GFI System pulls out all the stops for their killer new ENIEQMA Equalize-Expand Multi-Mode Stereo EQ and Boost
Readers will know I’m a huge fan of GFI System - particularly for their Specular Tempus and Synesthesia pedals - where I’ve been waiting a long time for updates to those. The Synesthesia to finally get TRS Stereo In, and the Specular Tempus to gte a format update to the same enclosure type as used for the Syneshesia and this ENIEQMA.
It kind of reminds me of a Boss EQ-200 on steroids - and with more visual flair (bigger and better screen), it is also like a super-charged version of Source Audio’s EQ2 - as that has a fairly similar feature set (includes compressor and tuner also from memory), but none are quite so expansive as this one - which has incredible levels of granularity with some really neat features. Centred around 3 core different EQ types :
- 5-BAND PARAMETRIC EQ - similar to this found on mixing desks - but with one more band than most!
- SIMPLE EQ CLASS - featuring 7 Classic Tone Stacks : Fender Amp, Marshall Amp, Vox Amp, 2-Band Baxandall, Wah, Tilt EQ, and Scooped Tilt EQ
- PULTEQ EQ - Pultec Style 3 x Mid-Band EQ - Low Peak, Mid Dip, High Peak.
You can even Stack the Parametric EQ with either Simple EQ or Pulteq EQ!
You would really need to read the manual to gain full insights into what specific frequency clusters are targeted and how many secondary and hidden features are onboard - which is always the case for GFI - they definitely know how to kitchen-sink their flagship products!
CONTROLS
- MODE / TYPE - TURN for EQ Mode, TWIST for Filter Type, TAP for Options Menu, HOLD for Globals Menu
- EQ PARAMETERS : 3 per EQ Type - Para EQ } Gain | Q | Freq || Simple EQ : Bass | Mid | Treble || Pulteq : Peak-Lo | Dip | Peak-Hi
- VOLUME (-9dB > +9dB) / BOOST (+15dB) - Adjust to taste!
- 5 x PARA EQ BAND DOTS - Double Tap each for Band On/Off
- EQ FOOTSWITCH
- BOOST FOOTSWITCH
I had the Boss EQ-200 on the board for a while, but I'm generally happier with more compact format - and the Empress Effects ParaEQ 2 DLX is my current champion. There are so many cool things you can do with the Enieqma - it's a killer studio tool for sure - but possibly a little over-kill for most budding musicians and their pedalboards.
I really feel that this pedal is at its peak for studio applications - where it's a major Control Strip and Stereo Widener Competitor- meaning that the recently reviewed Endorphin.es Golden Master is a prime competitor target - each has their strengths for sure - but the Enieqma's visual appeal is going to take some beating!
Incredibly cool pedal for sure - actually as was their previous Duophony Blender - but both are really studio style tools I reckon with lesser appeal among the rank and file as such.
Still hugely admirable - and no doubt will find many a home in studios worldwide!
And while I feel the Synesthesia with its 38 algorithms is still good value at $399 (really needs TRS Stereo In though!), I feel that $399 for the Enieqma is quite a big ask - however expansive it is - for the category / type of effects it represents.
There's plenty more to read up on the GFI System Website - including the very detailed manual - I've really just scratched the surface here!
Would be interested to hear your own thoughts of course!
Key Features
- 2 channel EQ + Boost
- The two processing channels can be linked or configured/run independently
- 3 EQ engines (Parametric EQ, Simple EQ, and Pultec Midrange EQ emulation) with the ability to stack and run two engines simultaneously
- 64 Presets
- Master Volume and Input Level trim
- Built-in libraries of ready-to-use ‘Prototype EQs’
- Optional Limiter and Stereo Expander
- 3 routing configurations : Mono to Stereo, Dual Mono, and Stereo to Mono
- MIDI Input and Thru.
- Aux switches control input
Specs
- Input impedance: 1 MOhm
- Output impedance: 500 Ohm
- Max Boost level: +15 dB
- Max input level: +7.23 dBV = 9.45 dBu = 6.5 Vpp
- SNR: 114 dB typical
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
- AD/DA: 24-bit, 48 KHz
- Bypass: Buffered
- Output jacks : 1/4 inch TS
- Input jack: 1/4 inch TRS
- MIDI Input / MIDI Thru connector: 1/8 inch TRS
- USB connector : Type C
- Dimension : 12 x 12 cm (4.7 x 4.7 inch)
- Power requirement : 9VDC / 280mA, negative-center plug (power supply is not included)
- RRP / MAP : $399
12 Degrees of Saturation 2023 Compact Edition
