Gainlab Audio EMPRESS (Ex-Demo)

2-channel tube equalizer, 3 bands per channel

• 2-channel passive stereo equalizer with three independent bands per channel.
• Tube gain stage for a warm, musical sound rich in harmonics.
• Inspired by classic passive equalizers, evolved for modern audio productions.
• Ability to simultaneously boost and cut the low and high frequency bands.
• Shift function to expand tonal shaping possibilities.
• Step-type attenuators for precise recall of settings.
• Nanocrystalline alloy transformers and military-grade tubes.
• Ideal for recording, mixing, mastering, and sound design.

The Gainlab Audio Empress is a passive stereo tube equalizer designed to deliver all the musicality of the great classics of analog equalization, while adding versatility tailored to modern audio production. While drawing inspiration from the legendary Pultec design, the Empress introduces new features that significantly expand its creative possibilities, making it an extremely effective tool during recording, mixing, and mastering.

The classic passive equalizer reimagined by Gainlab Audio

Passive equalizers have been prized for decades for their ability to enhance audio material with extremely musical adjustments. The Gainlab Audio Empress builds on this philosophy by introducing a major evolution: a third band dedicated to midrange frequencies, which allows for much more precise adjustments than traditional passive equalizers.

This solution makes Empress extremely flexible both for fine-tuning individual tracks and for processing the mix bus or the final master.

Three independent bands with Shift function

Precise and Musical Equalization

Each channel features three independent equalization sections dedicated to low, mid, and high frequencies.

The Low and High bands retain the renowned ability to apply both boost and cut simultaneously—a technique highly valued by professionals for achieving deeper lows or more open highs while always maintaining great naturalness.

The Shift function also allows you to adjust the relative point of action between boost and cut, further expanding the possibilities for precisely shaping the sound.

Tube stage and high-quality components

After passing through the passive section, the signal is amplified by a fully tube-based gain stage that imparts body, three-dimensionality, and extremely musical harmonics.

The circuitry uses selected military-grade tubes paired with transformers made of nanocrystalline alloy, components chosen to ensure high transparency, wide dynamic range, and refined tonal character when desired.

Perfect for recording, mixing, and mastering

A versatile tool for any professional studio

Thanks to its sonic character and remarkable operational flexibility, the Gainlab Audio Empress is used in numerous professional contexts:

• analog mixing;
• mastering;
• instrument and vocal recording;
• sound design;
• harmonic coloring and tube saturation.

The 2U rack-mount format allows for easy installation in any professional studio, delivering a sound quality far superior to its size.

Technical Specifications

• Brand: Gainlab Audio
• Model: Empress
• Type: Passive stereo tube equalizer
• Channels: 2
• Bands per channel: 3
• Circuitry: Passive equalizer with tube gain stage
• Attenuators: Stepped attenuators
• Vacuum Tubes: Military-Grade Vacuum Tubes
• Transformers: Nanocrystalline Alloy Transformers
• Inputs: 2 x balanced XLR
• Outputs: 2 x balanced XLR
• Input Impedance: >10 kΩ
• Output Impedance: <65 Ω
• Maximum input level: +23 dBu
• Maximum output level: >+23 dBu
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±2 dB)
• THD+N (0 dBu): <0.08%
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 88 dB
• Noise floor: <-60 dBu
• Power supply: 230 V AC (EU) / 110 V AC (US)
• Rack size: 2U
• Dimensions: 483 × 280 × 89 mm
• Weight: 5.6 kg
• Ex-demo product