Wunder Audio PEQ4 HiQ module for console or rack

Wunder Audio PEQ4 HiQ — Module for Console or Rack

The PEQ4 HiQ in module format is a four-band microphone preamplifier and EQ designed for installation in Wunderbar consoles or any slot compatible with the Neve 1073 standard. Developed in 2019 for Roger Waters' 48-channel Wunderbar, it is a direct architectural extension of the PEQ2 — same preamp, same transformers, same output stage — with an added second mid band, selectable Q on both mid frequencies, and refined boost and cut amplifiers. The rear connector is fully interchangeable with the PEQ2 and 1073, allowing drop-in installation without any console or rack modification.

Four Bands, Selectable Q, and Silent Relay Switching

The EQ section covers four independent bands: low, low-mid, high-mid, and high. Low and high bands are the same switchable shelving as the PEQ2. The two mid bands are the defining addition — each has selectable narrow or wide Q, enabling precise cuts or boosts at specific frequencies without spreading correction into adjacent ranges. The refined boost and cut amplifiers deliver higher 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 mid-session. A global EQ bypass removes the entire correction stage from the signal path with one button; each of the four bands also carries 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 across the full Wunder Audio line.

Shared Platform with PEQ2 — Console Integration

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, and the 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 specification. In a Wunderbar console, PEQ4 modules can be mixed in any channel position alongside PEQ2 and PEQ1 modules — each slot is an independent choice between two-band and four-band EQ within the same desk. Total available gain is 78 dB. Throughout the PCB, 1% Metal Film resistors keep the noise floor low and ensure consistent parameter matching between units. The module is also available in 19" 1U horizontal rack format as the PEQ4 HiQ 19" 1U version.

KEY FEATURES

• 4-band mic preamp/EQ in console module 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
• Also available as PEQ4 HiQ 19" 1U version

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Type: 4-band mic preamp/EQ console module / rack 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)