DACS manufactures outstanding audio equipment. Always innovative, sometimes quirky, they unfailingly achieve the highest technical standards, and are some of the best sounding units around.
We would like to introduce our award winning analogue effects processor.
FwS FREQue II
Produce pumping tracks that stand out from the crowd with the FwS FREQue II (pronounced "freak"), a genuinely new and inspirational analogue effects processor. In a world filled with plug-ins that do everything, the FREQue II is a processor that few, if any, plug-ins can emulate. The FREQue II is truly a sound designer's dream. It'll chew up program material like nothing else out there!
Stephen Dewey, LA sound designer and founder of Machine Head, said after using it in his Superbowl half time extravaganza the he "wouldn't let his daughter date one!"
The FREQue II is described as having "the best sounding ring modulators by far" (SOS, Paul Nagle). Valentin Seabass described it as his "mixes' Amex - they never leave the house without it"; Jacqui Smith at Real World studios uses it extensively to give subtle colouring up to dramatic mangling.
The FREQue II is based around 2 of the DACS ring modulators, with 2 very stable voltage controlled oscillators (producing sine and cosine outputs over 4 ranges from subsonic to around 16kHz) switchable to provide the MODulation input, equalisation that adds weight and edge to the MUSic input. In addition it allows frequency modulation of one oscillator by the other, and also analogue FREQuency shifting. The input gain and mix controls allow you maximum control of your output; all audio I/O is fully floating balanced on TRS jacks.
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EM unveiled the first Editors' Choice Awards in December 1992. Above, Douglas Doherty (DACS MD) is presented with his award, alongside Fraser Jones (DACS' US distributor).
Below, EM review the FREQue II in their awards feature:
"And now we are proud to present the winners of the tenth annual EM Editors' Choice Awards. Drumroll, please!
Effects Processor, Analog (Hardware)
DACS FREQue II
The
past year was a good one for analog effects processors, including
Demeter's smooth sounding RV-1 spring reverb and the terminally hip
Sherman Filterbank II. However, when it comes to mangling your music in
delightful ways, the DACS FREQue II takes the prize. The FREQue II
puts a pair of ring modulators in a 2U rackmount box. The ring
modulators can be operated independently - each processor has its own
program and carrier inputs and dedicated controls - or linked into
Dual-Mono mode, so that both processors are controlled by one set of
knobs.
Engage the FM On switch, and oscillator 1 is routed to
the CV input of oscillator 2 for instant frequency modulation. A
dedicated FM depth control lets you add modulation to taste. For real
tweaking satisfaction, push the Freque button: it transforms the
processor into a frequency shifter, which gives you the sum and
difference of tones at separate outputs. The amount of shift is
controlled by oscillator 2 and can be changed manually or with a
control voltage. The frequency shifter gives you a range of effects,
from subtle stereo processing to wild timbral shaping.
Compared
with the original Freque, DACS has brought Freque II up to a pro level,
adding trim controls to the four audio inputs, a CV input jack and
oscillator output jack for each ring modulator, separate level controls
for each output, and balanced TRS jacks throughout.
To some,
ring modulation and frequency shifting may seem like exotic effects.
But the simplicity with which you can shape sound using the Freque II,
whether subtly or extremely, makes it a joy to use - not to mention a
colourful addition to your effects rack."
Audio samples should be available from our web site from Tuesday 21st July, or you can request the FREQue II CD.
Visit DACS' website in July for our Birthday year offer on the
FREQue II
