Z&H Designs V560 500-Series Graphic EQ

The Z&H Designs V560 Graphic EQ 500 Series is a discrete 10-band 500 Series graphic equaliser that recreates the classic 1960s and 1970s 560-style EQ with custom H-2520 op amp and Z-2503 output transformer technology, ±12 dB boost and cut across ten musical frequency bands, a +28 dBu maximum output level, 22 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response, 0.032% THD and -93.094 dBV signal-to-noise ratio for powerful analogue tone shaping and harmonic enhancement.

Classic 560 Sound with Modern Precision

The Z&H Designs V560 faithfully captures the character of the legendary 560 graphic equaliser while introducing carefully engineered modern improvements. Built around a fully discrete analogue circuit, it delivers the punch, harmonic richness and musical EQ curves that engineers associate with classic American recording consoles.

Rather than simply recreating the appearance of the original, Z&H Designs developed proprietary components including the H-2520 discrete operational amplifier and Z-2503 output transformer. These components work together to recreate the original sonic character while improving overall consistency and resolution for today's recording environments.

Ten Musical Graphic EQ Bands

The V560 provides ten fixed frequency bands positioned at approximately octave intervals for intuitive tonal shaping. Each band offers up to ±12 dB of boost or cut, allowing engineers to make anything from subtle tonal adjustments to dramatic sound sculpting.

The frequency centres include 31 Hz, 63 Hz, 125 Hz, 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1 kHz, 2 kHz, 4 kHz, 8 kHz and 16 kHz. This classic layout makes it easy to enhance low-end weight, tighten midrange detail or introduce presence and air without slowing the creative workflow.

Wide Musical EQ Curves

The V560 employs the broad, musical Q response that made the original design so popular in professional studios. Larger boosts and cuts remain smooth and musical while retaining enough focus for precise sound shaping.

Engineers can make subtle tonal corrections with minimal gain adjustments or push individual bands harder to create aggressive analogue textures on drums, guitars, bass and vocals.

Discrete Analogue Signal Path

Every stage of the V560 uses a fully discrete analogue circuit rather than integrated circuit designs. This architecture generates the harmonic complexity, depth and transient response that engineers expect from vintage-inspired outboard equipment.

Even with flat EQ settings, the analogue circuitry introduces subtle colour and harmonic saturation that enhances recordings without overwhelming the source.

Custom H-2520 Op Amp and Z-2503 Transformer

The custom-built H-2520 discrete op amp and Z-2503 output transformer form the heart of the V560's sound.

Rather than using off-the-shelf components, Z&H Designs developed both parts specifically for this equaliser, allowing tighter control over tonal balance, harmonic behaviour and output performance while remaining faithful to the original design philosophy.

Ideal for Drums, Guitars and Mix Bus Processing

The V560 excels wherever analogue energy and impact matter most. Kick drums gain weight and punch, snares develop greater presence, guitars become more forward and textured, while complete drum buses benefit from additional cohesion and excitement.

Small EQ adjustments often produce significant tonal improvements, making the unit equally suitable for tracking, mixing and creative sound design.

500 Series Integration

Designed for the standard 500 Series format, the V560 integrates easily into professional lunchbox and rack systems. Its compact format allows engineers to build flexible analogue processing chains without sacrificing valuable studio space.

Professional Build Quality

Every unit undergoes manual assembly followed by testing from both technicians and experienced mixing engineers before shipment. This attention to detail ensures consistent performance and reliable operation in demanding professional recording environments.

The V560 also includes a hard bypass power switch for immediate comparison between processed and unprocessed signals.

Why Choose the Z&H Designs V560 Graphic EQ 500 Series

• Delivers the sought-after sound and workflow of the classic 560 graphic EQ with improved modern component consistency.
• Adds rich analogue harmonics and musical colour even with minimal EQ adjustments.
• Shapes drums, guitars, bass, vocals and mix buses quickly with an intuitive 10-band layout.
• Fits seamlessly into any standard 500 Series rack for easy integration with existing studio equipment.
• Provides boutique-quality construction, extensive testing and long-term reliability for professional studio use.
• Combines vintage character with modern engineering for dependable performance across recording, mixing and mastering applications.

• 500 Series graphic equaliser
• Fully discrete analogue circuit design
• Inspired by the classic 1960s and 1970s 560 graphic EQ
• 10 fixed frequency bands
• ±12 dB boost and cut on every band
• Frequency centres at 31 Hz, 63 Hz, 125 Hz, 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1 kHz, 2 kHz, 4 kHz, 8 kHz and 16 kHz
• Wide, musical EQ curves
• Custom H-2520 discrete operational amplifier
• Custom Z-2503 output transformer
• Harmonic analogue colouration
• Hard bypass power switch
• Maximum output level of +28 dBu
• Frequency response from 22 Hz to 20 kHz
• Total harmonic distortion of 0.032%
• Signal-to-noise ratio of -93.094 dBV
• Hand assembled and individually tested
• Compatible with all standard 500 Series racks
• Five-year manufacturer warranty

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.