McIntosh MQ112

Product details

Product: McIntosh MQ112 Environmental Equalizer
Colour: Black with illuminated green logos and aluminium accents

Introduction
The McIntosh MQ112 is a high-end, fully analogue equalizer designed to fine-tune the sound of your audio system—whether based on personal preference or room acoustics. With eight adjustable frequency bands ranging from 25 Hz to 10 kHz, the MQ112 offers precise control over your system’s tonal balance.

This 8-band equalizer is McIntosh’s elegant solution for tackling acoustic issues, enhancing poor recordings, or simply tailoring the sound to your liking. It’s an ideal companion to preamplifiers like the McIntosh C2700 and C12000, which do not include built-in tone controls. Built with extreme precision, the MQ112 features ultra-low-noise circuitry and minimal distortion, making it a perfect match for high-end audio setups.

Tuning a sound system to an acoustically untreated space can be a challenge, especially in living rooms where acoustic treatment isn’t always feasible. The MQ112 offers a practical, non-invasive way to take control of your sound—allowing you to spend more time listening and less time adjusting.

Cosmetic description
The MQ112 showcases the iconic McIntosh design: a black glass front panel, illuminated green logos, chrome rotary knobs, and aluminium accents. The eight symmetrically arranged frequency controls provide clear and intuitive operation. The finish and materials perfectly match other McIntosh components.

Functional notes
Equalizer: 8-band analogue with frequency controls at 25 Hz, 50 Hz, 100 Hz, 200 Hz, 400 Hz, 1 kHz, 3 kHz, and 10 kHz; each with ±12 dB adjustment range
TILT function: Subtle tonal shift of ±6 dB at 20 Hz and 20 kHz
Bypass function: The equalizer can be fully bypassed via manual switch or programmable trigger

Inputs and outputs:
– 1x balanced input (XLR)
– 1x unbalanced input (RCA)
– 1x balanced output (XLR)
– 1x unbalanced output (RCA)
– 1x additional output (configurable as mono or stereo, ideal for subwoofers, bi-amping, or a second system)

Application:
– Between a preamplifier and power amplifier
– Via the tape monitor loop of an integrated amplifier
– Flexible combinations (e.g. unbalanced input with balanced output)

Thanks to its versatility, the MQ112 can be seamlessly integrated into almost any hi-fi setup without compromising signal integrity or ease of use. McIntosh presents it as an elegant tool for addressing acoustic challenges and optimizing sound in the frequency domain. For those seeking both frequency and time-domain correction, the MEN220 Room Correction System is available as a complementary option.

Specifications
Equalizer: 8-band analogue, ±12 dB per band
TILT function: ±6 dB at 20 Hz / 20 kHz
Bypass: manual or via trigger
Inputs: 1x XLR, 1x RCA
Outputs: 1x XLR, 1x RCA, 1x extra output (configurable mono/stereo)
Dimensions: 44.5 x 13.4 x 38.1 cm (W x H x D)
Weight: approx. 8.2 kg