidal inductors for high frequency bands
• Proportional Q filters
• ±12 dB boost and cut on every band
• Switchable high shelf or bell filter
• Switchable low shelf or bell filter
• Transformer-balanced custom input transformer
• Full steel-core transformer-balanced output
• Subtle harmonic analogue coloration
• Discrete 1991 operational amplifier
• Variable boost and cut controls
• Centre-detented custom potentiometers
• EQ bypass function
• Wima, Vishay and Nichicon capacitors
• Precision Ritel collet knobs
• Maximum input level of +20 dBu
• Less than 0.1% THD+N at +10 dBu
• 27 kΩ input impedance
• 75 Ω output impedance
• 90 dB signal-to-noise ratio
• Designed and manufactured entirely in-house in the USA

This item, like everything we supply, comes with the complete support of our expert team. Our excellent technicians have been specifying, building and supporting studios for over twenty years. If you have any problems with installation, setup or everyday use, they’re never more than a click away, and always happy to help.

You can contact them here.