Electrodyne 511b Two-Band Discrete-Transistor Active Inductor Equalizer - Vintage Precision, Modern Versatility
The Electrodyne 511b is a reimagined and expanded version of the legendary 511 two-band discrete-transistor active inductor EQ, rooted in the iconic 1970 Electrodyne 711L design. Featuring the same vintage inductors, op-amps, and transformers—crafted by the original manufacturer to 2% tolerances—and high-quality film capacitors, the 511b offers consistent channel-to-channel performance and a smooth, musical response across all frequencies. This EQ delivers the rich tonal options of the '70s with modern precision, making it a standout choice for tracking, mixing, and mastering.
Heritage Design with Enhanced Features
Building on the 511’s legacy, the 511b introduces 23 additional EQ selections for a total of 36, including 25 peaking and 12 shelving options per band. Stepped-gain pots with 1 dB increments (±1 dB to ±6 dB) and a unity-gain calibration trimmer ensure precise recall, ideal for mastering. With its active balanced input and transformer-balanced 150-ohm output, the 511b maintains compatibility with the 511 for stereo pairing when settings align.
Flexible and Musical EQ Control
The 511b offers six peaking positions per band with standard and narrow bandwidth options (up to 1 kHz for LF, all frequencies for HF), plus six shelving positions per band, covering a wide range of frequencies. From subtle boosts to dramatic cuts (±12 dB range), this EQ provides exceptional flexibility and sonic character, enhanced by a low distortion profile (0.03% typical) and a robust +30 dB maximum output.
Key Features of the Electrodyne 511b
- Two-band active inductor EQ with vintage 1970 Electrodyne design
- Custom inductors and transformers made to 2% tolerances by the original manufacturer
- 36 EQ selections: 25 peaking (6 per band with standard/narrow options + bonus frequency) and 12 shelving (6 per band)
- Stepped-gain pots (±1 dB to ±6 dB in 1 dB steps) with unity-gain trimmer
- High-quality film capacitors for smooth, musical performance
- Compatible with 511 EQs for stereo matched pairs when settings match
- Active balanced discrete transistor input and transformer-balanced output
Technical Specifications
- Input: Active Balanced Discrete Transistor Impedance Converter
- Output Impedance: 150 Ohms, Transformer Balanced
- Gain Range: ±12 dB (Boost or Cut)
- Peaking Frequencies (LF): 150 Hz, 250 Hz, 350 Hz, 500 Hz, 750 Hz, 1 kHz (Standard/Narrow), 1.5 kHz (Narrow)
- Peaking Frequencies (HF): 1.5 kHz, 2 kHz, 3 kHz, 5 kHz, 7 kHz, 10 kHz (Standard/Narrow)
- Shelving Frequencies (LF): 40 Hz, 100 Hz, 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 700 Hz
- Shelving Frequencies (HF): 1.5 kHz, 3 kHz, 5 kHz, 7 kHz, 10 kHz, 12 kHz
- Distortion: 0.03% Typical
- Maximum Output: +30 dB (<0.8% THD), +29.5 dB (0.06% THD)
- Frequency Response: ±0.25 dB, 10 Hz to 70 kHz Typical
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: -85 dB Typical
