Relab Development Maselec MEA-2 - ESD

The Relab Development Maselec MEA-2 is a precision stereo EQ plug-in created in exclusive collaboration with legendary engineer Leif Mases. Faithfully capturing the musical curves and mastering-grade transparency of the iconic hardware, it delivers the unmistakable Maselec sound directly inside your DAW at a fraction of the cost of the original unit.

With its hand-tuned asymmetrical Unique Q design, ultra-smooth broad shelving and powerful per-band mid/side control, the MEA-2 plug-in gives you the tools to shape mixes and masters with surgical accuracy and musical finesse. Add in Solo Isolation, stereo linking and a modern, resizable interface, and you have a fast, intuitive EQ that helps you work quicker, hear deeper and consistently deliver polished, professional results.

Hand-Tuned Maselec Curves

At the heart of the MEA-2 are its hand-tuned asymmetrical Unique Q (bandwidth) curves, meticulously crafted with Leif Mases to behave like the revered hardware. Rather than relying on generic textbook EQ shapes, each band has been artistically calibrated so that every move feels musical, natural and emotionally engaging. Subtle mastering tweaks or bold tone-shaping both retain depth, clarity and a distinctly human character.

Smooth, Wide Broad Shelving

The MEA-2’s broad shelving filters span a wider frequency range than typical EQs, avoiding harsh transitions and phasey artefacts. High shelves add air and sheen without brittleness, while low shelves deliver weight and warmth without clouding the mix. This lets you rebalance the overall tone of a track or master in a few confident moves, keeping the sound open and cohesive.

Per-Band Mid/Side Mastery

Taking the original design further, the MEA-2 plug-in introduces mid/side mode on every band. Instead of being locked into a global M/S setting, you can decide on a band-by-band basis whether to work in stereo, mid or side. Tighten low-end in the centre while opening the high-end at the sides, or gently de-ess only the side information on a master. This precise spatial control helps you create wide, modern mixes that still translate reliably in mono.

Modern Workflow, Classic Sound

Beyond its sonics, the MEA-2 is built for speed and reliability in today’s production environments. Solo Isolation with a dedicated fixed-gain curve makes it easy to hunt down problem frequencies and hear how each band interacts in series. Stereo link per band, balance control, advanced preset management and a resizable GUI all streamline your process, so you spend less time wrestling with the interface and more time making musical decisions.

• Officially Endorsed Maselec MEA-2 Emulation - Developed in exclusive collaboration with Leif Mases, this is the only officially endorsed plug-in version of the MEA-2. You get the tone, response and behaviour of a carefully selected golden hardware unit, giving you true mastering-grade EQ inside your DAW.
• Hand-Tuned Unique Q and Broad Shelving - The asymmetrical Unique Q curves and wide-range shelving filters are hand-tuned for musicality rather than maths. This means smoother boosts and cuts, more natural tonal shifts and an EQ that feels like an extension of your ears rather than a technical obstacle.
• Per-Band Mid/Side and Solo Isolation - Mid/side mode on every band, combined with Solo Isolation, lets you zoom in on specific frequencies and stereo regions with surgical precision. Tame resonances, enhance width or focus the centre of your mix quickly, all while clearly hearing the impact of each move.
• Optimised for Modern Production Workflows - Features such as stereo links per band, balance control, advanced preset management and a resizable GUI are designed to speed up your workflow. You can recall favourite setups instantly, adapt the interface to your screen and keep your focus on delivering consistent, high-quality mixes and masters.

General

• Product: Relab Development Maselec MEA-2 Precision Stereo EQ Plug-in
• Format: Software plug-in EQ modelled on the Maselec MEA-2 hardware
• Collaboration: Officially endorsed and developed with Leif Mases

Key Features

• Hand-tuned asymmetrical Unique Q (bandwidth) curves
• Broad shelving filters for smooth, wide-range tonal shaping
• Mid/Side mode available on every band
• Solo Isolation with fixed-gain curve for precise frequency targeting
• Serial EQ flow for interactive band behaviour
• Stereo links per band
• Balance control
• Advanced preset management
• Resizable graphical user interface

Mac Requirements (64-bit)

• Operating System: macOS 10.15 or higher
• Processor: Intel or Apple M1
• RAM: 2 GB or more

Compatible Mac Host Applications

• Logic Pro 10.x
• Pro Tools 11.3.2 and up
• Cubase 9.5 and up
• Nuendo 8 and up
• Ableton Live 9 and up

Windows Requirements (64-bit)

• Operating System: Windows 10 or higher
• Processor: Intel Core 2 or higher
• RAM: 2 GB or more

Compatible Windows Host Applications

• Pro Tools 11.3.2 and up
• Cubase 9.5 and up
• Nuendo 8 and up
• Ableton Live 9 and up