Wunder Audio PEQ4 HiQ 19” 1U version

Wunder Audio PEQ4 HiQ — 19" 1U

The PEQ4 HiQ in 19" 1U format is a four-band microphone preamplifier and EQ originally designed in 2019 for Roger Waters' 48-channel Wunderbar. It carries the same preamp topology, output stage, and transformers as the PEQ2, extending the EQ section with a second mid band and selectable Q on both mid frequencies, plus refined boost and cut amplifiers with higher resolution than the PEQ2. It is not a replacement for the PEQ2 — it is a more detailed tool for engineers who need tighter EQ precision while retaining exactly the same Wunder Audio preamp character.

Four Bands, Selectable Q, and Silent Relay Switching

The EQ section covers four independent bands: low, low-mid, high-mid, and high. The low and high bands are the same switchable shelving as on the PEQ2. The two mid bands are where the PEQ4 separates itself — each has selectable narrow or wide Q, allowing precise cuts or boosts at specific frequencies without spreading correction into adjacent ranges. The refined boost and cut amplifiers provide greater resolution over the same frequency range compared to the PEQ2's single mid band. All pushbutton switches operate a relay: audio stays in direct circuit and never passes through the switch mechanics, eliminating noise transients during EQ changes in a live session. A global EQ bypass pulls the entire correction stage out of circuit with one button; each of the four bands also has its own individual bypass. Gun-metal gray aluminum knobs, Grayhill switches with light-pipe illumination, and LED metering with separate signal and clip indicators are consistent with the rest of the Wunder Audio line.

Shared Platform with PEQ2 — Extended EQ Capability

The microphone preamplifier in the PEQ4 is identical to the PEQ2 — same Class-A discrete topology, same additional output stage ahead of the output transformer for maximum gain headroom, same NICO Western Electric 618B-style (Ni/Fe/Co) transformers on the mic input, line input, and output. The thick-gauge Mu-Metal enclosure provides the same RF shielding. The rear connector is fully interchangeable with the PEQ2 and Neve 1073, meaning the PEQ4 drops into any 1073-compatible console slot without modification. Total available gain is 78 dB. Throughout the PCB, 1% Metal Film resistors keep noise floor low and ensure consistent parameter matching between units.

KEY FEATURES

• 4-band mic preamp/EQ in 19" 1U format — originally designed for Roger Waters' 48-channel Wunderbar (2019)
• Identical preamp to PEQ2: same Class-A topology, same extended output stage before output transformer
• NICO Western Electric 618B-style (Ni/Fe/Co) transformers — mic in, line in, output
• 4 EQ bands: low, low-mid, high-mid, high
• Selectable narrow or wide Q on both mid bands
• Refined boost/cut amplifiers with higher resolution than PEQ2
• Global EQ bypass + individual per-band bypass
• Silent relay switching — audio never passes through switch mechanics
• Discrete active high-pass filter
• Phase switch
• LED metering: green (signal) / red (clip)
• Light-pipe pushbuttons and Grayhill switches
• Thick-gauge Mu-Metal enclosure — RF shielding
• Rear connector interchangeable with PEQ2 and Neve 1073
• 1% Metal Film resistors throughout PCB

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Type: 4-band mic preamp/EQ, 19" 1U format
• Signal path: fully discrete Class-A
• Total gain: 78 dB
• EQ bands: 4 (low, low-mid, high-mid, high)
• Selectable Q: yes — narrow / wide on both mid bands
• EQ bypass: global + per-band
• Switching: relay-activated (silent)
• High-pass filter: discrete active
• Phase switch: yes
• Transformers: NICO Western Electric 618B-style (Ni/Fe/Co)
• Enclosure: thick-gauge Mu-Metal
• Resistors: 1% Metal Film throughout
• Switches: Grayhill custom, light-pipe pushbuttons
• Knobs: aluminum, gun-metal gray
• Rear connector compatibility: PEQ2 / Neve 1073
• Metering: LED green (signal) / red (clip)