Wes Audio _RHEA

Wes Audio _RHEA is a stereo, fully analog passive program equalizer in Pultec style, in Starlight format (2U desktop) with full digital integration — an analog signal path with automation, recall, and remote control via VST/AU, USB, and MIDI. _RHEA is based on the passive program EQ architecture (modeled on the Pultec EQP-1A and MEQ-5), extended with configurable EQ section order, a built-in M/S matrix, and a switchable input transformer mode. Two independent channels with stereo link. Stepper motors move physical potentiometers and relay switches in response to DAW automation — zero digital processing in the signal path. A mastering and stereo bus processing tool.

Passive EQ with active make-up gain and Baxandall network

The Pultec-style passive EQ architecture in _RHEA includes a Low section (boost and cut in the low-frequency range — the classic Pultec boost/cut interaction producing simultaneous low-frequency enhancement and phase shaping), a Mid Boost section with selectable frequency and Q bandwidth, an independent Mid Cut section with its own frequency selection, and a High section (boost and cut in the upper frequency range). The passive network attenuates the signal; a discrete Class-A active make-up amplifier restores the nominal level after the passive section — at this point the subtle harmonic saturation of the active stage is added to the signal, identical to the character of classic Pultec amplifiers. Configurable EQ section order — selected via relay switching — allows changing the processing order without any external rewiring. A Baxandall network in the High section delivers smooth, broadband high-frequency changes without sharp filter artifacts.

M/S, input transformer, and DAW integration

The built-in M/S matrix with encoder and decoder enables independent equalization of the Mid and Side channels — selective correction of the stereo center without affecting the sides, or vice versa. The switchable input transformer (Transformerless / Transformer-Coupled) provides two different input path characters without hardware modification. DAW integration via VST/AU plug-ins enables automation and recall: every parameter change in the plug-in causes a physical potentiometer movement or relay switching in the hardware. Recall is accurate to 16-bit per parameter. Stereo link mode couples both channels to a single pair of controls; dual mono allows independent settings for each channel. _RHEA is available both as a 500-series module (2-slot) and in the Starlight version (2U desktop with internal power supply) — both variants share the same electronics, differing only in the enclosure format and power supply.

KEY FEATURES

• Stereo passive Pultec-style EQ 2U with full digital integration (analog signal path)
• Two independent channels — stereo link or dual mono mode
• EQ sections: Low (boost/cut), Mid Boost (selectable frequency and Q), Mid Cut (selectable frequency), High (boost/cut)
• Classic Pultec boost/cut interaction in Low section — simultaneous enhancement and phase shaping
• Baxandall network in High section — broadband, smooth high-frequency changes
• Discrete Class-A active make-up amplifier after the passive section
• Configurable EQ section order — relay-switched
• Built-in M/S matrix — independent Mid and Side equalization
• Switchable input transformer: Transformerless / Transformer-Coupled
• Full DAW automation (VST/AU) with physical potentiometer movement and relay switching
• Full preset recall 16-bit per parameter via USB and MIDI
• Zero digital processing in the signal path
• VU meters per channel
• Format: 2U desktop Starlight (alternative: 2-slot 500-series module)

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Type: stereo passive Pultec-style equalizer, 2U rack desktop (Starlight)
• Signal path: fully analog, passive EQ network + discrete Class-A active make-up amplifier
• Channels: 2 (stereo link or dual mono)
• EQ sections: Low boost/cut, Mid Boost (selectable F and Q), Mid Cut (selectable F), High boost/cut
• High network: Baxandall
• Section order: configurable, relay-switched
• M/S matrix: built-in encoder/decoder, switchable
• Input transformer: switchable (Transformerless / Transformer-Coupled)
• Digital integration: VST/AU, USB, MIDI
• Automation: 16-bit per parameter, physical potentiometer and relay movement
• I/O: balanced XLR (stereo in/out)
• Power: internal (Starlight 2U)
• Format: 2U rack desktop (Starlight); alternative 500-series module (2-slot)