McIntosh MQ 112AC Analogue 8 Band Equalizer

MQ 112AC Equalizer

The McIntosh MQ112 AC Environmental Equalizer offers discerning hi-fi enthusiasts the opportunity to precisely tailor the sonic potential of their system to the room and the recording. Since living spaces are rarely acoustically optimized, the MQ112 AC provides an elegant solution for selectively correcting disruptive influences – without structural modifications or permanent changes to the listening room.

At its core is a high-quality 8-band analog equalizer that allows adjustments to the frequency range from 25 Hz to 10 kHz. Each band can be adjusted with a range of ±12 dB. This allows for the control of room modes in the bass, precise midrange, or fine-tuning of the treble. The MQ112 AC operates entirely analog, preserving the sonic integrity of even the highest-quality signal sources.

Besides room correction, the equalizer is also suitable for the careful optimization of older or sonically unbalanced recordings. Frequency deficiencies can be specifically compensated for without distorting the musical substance – a clear added value for lovers of vintage pressings or early digital productions.

The integrated TILT control (±6 dB at 20 Hz and 20 kHz, tilt axis at 650 Hz) allows you to shift the overall tonal balance of the sound. This makes the playback warmer or brighter without having to adjust individual frequency bands separately. The EQ control switch allows you to bypass the entire equalizer circuit, enabling a direct comparison between the processed and unprocessed signals at any time.

The inclusion of balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) inputs and outputs ensures seamless integration into a wide variety of system concepts – from classic stereo setups to bi-amping configurations, and even the integration of a subwoofer or an additional listening room.

Technical data

• Rated Output Voltage:
  2.5 V unbalanced
  5V symmetrical
• Maximum output voltage:
  10 V unbalanced
  20 V symmetrical
• Maximum input voltage:
  10 V unbalanced
  20 V symmetrical
• Voltage gain (all controls in neutral position):
  0 dB (IN to OUT), balanced and unbalanced
• Frequency response (all controls neutral):
  +0 / -0.5 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz
  +0 / -1 dB from 10 Hz to 100 kHz
• Signal-to-noise ratio:
  115 dB (below nominal output voltage)
• Total harmonic distortion (THD):
  0.005% from 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Input impedance:
  10 kOhm unbalanced
  20 kOhm symmetrical
• Output impedance:
  500 ohms unbalanced
  1000 Ohm symmetrical
• Equalizer bands (adjustment range ±12 dB each):
  25 Hz
  50 Hz
  100 Hz
  200 Hz
  400 Hz
  1 kHz
  3 kHz
  10 kHz
• Tilt control:
  ±6 dB at 20 Hz and 20 kHz
  Tilt axis at 650 Hz

The MQ112 AC also remains true to the brand's DNA in terms of appearance: black glass front, precisely crafted rotary controls, illuminated logo and high-quality aluminum end caps underline the classic look.

The MQ112 AC is not intended as a mere correction tool, but as a sensitive instrument for fine-tuning the sound – developed for listeners who do not want to leave their system to chance.