For the Radial Workhorse and other 500 Series racks, Radial Engineering introduced the Q3 module, a new 3-band induction coil EQ.

Following the tradition set by Pultec and Manley, the Radial Q3 is said to be a sweet sounding passive inductor coil EQ with four controls, a top end boost circuit, a mid-range cut circuit, a bass boost circuit, and a gain make-up control to offset the typical signal loss that occurs when using passive EQ designs.

Peter Janis, the president of Radial Engineering, reflects on the making of the Q3: "When we set out to build a 500 Series EQ, we immediately gravitated towards inductor EQs like the Pultec and Manley Massive Passive. These 'personality' EQs have become sought after because they deliver immediate gratification. In other words, you plug them in, turn them on and 'Wow!' you instantly enjoy great tone. Coil EQs do not suffer the same phase anomalies associated with gyrators. This results in a smooth warm tone that compliments most instruments and voices. The Q3 is basically a 'sound good' box whereby you twist a dial, close your eyes, listen, and hit record. There is something unbelievably sweet sounding about a real coil EQ that is simply unattainable from any other."

The Q3 has three EQ bands, each of which employs a 12-position Grayhill switch with a different preset curve at each position. According to Radial, these have been carefully crafted to introduce suble accents, huge hype, and warm sounding cuts that will flatter and enthral. When combined, they deliver 1,728 combinations of "tonal bliss." And because 12 position presets are employed, one can easily re-create the tone by simply setting the dials to the former settings.

"We see the Q3 becoming a favorite as engineers create signature sound," Janis says. "In other words we expect the Q3 to be used in a particular way on snare and then completely differently on electric guitar. With over 1,700 combinations, the 'secret sauce' can truly become personalized."

The Radial Engineering Q3 is compatible with all standard 500 Series racks while also outfitted with the necessary electronics to feed the Workhorse mixer. As a bonus, the Omniport on the Workhorse has been assigned as an effects loop to allow various processing devices to be inserted into the EQ signal chain.

For more information on the new Q3, please visit radialeng.com.