Bettermaker has been building a reputation for hybrid analog processing tools that fit naturally into modern DAW-based workflows, and the PEQ_core stereo equalizer is a clear example of what that philosophy looks like in practice. It's a 1U passive EQ with a fully analog audio signal path, digitally controlled through a dedicated plugin, and it covers a lot of ground without taking up much rack space.
A Passive EQ Built for the Modern Studio
Passive equalizers have a long history in professional audio for a reason. The filtering behavior tends to be musical and forgiving in ways that active designs sometimes aren't. The PEQ_core brings that character into a format that works with your existing session workflow. All parameters are controlled through an AU, VST3, or AAX plugin, so you get the benefit of analog processing with the recall and automation capabilities you'd expect from a software-based tool.
The equalization section covers low and high shelving along with a high cut, and the unit's extended hi-boost section reaches up to 20 and 28 kHz. For anyone working on material that needs air added carefully without sounding brittle, having those top-end options is useful. Low boost and cut frequencies run at 20, 30, 60, and 100 Hz, while the high boost side offers ten frequency options ranging from 3 kHz up to 28 kHz. Maximum low frequency boost is 15 dB, low cut is 16 dB, and high frequency boost reaches 18 dB. The output section includes an adjustable gain control with plus or minus 8 dB of range at 0.1 dB resolution, which is practical for managing level changes that come with heavy equalization.
How the Plugin Works
The DAW plugin does more than just recall settings. It includes a real-time spectrum analyzer that pulls audio data from wherever the plugin is inserted in your session, along with a graphical filter curve display that uses mathematical modeling to accurately represent the shape of the analog filters. You can grab handles on the curve directly with your mouse to adjust gain and frequency, or use the physical knobs and have them reflected in the display.
The plugin supports up to 32 automatable snapshots per preset, which opens up the unit for dynamic use within a session rather than just as a static insert. It runs in either stereo linked or dual-mono mode, with a double panel view if you need to see both channels simultaneously. The Auto Audition function solos whichever band you're currently adjusting, making it easier to hear what you're actually doing to the signal. Presets are stored on your computer rather than in the hardware itself, so they stay organized with your sessions. The Recall Hardware Settings option handles cases where you've made changes to the unit outside of your DAW and need to sync everything back up.
On the Hardware Side
The unit is slim, at 140 mm deep, and draws only 15 watts at full operation with 2 watts in standby. The included power adapter handles 100 to 240 VAC, so it works globally. Connections are balanced XLR on both input and output, and the USB link is strictly for DAW communication and recall; audio runs through your converters as usual.
Internally, a non-volatile memory chip retains all settings through power interruptions and keeps track of the last on/standby state, uptime, and power cycle count. The front panel keeps it simple: signal presence and clip indicators for both channels, engage status LEDs, and a USB connection indicator. On the technical side, the unit handles a maximum input of +24 dBu and maximum output of +27 dBu, with a dynamic range of 101 dB and a THD ratio of 0.0025% at +4dBu. Frequency response runs from 7 Hz to 30kHz, flatness holds within +/- 0.2 dB across the full 20Hz to 20kHz range, and channel-to-channel crosstalk measures greater than 88dB. The plugin is compatible with macOS 10.13 and up on both Intel and Apple Silicon, as well as Windows 10 and 11.
A Practical Choice for Stereo Bus Work
The PEQ_core is the kind of unit that earns its place on a stereo bus or mastering chain and stays there. The passive filtering is well-suited to broad tonal shaping, the extended air bands give you options that most passive EQs don't offer, and the plugin integration means you're not sacrificing the session workflow you've built. For studios running hybrid setups, it fits without requiring any workarounds.
You can find more information on the Bettermaker PEQ_core on its product page.