Upgrading a Classic
Adding precise output-level control to our original Mk1 Gyraf G14 mastering equaliser.
Sometimes improving a trusted piece of mastering equipment is not about replacing it. It is about refining the original design so it works even more precisely within a modern mastering workflow.
Our original Mk1 Gyraf G14 after the dedicated output Trim control modification.
Why Add a Trim Control?
The modification wasn't about changing the sound of the Gyraf G14. It was about improving the mastering workflow by adding precise output level control.
Our Gyraf G14 is one of the original Mk1 units. Unlike later versions, it wasn't supplied with an output Trim control. While the equaliser itself remained exceptionally musical, accurate output level matching had to be carried out elsewhere in the mastering chain.
The new Trim control allows the output level to be adjusted directly from the front panel after EQ has been applied. That means level comparisons become faster, more accurate and more consistent during critical mastering sessions.
It may appear to be a small modification, but in mastering accuracy is everything. Even a fraction of a decibel can influence how we perceive tonal changes.
By matching the output level precisely, every EQ decision can be judged on musical improvement rather than perceived loudness. This small upgrade preserves everything we love about the original Gyraf G14 while making it an even more practical mastering tool for everyday professional use.
The Completed Modification
A simple addition transformed the workflow without changing the musical character that has made the Gyraf G14 a mastering favourite for so many engineers.
Once installed, the new Trim control became a seamless part of our mastering workflow. It allows output level to be adjusted directly from the front panel without affecting the carefully chosen equalisation settings.
During mastering, small differences in level can easily influence perception. Having precise output adjustment built into the equaliser makes A/B comparisons faster, more consistent and far more reliable when making critical tonal decisions.
Importantly, nothing about the musical performance of the Gyraf G14 changed. The passive equaliser circuit, valve make-up stage and sonic character remain exactly as they always were. The modification simply brings the convenience expected from a modern mastering equaliser while preserving everything that makes the original Mk1 so special.
It is a perfect example of upgrading a classic rather than replacing it—respecting the original design while making it even more practical for professional mastering every day.
Small Details. Better Masters.
Great mastering isn't about making dramatic changes. It's about creating an environment where every decision can be made with complete confidence.
At Sound Arts Mastering we believe the best equipment is the equipment you know intimately. The Gyraf G14 has been part of our analogue mastering chain for many years because of its open, musical character and the way it allows subtle tonal shaping without sacrificing clarity.
Adding the dedicated Trim control doesn't change the sound of the equaliser—it simply makes it easier to evaluate every EQ move at precisely matched listening levels. That removes one more variable from the mastering process and allows us to focus entirely on the music.
It is often the smallest engineering improvements that have the greatest impact on everyday workflow. Better level matching leads to better judgement, faster decisions and ultimately better masters for our clients.
Sometimes upgrading a classic isn't about reinventing it. It's about respecting the original design while giving it the precision required for today's professional mastering environment. That philosophy sits at the heart of everything we do at Sound Arts Mastering.
Precision Matters.
Every Detail Counts.
Professional mastering is built on thousands of careful decisions, from the equipment we choose to the smallest adjustment we make. Discover how Sound Arts Mastering can bring clarity, balance and confidence to your next release.
