S-PL PIQ Mastering Equalizer
Precision shaping. Musical balance. Mastering-grade clarity.
The S-PL PIQ is not about drastic EQ moves — it’s about subtle tonal refinement that defines the final sound.
With its transparent response, broad musical curves, and mastering-focused precision, it enhances clarity, controls low-end energy, and adds polish without compromising the integrity of the mix.
NAM A2 Updated
All Tokyo Studio Capture profiles have been updated for the latest NAM A2 architecture.
NAM A2 represents the most significant advancement in Neural Amp Modeler to date, delivering substantially improved accuracy, efficiency, and hardware fidelity compared to previous generations.
According to large-scale blind listening tests, A2 consistently achieved results that are extremely difficult to distinguish from the original hardware.
What you actually get
A collection of S-PL PIQ mastering EQ profiles captured across a wide range of tonal shaping approaches.
Profiles included:
- S-PL PIQ – Master Air
Open top-end enhancement with refined mastering clarity.
EQ Focus: Air band enhancement / Character: Open & polished - S-PL PIQ – Low Tighten
Controlled low-end shaping with improved focus and definition.
EQ Focus: Low-end tightening / Character: Tight & clean - S-PL PIQ – Analog Smile
Gentle low and high enhancement with smooth midrange balance.
EQ Focus: Broad tonal shaping / Character: Musical & balanced - S-PL PIQ – Vocal Presence
Forward vocal enhancement with polished upper-mid clarity.
EQ Focus: Presence enhancement / Character: Clear & intimate - S-PL PIQ – Mix Depth
Subtle midrange sculpting for enhanced depth and separation.
EQ Focus: Midrange contouring / Character: Deep & spacious - S-PL PIQ – Tape Warmth
Soft tonal shaping with vintage-inspired warmth and density.
EQ Focus: Low-mid enhancement / Character: Warm & smooth - S-PL PIQ – Modern Clarity
Clean mastering enhancement with open highs and controlled lows.
EQ Focus: Full-spectrum clarity / Character: Modern & open - S-PL PIQ – Drum Attack
Focused transient enhancement with punchy upper-mid energy.
EQ Focus: Attack emphasis / Character: Punchy & energetic - S-PL PIQ – Bass Focus
Defined low-end shaping with improved bass articulation.
EQ Focus: Bass contouring / Character: Focused & controlled - S-PL PIQ – Stereo Shine
Wide, polished top-end enhancement for stereo buss finishing.
EQ Focus: High-frequency enhancement / Character: Wide & glossy - S-PL PIQ – Mid Scoop Space
Subtle midrange reduction for increased openness and dimension.
EQ Focus: Midrange shaping / Character: Spacious & airy - S-PL PIQ – Master Polish
Final-stage mastering enhancement with balanced tonal refinement.
EQ Focus: Overall tonal balance / Character: Smooth & refined
How it behaves
- Top-end remains open and polished without harshness
- Low frequencies stay focused and controlled
- Midrange shaping enhances depth and separation naturally
- Broad EQ curves preserve musical balance and transparency
Audio Demo
Compare the original hardware signal and the NAM profile across a range of sources — bass, guitar, synth, vocals, and full mixes.
Each example demonstrates how closely the profile captures the tonal balance, harmonic response, and musical character of the hardware.
The NAM and hardware samples are gain-matched to allow for a more accurate evaluation of the capture’s fidelity.
For additional context, a dry (unprocessed) version is also included.
Why this capture is different
- Carefully tuned mastering-oriented EQ settings
- Consistent calibration across all profiles
- Designed for subtle but meaningful tonal refinement
Waveform Comparison (Hardware vs NAM)
Below is a direct comparison between the original hardware signal and the NAM profile output.
This visualization highlights how accurately the tonal balance and harmonic response are preserved.
Technical notes
- Format: NAM (.nam)
- Sample Rate: 48kHz
- Capture Type: Real hardware
- Calibration: Studio-level gain staging
Gain Staging Advice
Our captures are pre-calibrated at -18 dBFS input level.
For best results, we recommend feeding the plugin with an input signal close to -18 dBFS.
Because EQ adjustments can affect perceived loudness, some profiles may sound louder or more detailed at first impression.
Please level-match carefully when comparing profiles to better evaluate tonal differences rather than overall volume.
Disclaimer
This product consists of digital NAM profiles and impulse responses captured from real hardware.
All products are independently developed by TSC (Tokyo Studio Capture) and are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to any hardware or software manufacturers.
Any product names, references, or visual elements are used strictly for descriptive purposes only. All trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners.
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Jose I. (verified owner) –
I’m using this S-PL PIQ Mastering Equalizer Profiles on my Master, Mix Buss, and daily Studio work, looking forward to trying them out with the new A2 update