This eq is smooth and clean, low distortion, perfect for mastering. Works really well on individual tracks and buses too. The passive massage is a great way of achieving smooth top end without sounding too harsh. Compared to the best eq plugins emulating hardware , this unit goes way beyond , bringing back life to some dull tracks. Loved how it deals with the low end. A combination of different sounds can be achieved using the narrow Q and high/low cut. The small pages manual that comes with the unit explains really well what are the curves of this eq. A great buy! already have the xpressor and i think i might get next the Karacter . Elysia makes great products.