McIntosh has launched its new MQ112 Environmental Equalizer, an 8-band stereo equalizer that allows listeners to adjust audio signal levels by ±12dB range at eight key bands between 25Hz and 10kHz.
Rather than tinkering with room treatments, speaker placement, or even reorganizing the entire room to optimize the acoustics of their sound system, the MQ112 can be used to fine-tune the mix and balance of frequencies to craft the ideal sonic profile for any listening space, says McIntosh, or compensate for the imperfections in vintage recordings for clear reproduction of sound.
Inclusion of both balanced and unbalanced inputs and outputs ensure that the MQ112 is optimally versatile for integration within any sound system and can be connected between the preamplifier and power amplifier (balanced or unbalanced) of any audio configuration. A secondary pair of outputs allows for connection to two separate stereo systems, bi-amped between a single pair of speakers, or up to two subwoofers. In more intricate stereo systems, the MQ112 can be connected through processor loops or tape monitor record/play connections on many preamplifiers and integrated amplifiers.
“The new MQ112 puts McIntosh’s powerful EQ capabilities in a standalone unit, giving listeners more options to customize and fine-tune their system’s equalization than ever before,” says McIntosh President Charlie Randall. “We are excited by the possibilities that the MQ112 offers audio enthusiasts to take control of their sound.”
The design of the MQ112 features the McIntosh illuminated logo, black glass front faceplate, rotary control knobs, and custom machined aluminum end caps. It also includes a tilt knob for tonal balance shift of ±6dB to boost bass or treble across the entire frequency range, and EQ Control IN and OUT settings bypass equalizer circuit for easy comparison of the EQ output to original unaltered signal.
The McIntosh MQ112 will be available through authorized McIntosh dealers beginning October 2023, retailing for US$3,000.