TK Audio TK-Lizer 3 Mastering and Mix Bus EQ

TK Audio’s TK-lizer 3 is a high-end, Baxandall-based mastering and mix bus EQ designed for engineers who want smooth, musical tone-shaping with precise, recallable control. With three fully stepped bands, an extensive high pass filter section and powerful Mid/Side operation, it is equally at home across a full mix, stem bus or individual sources that demand surgical yet natural-sounding EQ.

Building on the legacy of the TK-lizer 2, this updated version introduces refined input and output stages, improved low and high-end response, an upgraded M/S circuit for better channel separation and a refreshed, vintage-inspired front panel with bakelite knobs and toggle switches. Whether you are tightening low end, adding air and sheen or sculpting the stereo image, TK-lizer 3 gives you the control you need without ever sounding harsh or clinical.

Musical Baxandall Tone Shaping

At the heart of TK-lizer 3 is a classic Baxandall EQ circuit, prized for its smooth, natural curves and effortless musicality. The three bands each offer six carefully chosen frequencies, allowing you to make broad, tasteful moves that enhance the programme rather than fight it. Subtle half-dB steps make it easy to add weight, presence or sparkle without drawing attention to the processing itself.

Flexible Three-Band EQ with Switchable Shelving

The low and high bands can be switched between peak and shelving modes, giving you the choice between broad tonal tilts and more focused boosts or cuts. Each band offers stepped gain options, so you can quickly dial in precise changes and recall them later with confidence. From gentle bus sweetening to more assertive tone-shaping, the layout encourages fast, intuitive decisions.

Powerful High Pass Filter Section

TK-lizer 3 features a dedicated high pass filter with twelve selectable frequencies, including a x5 multiplier that extends the range into higher cutoff points. With a 12 dB/octave slope and carefully tuned Q, it is ideal for cleaning up unwanted rumble, tightening low end or, in M/S mode, mono-ing the bottom end of the side channel to keep your mix solid and focused.

Advanced Mid/Side and Cue Monitoring

Switching to Mid/Side mode unlocks detailed control over the centre and edges of your stereo image without needing an external encoder or decoder. You can lift the air on the sides, firm up central elements like kick, bass and vocals, or adjust stereo width by shaping the side level. The built-in cue function lets you audition Left, Right, Mid or Side channels in isolation, so you always hear exactly what you are changing.

Mastering-Grade Build and Performance

Every control on TK-lizer 3 is stepped for accurate recall and matched stereo operation, making it ideal for mastering and critical mix bus work. The electronically balanced signal path, absence of electrolytic capacitors in the audio path and updated circuitry deliver extremely low distortion, wide bandwidth and excellent signal-to-noise performance. With improved M/S channel separation and robust power handling, it is engineered to sit confidently at the heart of a professional analogue chain.

• Three-Band Baxandall EQ with Stepped Controls - Each of the three bands offers six selectable frequencies with stepped gain settings, giving you precise, repeatable control and a smooth, musical response that is perfect for mastering and mix bus duties.
• Switchable Shelf or Peak Low and High Bands - The low and high bands can operate as either shelves or peaks, allowing you to choose between broad tonal shaping or more targeted boosts and cuts, so you can tailor the EQ behaviour to the needs of each mix or master.
• Comprehensive High Pass Filter with 12 Frequencies - A dedicated HPF with twelve cutoff points, including a x5 range extension, lets you clean up low-end mud, control sub energy and, in M/S mode, tighten the stereo field by filtering only the side information.
• Integrated Mid/Side Processing and Cue Monitoring - Built-in M/S operation and a cue switch for monitoring Left, Right, Mid or Side channels give you detailed control over stereo width and centre focus, all without additional hardware, making critical decisions faster and more accurate.

General

• Type: Mastering and mix bus EQ with M/S function
• EQ Topology: Baxandall
• Channels: Stereo
• Signal Path: Electronically balanced, no electrolytic capacitors in audio path
• Controls: Fully stepped for easy recall and precise settings

Frequency Bands

• Low Band Frequencies: 28 Hz, 48 Hz, 72 Hz, 132 Hz, 195 Hz, 255 Hz
• Low Band Mode: Switchable shelf or peak, Q = 0.5
• Low Band Cut/Boost: ±0.5 dB, 1 dB, 2 dB, 3 dB, 4 dB
• Mid Band Frequencies: 400 Hz, 630 Hz, 870 Hz, 1.3 kHz, 2.4 kHz, 4.8 kHz
• Mid Band Q: 0.5
• Mid Band Cut/Boost: ±0.5 dB, 1 dB, 2 dB, 3 dB, 4 dB
• High Band Frequencies: 4 kHz, 7.2 kHz, 12 kHz, 16 kHz, 20 kHz, 25 kHz
• High Band Mode: Switchable shelf or peak, Q = 0.5
• High Band Cut/Boost: ±0.5 dB, 1 dB, 2 dB, 3 dB, 4 dB

High Pass Filter

• HPF Frequencies: 20 Hz, 25 Hz, 30 Hz, 35 Hz, 40 Hz, 45 Hz
• HPF Frequencies with x5: 100 Hz, 125 Hz, 150 Hz, 175 Hz, 200 Hz, 225 Hz
• HPF Slope: 12 dB/octave
• HPF Q: 0.5

M/S and Monitoring

• Operating Modes: Left/Right or Mid/Side
• M/S Function: Switchable, illuminated
• Channel Separation (M/S): Better than 60 dB at 0 dBu
• Cue Switch: Select Left, Right, Mid or Side (when M/S active)
• Cue Indication: Two green LEDs show when cue is activated
• EQ In/Out: Illuminated switch

Audio Performance

• Input Impedance: 20 kΩ
• Output Impedance: 68 Ω
• Maximum Input Level: +27 dBu
• Maximum Output Level: +28 dBu
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 80 kHz, ±0.1 dB
• THD+N at 0 dBu: 0.0004%
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio at 0 dBu: 95 dB
• Dynamic Range: 123 dB

Power

• Power Consumption: 10 VA
• Mains Voltage: 115 V or 230 V, selectable via internal voltage selector