AVA LegacyQ

AVA LegacyQ

What is the AVA LegacyQ?

Harrison’s reputation for “True Analog In-The-Box” sound is due to our unique development heritage: we first created an analog console processor and then converted the processor to digital while retaining the sound and character of the original analog console.

The new AVA LegacyQ is a plugin version of our original MPC digital equalizer:  an EQ that began as a digitally-controlled analog circuit and was later adapted to digital while being used in ultra high-end post & film facilities worldwide. 
Like the original console EQ, the AVA LegacyQ is optimized for use with control surfaces:   each band covers a limited range equivalent to its original analog counterpart, and the “Q” shape is designed to optimally match the operating range of a physical knob.

The results are quintessentially “Harrison”: effortless, smooth and transparent.

Controls

Graph

The main display graph provides control of the five EQ bands and two filter bands.

You can grab a band’s icon to change its frequency and gain.  Use the mouse-wheel (or 2-finger drag) to adjust the band’s Q.

The main display also features a high precision, high-speed RTA analyzer (“Spectrum Graph”, or “Scrolling Graph”), which you can engage to be PRE or POST EQ changes. It also features a Speed knob, which allows you to control the decay rate of the display, and trim control.  Most signals will require an increase of the “trim” control to make the spectrum visible.

EQ Band Controls

Below the graph are graphical representations of the 5 EQ bands and filters. Each one contains the following, from top to bottom:

1. Band Enable, and Band Shape.
2. Frequency.
3. Q factor, from wide (L) to narrow (R).
4. Gain (-15/15 dB range).

Band Shapes

EQ bands (1-5) may be assigned one of the following shapes:

• Low/High Pass Filter ( 6, 12 dB / octave )
• Low/High Shelving
• Bell
• Notch  (infinite “cut” at the selected frequency, with adjustable Q width)
• Search (filters all frequencies above & below the center frequency, to help you locate specific sounds … very often you will use this in combination with the “Notch” filter to find & remove unwanted tones)

Filter bands (A & B) are more powerful with steeper slopes.  Filters may be assigned one of the following shapes:

• Low/High Pass Filter (12, 24, 36, 48 dB/octave)
• Wide Notch (4 closely-spaced notches;  this allows easier tuning of the notch frequency because it affects a wider frequency range than a typical notch)

In-line EQ Graphs

The AVA LegacyQ supports the EQ graph feature of Pro Tools 2018, allowing you to see your adjustments without opening the plugin’s editor:

The EQ graph represents the summed total of all compatible EQ plugins in the channel strip.

Features

• Harrison’s first full-featured digital EQ in a plugin format.
• 5 parametric EQ bands with selectable shape.
• 2 filters with selectable shapes ( including Harrison’s wide-bottom notch for fast & accurate repair work )
• Harrison’s custom 4-octave frequency ranges; first developed for the 32C console in 1975.
• Harrison’s custom “Q” knob is optimized for use with control surfaces.
• High-precision RTA analyzers retain full resolution in the low frequencies.
• 5 eq bands and 2 filters are provided for optimum compatibility with Avid control surfaces.
• EQ curve appears on Pro Tools mixer window, and control-surface displays (AAX only).
• +/- 15 dB output trim
• The "Bypass" icon engages the momentary-bypass function, which allows you to audition the un-affected signal while you hold the mouse button; then restores the settings when you release the button.
• The “Gear” icon launches a menu with additional features including resizing, theme selection (for applicable plugins), and plugin version number.

System Requirements 

• MacOS: 10.9 or newer required
• Windows: Win7 or newer required
• Linux: Please try the demo

Host DAW support:

• ProTools: 10.3.5 or newer required for Windows, 11 or higher required for Mac. Enable the AAX format during installation
• Logic: Enable the AU format during installation
• Cubase: Enable the VST and/or VST3 format during installation
• Most other workstations: Enable the VST format during installation