Wunder Audio PEQ2R

Wunder Audio PEQ2R

The PEQ2R is the 19" 1U rack version of the PEQ2 module — a single-channel mic preamp and three-band EQ in a rack enclosure, retaining the full discrete Class-A topology and NICO transformers identical to the console module. This is not a simplified adaptation for the rack format: Wunder Audio redesigned the enclosure, PCB, and output stage to deliver more maximum gain and better RF protection than the previous PEQ1R, while maintaining the same sonic character as the PEQ2 in the Wunderbar. Power comes from an external Blue Box or Black Box PSU, sold separately.

Enhanced Output Stage and NICO Transformers

The defining upgrade over the PEQ1R is a new output stage added directly before the output transformer — this translates to higher maximum gain and greater headroom when working with loud sources or in summing applications. The NICO (Ni/Fe/Co) Western Electric 618-style transformers are an upgrade from the previous generation, using the same lamination specification that defines the sonic character of the full Wunder Audio line from the PEQ1 through the Wunderbar. Gain and EQ switches carry more than three times the gold contact surface area per switch position compared to the PEQ1R — a direct improvement in contact reliability and longevity over the life of the unit. The output potentiometer is a logarithmic taper conductive plastic design functioning as an output fader, rated for one million cycles. The gain knob now includes an additional counterclockwise position reaching -24 dB, versus -18 dB on older units — useful when working with very hot sources or in high-gain summing contexts.

Instrument Input, HPF, and PSU Integration

The PEQ2R includes a 1/4" instrument input with selectable Active or Classic Input mode — the same line input stage circuit as the PEQ2, delivering 60 dB of gain on the line input, which allows direct bass guitar or instrument recording into the Wunder without an external DI box. A discrete active high-pass filter, 48V phantom power switch, and LED metering with separate signal and clip indicators round out the control set. The enclosure uses tack-welded thick-gauge metal for superior RF shielding compared to the previous generation. The PCB is fully redesigned with thicker copper traces and an optimized component layout, with 14-point RF filtering throughout. One-percent Metal Film resistors maintain a low noise floor and consistent parameter matching between units. The PEQ2R is powered by the Blue Box PSU (up to 4 units) or Black Box PSU (up to 12 units), both sold separately, requiring the 5' DC Main Cable to connect.

KEY FEATURES

• 19" 1U rack version of the PEQ2 module — full discrete Class-A topology with no format compromises
• New output stage before the output transformer — higher maximum gain than PEQ1R
• NICO Western Electric 618-style (Ni/Fe/Co) transformers — upgraded from PEQ1R
• Gain and EQ switches: over 3x gold contact area per switch position vs. PEQ1R
• Output potentiometer: logarithmic taper conductive plastic (output fader function)
• Gain knob: additional -24 dB position (vs. -18 dB on older units)
• 1/4" instrument input: Active or Classic Input mode, 60 dB gain on line input
• 48V phantom power
• Discrete active high-pass filter
• Light-pipe pushbuttons as used in Wunderbar consoles
• LED metering: green (signal) / red (clip)
• Tack-welded thick-gauge enclosure, 14-point RF filtering
• 1% Metal Film resistors throughout PCB
• Power: Blue Box PSU (up to 4 units) or Black Box PSU (up to 12 units) — sold separately

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Type: single-channel mic preamp with EQ, 19" 1U rack format
• Signal path: discrete Class-A
• Transformers: NICO Western Electric 618-style (Ni/Fe/Co)
• EQ bands: 3 (low, mid, high — switchable shelving / bell)
• High-pass filter: discrete active
• Mic input: transformer-balanced XLR
• Instrument input: 1/4" jack, Active / Classic mode (60 dB gain on line input)
• Phantom power: 48V
• Output potentiometer: logarithmic taper conductive plastic
• Gain range: to -24 dB (additional CCW position)
• Resistors: 1% Metal Film throughout
• Enclosure: thick-gauge tack-welded metal, RF filtering
• Switches: light-pipe pushbuttons, Grayhill (gain and EQ)
• Metering: LED green (signal) / red (clip)
• Power: external PSU — Blue Box (up to 4 units) or Black Box (up to 12 units), 5' DC Main Cable sold separately