Lightning Boy Audio (LBA) has announced the availability of the Flux Bender, a handcrafted, passive, stereo, vacuum tube powered equalizer. This is what they have to say about it:

With an EQ filter similar to the legendary Pultec EQP-1A, the Flux Bender offers the familiar Low and High band boost/cut controls with a variable bandwidth control on the high boost.  That's where the similarities end. The Flux Bender provides independent frequency controls over the boost/cut controls for the lows and highs.  The left and right channels are controlled simultaneously by a single set of controls, with all components matched to a tight tolerance of .01%.  A pair of output volume controls for Left and Right, are capable of providing up to 8dB of gain over the input signal. The Flux Bender features 4 banks of 6 selectable frequencies, one for each of the boost/cut controls. The high frequency section providescontrol over a wide range of frequencies that extend above the human hearing range. The low frequency section offers control over anything from sub-bass to low-midrange.

The amplifier and power supply section of the Flux Bender are a Lightning Boy original all-tube design. The impressive noise floor is below 90dB. An external power supply, called the "Juice Box," is included.  The Juice box houses the power transformer and connects to the Flux Bender with a 3' tether. Longer power tethers are available for an additional cost.  At the heart of the Flux Bender are a matched pair of NOS 6X4 rectifier tubes and a matchedpair of NOS 12AT7 pre-amp tubes.  Each of these tubes has undergone cryogenic processing to improve their longevity and performance.  The orange glow behind the clear jewel lamp on the front panel of the Flux Bender emirates from one of a pair of gas filled voltage regulator tubes.

The expansive stereo image and velvety black tone of the Flux Bender is a product of skillful blending of all of these components. The back panel of the FluxBender sports 6 metal cans.  Pairs of Sowter input transformers, Jensen interstage transformers, and custom made Cinemag inductors give this EQ a very retro look.  The filter network and amplifier electronics consist of a pair of custom made Cinemag output transformers, and an impressive array of over 60 paper-in-oil capacitors.  The caps are a combination of new old stock and hand-made Lightning Boy Audio paper in oilcaps, a signature feature on all LBA builds.  Much of the Flux Bender's tone can certainly be attributed to the transformers and paper-in-oil caps, but the point to point hand-wiring most surely contributes to it's mojo.

About Lightning Boy Audio
Lightning Boy Audio, has a rich history of building revolutionary recording studio equipment and outstanding equipment modifications. Every LBA creation is hand wired point to point and features hand-made components, NOS paper in oil capacitors, and NOS cryo-treated vacuum tubes to provide exceptional audio quality for the most discerning audio professionals.

Pricing and Availability:
The Flux Bender is available direct online from Lightning Boy Audio for $5000 USD with free shipping in the USA.

More information:

• Flux Bender