Wunder Audio PEQ2 Module

Wunder Audio PEQ2 — Module for Console or Rack

The PEQ2 is a single-channel microphone preamplifier and three-band EQ in console module format — fully discrete Class-A topology in the 1970s tradition, developed as a direct enhancement of the PEQ1 module that originated from John Paul Jones' 1971 Allotrope console. The 18-pin gold-plated Amphenol connector mates directly with vintage Neve 80-series consoles or compatible racks, making the PEQ2 a drop-in 1073 replacement. The sonic resemblance to the 1073 ends at the pinout: the PEQ2 uses Wunder Audio's own NICO Western Electric 618B-style (Ni/Fe/Co) transformers, an extended output stage, and improved switches that give it a distinct character. It is the standard channel amplifier across all Wunderbar configurations from 8 to 60 channels and the circuit foundation shared by the Cobalt Pre and PEQ2R.

Extended Output Stage and NICO Transformers

The defining upgrade over the PEQ1 is a new output stage added directly before the output transformer, delivering higher maximum gain and greater headroom whether tracking loud sources or working in summing environments. The NICO (Ni/Fe/Co) Western Electric 618B-style transformers use the same lamination specification as the original 1971 Allotrope modules — the same material that inspired the PEQ1 and has defined the Wunder Audio sonic character across the full product line since. Grayhill gain and EQ switches carry more than three times the gold contact surface area per position compared to the PEQ1, translating to consistent contact reliability and parameter stability over years of heavy use. The gain knob carries an additional counterclockwise position reaching -24 dB, versus -18 dB on older units. A global EQ bypass removes the entire correction stage from the signal path; each band also carries its own individual bypass switch. Light-pipe pushbuttons, a discrete active HPF, and LED metering with separate signal and clip indicators are consistent with the Wunderbar console specification.

Application and Compatibility

The PEQ2 installs directly into any Wunderbar slot or any 80-series compatible frame via its 18-pin Amphenol connector — the same pinout as the Neve 1073, requiring no modification to the host console or rack. It is available as a standalone raw module, in a two-channel boutique horizontal rack, or in an eight-channel vertical rack system. The PEQ2 circuit and transformers are the exact specification used in the Cobalt Pre (same preamp in 500 Series format) and the PEQ2R (same module in 19" 1U rack format with external PSU). Switchable EQ frequencies spanning 40 Hz to 20 kHz, mic/line switchability, and 78 dB of total gain make the PEQ2 equally suited to tracking, mixing, and mastering applications.

KEY FEATURES

• Single-channel mic preamp with 3-band EQ in console module format
• Direct 1073 replacement — 18-pin gold-plated Amphenol connector, compatible with Neve 80-series and Wunderbar
• Extended output stage before output transformer — higher maximum gain than PEQ1
• NICO Western Electric 618B-style (Ni/Fe/Co) transformers — upgraded from PEQ1
• Grayhill switches: gain and EQ with over 3x gold contact area per position vs. PEQ1
• Global EQ bypass + individual per-band bypass
• Gain knob: additional -24 dB position (vs. -18 dB on older units)
• Discrete active high-pass filter
• Light-pipe pushbuttons as used in Wunderbar consoles
• LED metering: green (signal) / red (clip)
• Switchable EQ frequencies: 40 Hz – 20 kHz
• 1% Metal Film resistors throughout PCB
• Shared circuit foundation with Cobalt Pre (500 Series) and PEQ2R (19" rack)

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Type: single-channel mic preamp/EQ console module / boutique rack format
• Signal path: fully discrete Class-A, 1970s topology
• Total gain: 78 dB
• EQ bands: 3 (low, mid, high) — switchable frequencies 40 Hz – 20 kHz
• EQ bypass: global + per-band
• High-pass filter: discrete active
• Transformers: NICO Western Electric 618B-style (Ni/Fe/Co)
• Connector: 18-pin gold-plated Amphenol
• Compatibility: Neve 80-series, Wunderbar
• Switches: Grayhill custom, light-pipe pushbuttons
• Resistors: 1% Metal Film throughout
• Metering: LED green (signal) / red (clip)
• Also available as: PEQ2R (19" 1U rack), Cobalt Pre (500 Series preamp-only)