Akai PEQ-6

Akai PEQ-6 originally designed for multiple keyboard and Drum machine rigs. This thing could be confusing for some, but I had no problem getting a good sound with it using multiple channels. There are six pairs of 1/4" i/o on the back pannel. The patch editing capabilities couldn't be easier. The control buttons are UP, DOWN, LINE, and WRITE/COPY, and a seven band Graphic EQ using knobs. The first bank 00 that appears when the unit is first turned on is different than the rest. All six channels are controlled in unison. This makes working with stereo easy since any two ins and outs will do. This also could be useful for toms. The rest of the banks have independent control settings for all six channels. Just select a bank1-32, then hit the line botton to select 1-6. When you turn the EQ knobs and indicator light above the knob will either be green for cut, off for flat, or red for boost. The fequency bands are 63 hz 160 hz 400 hz 1 Khz 2.5 Khz 6.3 Khz 16 Khz. To save either hit the WRITE/COPY botton twice, or once, then select a different bank, then WRITE/COPY again.
I didn't receive a manual.
I know of know updates, there is very little on the internet about this unit.

I am using it with a ProTools 001 rig to get more color.
The PEQ is surprisingly quiet. I ABed it in the insert of a Digimax LT and I didn't notice much change with the unit all flat. That is not the same for boost, but what do you expect. If you can live with a little noise, no problem. When you turn the EQ knobs a faint clicking can be heard. If you're recording light jazz I would pass. The EQ is more responsive than all of my plugins. I'm using it stereo in my i/o with a compressor for mixing. I can also insert it into my Digimax for tracking if I wish. Adds a lot of coloration. This is what I was looking for in this unit. I have a Avalon 737 for the pure stuff.

I haven't had it very long, but it is 17 years old already.

There is no information on this unit on the Akai website. Very little on the internet. This review was probably your first hit.

I have been performing for over 15 years, and recording for half that time. I would never put this in my bass rig, but for a really versitile studio effect this might be really usefull. Six channels of EQ all programable, and controlled via midi. From the little bit of research I did I believe the unit to be Digitally Controlled Analog. Many people confuse Digital with Digitally Controlled. There is nothing out there on this at the time so I really don't know for sure. I inserted it in a Rock Mix on Toms and was impressed. Could be really useful for toms. It wasn't bad for Guitar either. The frequencys are wrong for bass in my opinion. The EQ was originally designed for keys, and I'm sure all the coloration in great on a synth.

very intuitive for selecting frequency variences, a little more difficult for saving presets. Manual is very helpful in that respect.

Very quiet operation, real world frequency ranges for all kinds of applications. Used in a live rig for running Different EQ mixes to different amps--> speakers.

Never quit on me once or gave me any hicups.

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I play all kinds of tunes and record a lot of my own stuff, i've also run several live gigs and performances both for myself and others. This would probably be excellent for somone into MIDI sequencing as it's all MIDI controllable. The fact you can run 6 different EQ settings simultaneously saves on space for other effects and cost as well. It served my purposes great as a stand alone EQ for a live rig or recording.