BAE-1023 is a vintage-style equalizer plug-in offering expanded mid and high-frequency control, modeled after analog circuitry for tracking, mixing, and mastering.
Purpose and Design
BAE-1023 is a vintage-style equalizer that builds on the character of the BAE-1073 but provides deeper control over the mid and high frequencies. It is designed to add analog punch and detail to audio, whether used during tracking, mixing, or mastering. The plug-in is modeled on high-grade analog circuitry, aiming to deliver smooth and musical tone shaping.
The unit expands the frequency options compared to the BAE-1073, offering five additional mid-range frequencies and four additional high-frequency settings. This makes it more versatile for shaping tone on individual instruments or full mixes. The EQ is particularly effective for adding extra energy to distorted guitars, enhancing female vocals, and bringing air to overheads.
Key Capabilities
The BAE-1023 provides low and high shelving filters with a range of +/-16 dB and selectable frequencies. The mid band operates in peaking mode with a range of +/-12 dB or +/-18 dB, switchable, and offers selectable frequencies for precise control. This allows the mid bell curve to work directly against the low and high shelves where they overlap.
The high frequencies can be boosted or cut in shelving mode, while the mids are always in peaking mode, giving flexibility to sculpt tone. A high-pass filter with an 18 dB per octave slope is included, switchable among 45 Hz, 70 Hz, 160 Hz, and 360 Hz. The combination of these controls allows for detailed shaping of the mid and high range without affecting low-end balance.
Workflow and Usage
In a tracking session, the BAE-1023 can be inserted on a vocal or guitar channel to add presence and punch before it hits the DAW. For mixing, it works well on individual instruments like overheads, where the expanded high-frequency control can add air and clarity. The EQ’s ability to use the mid bell curve against the shelving filters is handy for carving out space in dense mixes.
On a full mix, the BAE-1023 can add analog-style sheen and depth without harshness. The high-pass filter is useful for cleaning up low-end rumble while shaping the mids and highs. The plug-in’s versatility makes it suitable for both subtle corrective adjustments and more dramatic tone shaping, depending on the source material and the desired effect.
Practical Applications
For distorted guitars, the BAE-1023 can add extra mid-range bite and high-frequency detail to help them cut through a mix. Female vocals benefit from the smooth high-frequency shelving, which can add air and presence without becoming sibilant. Overheads can take advantage of the extra air in the highs, bringing out the cymbals and shimmer.
When mastering, the EQ can be used on the stereo bus to add overall clarity and analog character, using the mid peaking mode to control any boxiness or muddiness. The expandable frequency options give the engineer more choices than a standard EQ, making it a creative tool for problem-solving or enhancing tonal balance across a wide range of instruments.
Key features
- Vintage-style EQ modeled from BAE-1073 analog circuitry
- Expanded mid and high-frequency control with additional frequencies
- Low and high shelving filters: +/-16 dB with selectable frequencies
- Mid peaking EQ: +/-12 dB or +/-18 dB with switchable frequencies
- High-pass filter with 18 dB/octave slope, switchable between 45 Hz, 70 Hz, 160 Hz, and 360 Hz
- Suitable for tracking, mixing, and mastering on individual tracks or full mixes
Best for
Adding analog punch and detailed tone shaping to distorted guitars, female vocals, and overheads, as well as applying smooth high-frequency air on full mixes during tracking, mixing, or mastering.