Audified RZ062 Equalizer plugin is a digital emulation of the legendary Klangfilm RZ062 equalizer, a rare and highly sought-after piece of vintage German broadcast equipment. This plugin meticulously recreates the unique sound and characteristics of the original hardware, offering two distinct versions: the a and b models. The RZ062 is renowned for its ability to add warmth, presence, and a touch of vintage character to audio without introducing harshness or unwanted artifacts. It features a simple yet effective interface with three bands of equalization, each offering boost and cut capabilities. The plugin’s design philosophy focuses on musicality and ease of use, making it an ideal choice for both subtle tonal shaping and more dramatic sound sculpting. With its ability to enhance vocals, instruments, and full mixes, the RZ062 has gained a reputation as a “magical” equalizer that can breathe life into digital recordings and add an analog-like quality to modern productions.
Pros:
• Exceptional sound quality with a smooth, musical character
• Simple, intuitive interface that encourages experimentation
• Adds warmth and presence without harshness
• Versatile enough for both subtle and dramatic EQ moves
• Low CPU usage compared to many other analog emulations
Cons:
• Limited frequency selection options compared to more flexible digital EQs
The Audified RZ062 Equalizer plugin offers a carefully crafted set of features designed to capture the essence of the original hardware while providing modern conveniences for today’s digital workflows. At its core, the plugin provides three bands of equalization: low, mid, and high. Each band offers both boost and cut capabilities, with the amount of boost or cut adjustable via large, vintage-style knobs.
The low band is a shelving EQ with a fixed frequency of 60 Hz, allowing users to add weight and fullness to the low end or tame excessive bass. The mid band is a peak filter centered at 700 Hz, which is crucial for controlling the body and presence of most sound sources. The high band is another shelving EQ, fixed at 10 kHz, perfect for adding air and brilliance or softening harsh treble.
One of the RZ062’s most distinctive features is its “magic” mid-range control. This band has a unique curve that allows it to enhance the presence and clarity of a signal without introducing the harshness often associated with boosting mid frequencies. This characteristic makes the RZ062 particularly well-suited for vocal processing, helping voices cut through a mix while maintaining a natural, pleasing tone.
The plugin offers two models of the RZ062: the “a” and “b” versions. These models represent different units of the original hardware, each with its own subtle tonal characteristics. This allows users to choose the flavor that best suits their source material or personal preference.
A key aspect of the RZ062’s sound is its ability to impart a subtle analog-like quality to digital recordings. This is achieved through careful modeling of the original hardware’s circuitry, including its transformers and tubes. The result is a gentle saturation effect that adds warmth and depth to the processed audio, even when no EQ is applied.
The user interface of the RZ062 plugin is a faithful recreation of the original hardware’s front panel, with large, easy-to-read knobs and a vintage-inspired aesthetic. This design not only adds to the plugin’s charm but also encourages a more intuitive, ears-first approach to equalization.
To aid in precise adjustments, the plugin includes a real-time frequency analyzer that visualizes the effect of the EQ on the input signal. This modern addition helps users make informed decisions while still maintaining the simplicity and workflow of the original hardware.
The RZ062 also includes oversampling options to reduce aliasing and maintain the highest sound quality, especially when pushing the plugin to more extreme settings. Additionally, the plugin offers both mono and stereo operation, making it suitable for a wide range of mixing and mastering tasks.
When comparing the Audified RZ062 Equalizer to similar plugins, it stands out for its unique tonal character and simplicity. Unlike more surgical digital EQs like the FabFilter Pro-Q 3, the RZ062 is designed for broad, musical adjustments rather than precise frequency targeting. Its closest competitors are other vintage EQ emulations, such as the Waves PuigTec EQs or the Universal Audio Pultec EQP-1A. However, the RZ062 offers a distinctly different flavor, with a focus on the midrange that sets it apart from Pultec-style EQs. Compared to channel strip emulations like the Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E, the RZ062 is more specialized, focusing solely on EQ without additional dynamics processing. This allows it to excel in its specific role, offering a level of tonal refinement that may be harder to achieve with more comprehensive channel strips. In terms of workflow and simplicity, the RZ062 is similar to plugins like the Softube Passive-Active Pack, which also emulates vintage hardware with a focus on musicality over flexibility. However, the RZ062’s unique mid-range control and overall tonal character give it a distinct edge for certain applications, particularly vocal processing and mix bus treatment.
This plugin is best for:
• Engineers and producers seeking to add analog warmth and character to digital recordings
• Vocal processing, especially for adding presence and clarity without harshness
• Mix bus treatment to enhance overall tonal balance and cohesion
• Individual instrument processing, particularly for adding body and air to sources
• Mastering engineers looking for a gentle, musical EQ for final polishing
Audified RZ062 Equalizer plugin is a remarkable tool that brings the magic of a rare and coveted piece of vintage equipment to the digital realm. Its ability to enhance audio with a smooth, musical character makes it a valuable asset in any mixing or mastering engineer’s toolkit. The plugin’s strength lies in its simplicity and the quality of its sound, rather than in providing endless options or surgical precision. While it may not be the most versatile EQ on the market, it excels in its specific role, offering a unique flavor that can breathe life into digital recordings. The higher price point and limited frequency selection may deter some users, but for those seeking that elusive vintage warmth and presence, the RZ062 delivers in spades. Its ease of use and low CPU footprint make it a plugin that users will find themselves reaching for time and time again, whether for subtle enhancement or more dramatic tonal shaping. The Audified RZ062 Equalizer stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic audio equipment and the artistry involved in bringing that vintage magic into the modern digital studio.