Sie-Q

Sie-Q is a character equalizer based on the Siemens w295b console module. Rather than offering freely adjustable frequency and bandwidth on every band, it concentrates on broad low/high shaping and a selected set of midrange frequencies. The plug-in replaces the hardware's stepped gain changes with continuous adjustment while retaining the characteristic response shapes.

Those shapes are not identical in boost and cut. The low band changes between a shelving cut and a very-low-frequency bell-like boost, while the high band changes between a gentle low-pass-like cut and a very-high-frequency bell-like boost. The mid band becomes more focused as its boost or cut increases, so bandwidth follows gain rather than a separate Q knob.

Drive adds another dimension by changing the level into the modeled output amplifier. Use it after establishing the EQ when additional harmonic character is desired, or reduce it for a cleaner result. Sie-Q is well suited to broad presence and brightness decisions; it is not intended as a surgical notch equalizer for arbitrary problem frequencies.

Manual, About Sie-Q, p. 4; The Sie-Q Control Panel, pp. 5–8.

Low and High

Low offers −15 to +15 dB. Cutting produces a low shelf; boosting produces a broad bell-like rise centered very low in the spectrum. Use it for overall weight or space rather than expecting a user-selected cutoff frequency.

High also offers −15 to +15 dB, but its shape changes with direction. Cutting produces a gentle low-pass-like response, while boosting produces a broad bell at a high center frequency. This is why a boost and an equal numerical cut should not be assumed to cancel exactly. Judge air, edge, and overall balance in the mix rather than treating the control as a conventional fixed shelf.

Midrange

Mid Frequency selects 700 Hz, 1 kHz, 1.5 kHz, 2.3 kHz, 3.5 kHz, or 5.6 kHz. Choose the region where the instrument needs more presence or less emphasis, then set the amount with Mid Gain.

Mid Gain provides −8 to +8 dB. Its proportional-Q behavior means small changes are broad and larger changes become more focused. There is no separate bandwidth knob. Compare nearby frequency positions with a moderate gain setting before making a strong cut or boost.

Drive

Drive changes gain before the modeled output amplifier over −15 to +15 dB. Positive values push its saturation and apply corresponding post-amplifier attenuation to keep the level more manageable. This compensation is proportional gain adjustment, not a compressor or a limiter.

Set the broad EQ first, then add Drive if the source needs more harmonic edge. Recheck perceived level and transient character after changing it; automatic attenuation does not mean that heavily saturated material will sound identical in loudness or dynamics to the clean signal.

Manual, Low, p. 5; High, p. 6; Mid Frequency and Mid Gain, p. 7; Drive, p. 8.