TK Audio TK-lizer 3 – Three-Band Mastering and Mix Bus EQ with Baxandall Circuitry & M/S Processing

OVERVIEW

TK Audio’s TK-lizer 3 is a three-band EQ based on the classic Baxandall circuit from the 1950s, loved by engineers for its smooth and natural sound. It’s equipped with three bands, and it’s packed with functions to fulfill the needs of both mixing and mastering engineers.

This extended mastering and mix bus EQ with M/S function features:

• Three bands with 6 frequencies each.
• High and low bands are selectable between shelf and peak.
• High-pass filter with 12 frequencies.
• M/S function for separate processing of mid and side channels.
• Electronically balanced for a clean path.
• Cue switch for monitoring of left/right or mid/side channels.
• All controls are stepped for easy recall and precise settings.

The three bands have six frequencies each, plus a high-pass filter with twelve frequencies. Low and High bands can be switched between peak and shelving, and each band is followed by a gain control.

The EQ has its own cue function to monitor Left, Right, Mid or Side signals separately.

To maximise the usefulness, you can choose between normal Left/Right mode or Mid/Side (M/S).

When operated in M/S mode, it opens up many more options, such as adding a bit of ‘air’ to the sides, applying the HPF to the side signal to mono-ing the low-end, and by adjusting the side signal level, you can alter the stereo width.

With the mid-channel controls, you can manipulate some of the elements that are often panned centrally, such as bass, kick and snare drum, vocals and hi-hats. All this without adding an external M/S encoder/decoder to your setup.

The new TK-lizer 3 will replace the obsolete TK-lizer 2, and it has several updates, both internally and cosmetically.

New bakelite knobs and toggle switches give it a more vintage look, and the inside has new input and output circuits, updated EQ circuits for better low and high-end, plus an updated M/S circuit for better channel separation.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Classic Baxandall Equalisation

Built around the renowned Baxandall circuit, the TK-lizer 3 delivers exceptionally smooth, transparent, and musical equalisation that enhances mixes without sacrificing their natural balance or clarity.

Three-Band Mastering EQ

Dedicated low, mid, and high frequency bands provide precise tonal shaping across the entire audio spectrum. Switchable shelving or peak operation on the low and high bands adds further flexibility for mastering and mix bus duties.

Integrated Mid/Side Processing

The built-in M/S encoder and decoder allow independent processing of the mid and side channels, making it easy to widen stereo images, tighten low-end focus, and shape centre-panned elements without external hardware.

Precision Stepped Controls

Every rotary control is fully stepped for accurate recall and repeatable settings, making the TK-lizer 3 ideally suited to professional mastering environments where consistency is essential.

Comprehensive High-Pass Filter

A twelve-position high-pass filter enables precise removal of unwanted low-frequency rumble and build-up while preserving the musical integrity of the programme material.

Updated Analogue Circuitry

The third-generation design introduces redesigned input and output stages, improved EQ circuitry for enhanced low- and high-frequency performance, and an upgraded M/S circuit that delivers even better channel separation.

Professional Monitoring Functions

A dedicated cue function allows independent monitoring of the Left, Right, Mid, or Side signals, providing valuable insight when making critical mastering and stereo imaging decisions.

Built for Modern Mastering

With electronically balanced circuitry, exceptionally low distortion, wide bandwidth, and no electrolytic capacitors in the audio path, the TK-lizer 3 delivers the transparency, reliability, and sonic performance demanded by today’s mastering and mix engineers.

FEATURES

• Low band frequencies: 28Hz/48Hz/72Hz/132Hz/195Hz/255Hz – switch for shelf or peak mode, Q=0.5
• Low band cut/boost: +/-0.5dB/1dB/2dB/3dB/4dB
• Mid band frequencies: 400Hz/630Hz/870Hz/1.3kHz/2.4kH/4.8kHz
  Q=0.5
• Mid band cut/boost: +/-0.5dB/1dB/2dB/3dB/4dB
• High band frequencies: 4kHz/7.2kHz/12kHz/16kHz/20kHz/25kHz – switch for shelf or peak mode, Q=0.5
• High band cut/boost: +/-0.5dB/1dB/2dB/3dB/4dB
• HPF: 20Hz/25Hz/30Hz/35Hz/40Hz/45Hz / with x5 activated: 100Hz/125Hz/150Hz/175Hz/200Hz/225Hz, 12dB/octave, Q=0.5
• In/Out and M/S Illuminated switches for EQ in/out and M/S function in/out
• Cue switch: Allow the user to cue the left or right channel or the mid and side channel if the M/S function is active. Two green LEDs show if the cue switch is activated

TECHNICAL SPECS

Input Impedance: 20kohm

Max Input Level: +27dBu

Output Impedance: 68 ohms

Max Output Level: +28dBu

Frequency Response: 20Hz-80kHz +/-0.1dB

THD+N at 0dBu: 0.0004%

S/N @ 0dBu: 95dB

Dynamic Range: 123dB

Channel Separation M/S: better than 60dB at 0dBu

No Electrolytic Capacitors in the Audio Path

Power Consumption: 10VA

Voltage: 115V or 230V selected via an internal voltage selector

TK-lizer Version History:

• TK-lizer. (released June 2012)
• TK-lizer 2. Internal update with slightly better high-end, HPF updated to 12 frequencies, and new knob type. Full M/S encoder/decoder headroom. (released December 2018)
• TK-lizer 3. New look, new input and output circuits, updated EQ circuits for better low and high-end, plus an updated M/S circuit for better channel separation. (released June 2026)

*Specifications and components may be changed or updated without further notice.

DOWNLOADS

• Panel Picture
• Recall Sheet
• TK-lizer 3 Manual