Pope Audio: BAX 2020 'Classic' 500 Series EQ & Drive - Contact us for Availability

The Highs & Lows

The Pope Audio BAX 2020 'Classic' is a refined 500 Series module that brings the timeless elegance of Baxandall EQ into the modern studio. Designed for engineers who value musicality and simplicity, this unit offers broad, natural-sounding tonal shaping with a vintage twist.

At its core, the BAX 2020 features analogue Hi and Lo frequency gain controls, allowing for smooth, sweeping adjustments that enhance without harshness. The GAR2520 discrete op-amp on the input stage provides a rich, driveable character, letting users push the input for added harmonic flavour. On the output, the NE5532 op-amp ensures clean, reliable signal delivery.

Sound Profile: Smooth, Musical, and Vintage-Flavoured
Baxandall EQ Character: The BAX 2020 uses a classic Baxandall-style shelving EQ, known for its gentle, wide curves. This allows for broad tonal shaping without introducing harshness or phase issues—perfect for subtle enhancement or tonal sweetening.

Vintage Analogue Warmth: The GAR2520 discrete op-amp in the input stage adds a mid-'70s API-style colouration, offering a touch of harmonic richness and analogue depth.

Driveable Input Stage: The “Classic” version allows you to drive the input to introduce subtle saturation and character, giving your tracks a more organic, analogue feel.

Natural Highs & Tight Lows: The high shelf adds air and presence without sounding brittle, while the low shelf can tighten or thicken the bottom end, especially effective on drums, vocals, and mix buses.

Hard Bypass: When disengaged, the unit is completely out of the signal path, preserving signal integrity.

Main Features:

• Classic Baxandall EQ curves for natural, phase-friendly tone shaping
• GAR2520 DOA input stage for vintage-style saturation and warmth
• Hard bypass switch for true signal integrity when not in use
• Minimalist interface with just Hi, Lo, and Bypass controls—perfect for fast, intuitive use
• NE5532 Discrete Op Amp
• Hand-built in the UK
  
• Boutique craftsmanship with premium components

Tech Specs:

• Format: 500 Series Module
• EQ Type: Baxandall-style shelving EQ
• High Shelf: Smooth boost/cut
• Low Shelf: Smooth boost/cut
• Controls: High Gain, Low Gain, Hard Bypass Switch
• Input Stage: GAR2520 Discrete Op Amp (DOA)
• Output Stage: NE5532 Op Amp
• Drive Capability: Input stage can be driven for added harmonic colouration
• Bypass: True hard bypass (100% signal integrity when disengaged)
• Dimensions: Standard 500 Series single-slot width
• Weight: Approx. 0.5 kg (varies slightly by build)
• Build: Hand-assembled, high-quality components
• Application: Ideal for mix bus sweetening, tracking, and mastering
• Discover more about Pope Audio [BAX 2020]: https://www.popeaudio.co.uk/general-1-1-1