Korneff Audio has released the SITRAL Klangfilter W295, a new equalizer plugin based on vintage German broadcast hardware originally developed in the 1960s. The software recreates the design and behavior of the SITRAL W295 series, which became known in broadcast and studio environments for its distinctive EQ curves and transformer-based circuitry.
Based on Classic German Broadcast EQs
The original SITRAL equalizers were designed for the German broadcast industry, where reliability and consistency were critical. The W295 family included several variations, each offering a different approach to tone shaping. According to Korneff Audio, the plugin models three of these classic modules at the component level, with the goal of preserving the response and interaction of the original circuits.
The plugin includes the following modeled versions:
- W295 (Original) – A fixed-band EQ focused on detailed control of lows, mids, and highs, often associated with more assertive tonal shaping.
- W295a – A tilt-style equalizer that shifts the frequency balance using complementary boosts and cuts, designed for broad tonal adjustments.
- W295b – A variation that emphasizes extended control over low and high frequencies, with a smoother midrange response.
EQ Controls and Signal Characteristics
The SITRAL Klangfilter W295 provides low-, mid-, and high-frequency shaping modeled after the original hardware’s curves. The low-frequency section is designed to produce substantial bass while maintaining clarity, reflecting how the original units were used in broadcast chains. The midrange section supports both subtle shaping and more pronounced adjustments, while the high shelf is intended to add openness without introducing harshness.
In addition to EQ, the plugin includes adjustable transformer saturation, allowing users to introduce varying degrees of harmonic coloration inspired by the hardware’s transformers. This ranges from subtle tonal thickening to more audible distortion effects.
A High Quality (HQ) mode is also available, offering enhanced internal processing intended to more closely emulate analog circuit behavior, with increased CPU usage as a trade-off.
Workflow and Availability
The SITRAL Klangfilter W295 is offered as a perpetual license and is available for download directly from Korneff Audio. A demo version is also available for users who want to evaluate the plugin before purchasing.
At launch, the plugin is listed at a promotional price of $64.99, discounted from its standard price of $129.99. Platform formats and system requirements are provided on the developer’s product page.
The release adds another vintage-inspired EQ option to Korneff Audio’s catalog, focusing on historically significant broadcast designs adapted for modern DAW-based workflows.
