Wes Audio Timbre is a stereo, fully analog parametric equalizer in API 550 / SSL console style, in Starlight format (2U desktop) with full digital integration — a precise corrective tool with fast, repeatable operation and digital recall via VST/AU, USB, and MIDI. Timbre is built on the clear, transparent character of parametric equalizers used in API and SSL-class consoles — with independent frequency bands, precisely quantized frequency and gain steps, and selectable Q bandwidth per mid band. Two independent channels with stereo link, a built-in M/S matrix, switchable input transformer, and full automation with physical recall. Zero digital processing in the signal path.
Parametric EQ with configurable band sections and Q
Timbre offers multi-band parametric equalization with independent sections: shelving or bell in the low-frequency range (Low), bell or peak in the low-mid band (Low-Mid), bell or peak in the high-mid band (High-Mid), and shelving or bell in the high-frequency range (High). Each mid band provides a selectable Q — narrow Q for surgical single-frequency correction, wide Q for gentle spectrum shaping. Gain is adjustable in precise dB steps, quantized via relay switching for full repeatability between sessions. Frequencies are selected on rotary switches — every position is exactly reproducible at every recall. The shelving network in the Low and High sections is based on the characteristic of API/SSL-style console EQ sections, translating into clear, musical shaping without ringing artifacts under heavy boost. A discrete Class-A active amplifier between the passive EQ network sections ensures optimal impedance matching and dynamic integrity throughout the signal chain.
M/S, input transformer, DAW, and format
The built-in M/S matrix with encoder and decoder enables independent equalization of the Mid and Side channels — Timbre can operate as two independent mono EQs, as a stereo-linked EQ, or as an M/S processor with separate settings per M/S channel. The switchable input transformer (Transformerless / Transformer-Coupled) provides a choice of input path character: the transformer adds subtle harmonic coloration typical of transformer-coupled analog consoles; transformerless mode delivers a neutral, clean input. The Timbre VST/AU plug-ins enable DAW automation and recall: stepper motors or relay circuits move physical potentiometers and switches in response to DAW automation. Recall is accurate to 16-bit per parameter. Timbre is available as a 500-series module (2-slot) and in the Starlight 2U desktop version with an internal power supply — both variants share the same electronics, differing only in the enclosure format and power supply.
KEY FEATURES
- Stereo parametric EQ API/SSL-style 2U with full digital integration (analog signal path)
- Two independent channels — stereo link, dual mono, or M/S mode
- 4 band sections: Low (shelf/bell), Low-Mid (bell/peak), High-Mid (bell/peak), High (shelf/bell)
- Selectable Q per mid band — narrow for surgical correction, wide for gentle shaping
- Quantized stepped gain and frequency settings — full repeatability at every recall
- Discrete Class-A active amplifier between passive EQ network sections
- Shelf section character based on API/SSL console EQ — clear, musical correction
- Built-in M/S matrix — independent Mid and Side equalization
- Switchable input transformer: Transformerless / Transformer-Coupled
- Full DAW automation (VST/AU) with physical potentiometer and relay movement
- 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 parametric equalizer, 2U rack desktop (Starlight)
- Signal path: fully analog, discrete Class-A
- Channels: 2 (stereo link, dual mono, or M/S)
- EQ sections: Low (shelf/bell), Low-Mid (bell/peak), High-Mid (bell/peak), High (shelf/bell)
- Q: selectable per mid band (narrow / wide)
- Settings: stepped, relay-quantized
- 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)
