MQ112

The McIntosh MQ112 is an environmental equalizer for adjusting the sound of a stereo system to suit room acoustics, recordings and personal preference. It allows changes to be made to the audio signal rather than relying solely on acoustic treatment, speaker repositioning or moving furniture.

The analogue stereo equalizer provides 8 bands of control across the 25Hz – 10kHz audio frequency range. Each band offers ±12dB of adjustment, allowing particular instrument ranges or voice types to be increased or reduced. The MQ112 uses low-noise circuits and has minimal distortion for integration with high-performance audio systems.

As well as addressing room-related problems, the MQ112 can be used with older or imperfect recordings by targeting specific frequencies and compensating for deficiencies in vintage music. Its TILT control provides a tonal balance shift of ±6dB, allowing the bass to be increased while the treble is reduced, or the reverse.

The EQ Control knob has IN and OUT settings, so the equalizer circuit can be bypassed when comparing the adjusted signal with the original, unaltered version. The rear-panel EQ Control Trigger can also switch the equalizer IN or OUT. One of the programmable triggers on a preamplifier can be used to change the setting according to the selected input or amplifier.

Balanced and unbalanced inputs and outputs allow the McIntosh MQ112 to be placed between a preamplifier and power amplifier or amplifiers. The input and output types do not need to match. For example, a preamplifier or another audio component with volume control, such as some CD players, can connect through the unbalanced inputs, while balanced cables connect the MQ112 to the power amplifier or amplifiers.

The unit can also be used with an integrated amplifier if it has removable jumpers that allow the preamplifier section to be disconnected from the power amplifier section. A second pair of outputs can feed a separate stereo system in another room, support bi-amping with a single pair of speakers, or connect a subwoofer. For subwoofers without stereo inputs, the second output can be set to MONO, allowing 2 subwoofers to be connected in this configuration.

Additional connection options include PROCESSOR loops and TAPE MONITOR record/play connections on many preamplifiers and integrated amplifiers. The back panel also has Power Control ports for switching the MQ112 on and off with other McIntosh components.

The front panel uses black glass, rotary control knobs, an illuminated McIntosh logo and custom-machined aluminium end caps.