“Dramatically improve the punch, dynamics and definition of guitar tones processed with multiple effects”: Endorphin.es Golden Master Multiband Mastering Processor review

One of the greatest benefits of the increasing power of digital technology is how it has made the sound of high-end studio processors both more affordable and convenient in compact stomp box formats. 

Most studio-quality processors that have made the transition to stage-worthy stomp boxes are devices like compressors and EQs that are typically used while tracking or mixing, but with the new Golden Master Multiband Mastering Processor pedal Spain’s Endorphin.es has brought sophisticated mastering technology to the stage as well.

Typically, mastering is the final stage of the recording process where the entire stereo mix is polished and perfected. The Golden Master pedal can certainly be used that way on a band’s live stereo mix, but its multiband EQ, compression and mid/side processing are also very effective for providing individual instruments like keyboards/synths, bass and electric guitar (particularly if the guitar is processed with several different effects in stereo) with a polished studio “sheen.” 

Think of it as the “dude’s rug” of effects – something that really ties the overall sound together.

The Golden Master separates audio into three distinct frequency bands with approximate crossover points at 300Hz and 3kHz: Low (20Hz to 300Hz), Mid (300Hz to 3kHz) and High (3kHz to 20kHz). A Mode button allows users to select mid/side, compression and EQ sections with adjustable parameters controlled by the Low Band, Mid Band and High Band knobs. 

The three individual Low, Mid and High Band knobs provide -20dB band isolation/+8dB boost in EQ mode, 50ms to 14ms attack/1500ms to 150ms release/1:125 to 1:4 ration/-12dB to -20dB threshold in compressor mode, and centered stereo (narrower/mono spread) to normal stereo to side stereo (wider spread) in side/mid mode. 

Other controls include a Threshold knob for adjusting the threshold level of the compressors for all three bands at once, master Volume and Input Gain knobs, individual Mute buttons for each band that can also isolate the compressor on a single band to facilitate dialing in desired settings, and a button for switching between input and output VU meter LED monitoring. 

Two footswitches are providing for switching effect on/off bypass and scrolling through three presets. Jacks consist of pairs of ¼-inch inputs and outputs for true stereo and a ¼-inch expression pedal input that can be set either to control EQ with an optional expression pedal or operate as an audio input for sidechain processing.

Just like how mastering is done at the end of the production process after tracks are recorded and mixed, the Golden Master is best used at or towards the end of the signal chain. 

Unlike typical EQ and compressor pedals that are typically used to shape or define a guitar’s core tone prior to modulation effects, reverb, and so on, the Golden Master Multiband Mastering Processor works best to refine the sound of a guitar’s tone complete with effects processing. 

And while you can certainly use it in mono, the Golden Master optimally works its magic within a stereo soundfield which takes advantage of its side/mid mode multiband processing.

For one of my tests I created a complex sound using high-gain metal distortion pedal, stereo analog chorus, stereo delay and stereo reverb pedals with the Golden Master placed at the end of the signal chain going into the input of a pair of amps dialed to clean tones. 

With the low band’s compressor set to a “heavy” 1:4 ratio and Mid/Side dialed fully counterclockwise to a centered/mono setting, the bass instantly sounded more focused and powerful. 

By boosting the mid band’s EQ and dialing Mid/Side to the middle for normal stereo, the mids allowed the overall guitar tone to become more prominent in a mix with bass, drums and vocals. With the high band’s Mid/Side control set fully clockwise, the stereo spread sounded notably wider and more three-dimensional and the guitar tone’s overall clarity was dramatically improved.

Specs

• PRICE: €295
• TYPE: Multi-band processor
• CONTROLS: Volume,Threshold, Input Gain, Low Band, Mid Band, High Band
• SWITCHES: VU in/out, Mode, Low Band Mute, Mid Band Mute, High Band Mute, Bypass footswitch, Preset footswitch
• JACKS: Input L, Input R, Output L, Output R, Expression/Sidechain, 9VDC center negative barrel
• CONTACT: Endorphine.es