Relab Maselec Bundle — Free Download

Purpose and Design

The Maselec Bundle combines two plugins from Relab, both developed in collaboration with engineer Leif Mases. The MEA-2 Precision Stereo EQ is a detailed recreation of the Maselec hardware, offering a musical, hand-tuned EQ with a unique asymmetric bandwidth curve and broad shelving for a smooth, natural response. It is praised for transparency and musicality, making it a core tool for mastering and mixing.

The MLA-4 Triband Compressor/Expander is a software version of the original multiband dynamics unit. It provides high-end dynamic control for mixing, mastering, and stem processing. Users can manage low-end dynamics, enhance midrange clarity, and restore transients without introducing unwanted artifacts, all with analog warmth and digital flexibility.

Key Capabilities

The MEA-2 EQ includes modern enhancements such as per-band Mid/Side control and Solo Isolation, which allow for precise stereo field manipulation and focused listening. Its intuitive workflow features streamline the equalization process, making it accessible for professionals. The asymmetric Q curve delivers a natural phase response, contributing to its musical character.

The MLA-4 offers advanced controls including per-band total harmonic distortion for selective warmth, an Auto Spectral Balance feature to preserve tonal integrity, and smart sidechain linking for seamless dynamic adjustments. These features allow for refined multiband compression and expansion, enabling users to shape dynamics while maintaining the original tone of the audio.

Workflow and Integration

In a mastering chain, the MEA-2 can be used for precise tonal shaping, with Mid/Side options to widen or focus the image. The broad shelving filters are ideal for gentle high-frequency air or low-end control, while the asymmetric Q prevents harsh resonances. Solo Isolation helps audition specific bands, ensuring surgical edits. The MLA-4 is suited for stem processing, where each band can be compressed or expanded independently.

For mixing, the MLA-4 can tighten a bass guitar or drum bus, while the MEA-2 adds clarity to vocals or full mixes. The plugins’ design allows for intuitive adjustments, with controls laid out logically. The sidechain linking ensures coherent dynamics across the frequency spectrum, avoiding pumping. Both plugins provide professional results without the cost of hardware, offering an accessible yet powerful solution.

Practical Applications and Limitations

The MEA-2 is effective for mastering tasks like corrective EQ, tonal matching, or adding final polish. Its transparency makes it suitable for classical or acoustic recordings where minimal coloration is desired. The MLA-4 excels in dynamic control for modern music production, such as evening out inconsistent vocal performances or reshaping synth pads.

The MLA-4’s expansion function can restore transients in overly compressed audio, making it a tool for remastering or audio repair. However, multiband dynamics require careful listening to avoid phase issues; the Auto Spectral Balance helps mitigate that. Both plugins are software recreations, so they mimic hardware but may not include all physical attributes like analog noise. Users should ensure their host supports the plugin formats; the source does not specify compatibility.

Key features

• MEA-2: asymmetric Q curve, broad shelving, Mid/Side per band, Solo Isolation
• MLA-4: triband compressor/expander, per-band THD, Auto Spectral Balance, sidechain linking
• Both developed in collaboration with Leif Mases
• Transparent and musical sound for mastering and mixing
• Analog warmth with digital flexibility
• Lower cost than original hardware

Best for

Professional engineers seeking precise EQ and multiband dynamic control for mastering, mixing, and stem processing. Ideal for adding transparency, controlling low-end, enhancing clarity, and restoring transients without artifacts. Suitable for any genre requiring detailed tonal shaping and dynamic adjustment.