DESCRIPTION
Heritage Audio would like to congratulate you on being the lucky owner of our MOTORCITY EQualizer, the world’s first
reproduction of the “Holy Grail” of classic EQ’s. With its introduction the MOTORCITY EQualizer is the first member of
our ´American Heritage´ line of products as it´s a faithful reproduction of the actual EQs from Detroit´s very own
MOTOWN Studios. Originally designed by in-house engineers with the idea of producing the greatest possible impact
on the music they were creating that dominated the charts for over a decade. This was their secret weapon.Until now
we have mainly focused on designing and manufacturing equipment inspired by legendary vintage British console
modules, using the same hand-wired, transformer-coupled Class A circuitry, but also making sure they are compatible
with modern day studio environments.Now we wanted some of that American flavor.
After a long gruelling process of meticulously researching and engineering everything to the exact original specifications
of this iconic 1960s Motown design, we did it.We actually achieved that huge, classic, punchy, warm signature sound
that has blessed so many hit records all without a hint of harshness or distortion.It wasn´t easy, but it was definitely
worth it. Sadly, there were only about 2 dozens of these EQs produced so we were very lucky to get our hands on 2
original Motown units owned by eight-time Grammy winning producer, mixdown artist, and innovative engineering
genius Michael Brauer.With these two we were able to make a spec-to-spec copy to ensure we capture that
unmistakable sound. The unique passive equalization circuit we incorporated is identical to the original design. And with
the 10-gauge hand brushed aluminum face plate, historically accurate control layout including custom molded bakelite
knobs, the MOTORCITY EQualizer certainly looks the part.
The MOTORCITY EQualizer is a completely analog, passive EQ design with access to seven frequency points across
the tonal spectrum.Each frequency has a stepped rotary switch capable of a flat response at ´0´ and a cut or boost of up
to 8 db in 1 dB stepped increments. As these are stepped rotary switches it´s very easy to make precise settings and
quick recalls. Frequency points are at: 50 Hz, 130 Hz, 320 Hz, 800 Hz, 2000 Hz, 5000 Hz, and 12,500 Hz.It also
features a master gain control (±8 dB), again in 1 dB stepped increments.
Reproducing a vintage design supposes many challenges, but one of the biggest is that it is no longer possible to obtain
the original parts.Therefore, we at Heritage Audio had to have them custom built from scratch. We only used 100 %
period-correct materials, values and tolerances. That means this MOTORCITY EQualizer is the real deal, not just
something similar, a close copy or a ´new and improved´ version of the original. You might ask why we went through so
much trouble to recreate this all-time classic…Well, we couldn´t say it any better than Michael Brauer himself when
asked about the EQs - ´It simply got that sound!´.
The MOTORCITY EQualizer really is the genuine article made available to the general public for the first time
ever.Something to be celebrated for sure. For the first time in history you can incorporate this one-of-a-kind equalizer
into your own setup.Now we can´t guarantee you the massive string of hits that Motown had over six decades ago, but
we can provide you with a tool that´ll pump up your tracks with the sound that did.
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