My PSP Datamix A567 Review: Vintage Tone, Digital Precision

The PSP Datamix A567 is a bold reimagining of an iconic piece of studio hardware that shaped the sound of countless legendary recordings. Modeled after the equalizer module from the first-generation Datamix console, this plugin has been officially endorsed by Eddie Kramer, the legendary engineer behind Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and KISS.

As an audio engineer who thrives on characterful tools, I was excited to get and try this EQ plugin and see how it could improve my mixes. Spoiler: it didn’t disappoint…

The GUI

The PSP Datamix A567 EQ plugin’s graphical user interface (GUI) captures the essence of the vintage hardware it emulates while providing the conveniences of modern digital tools. Whether you’re a seasoned audio engineer or a beginner exploring analog-style EQs, the GUI offers an intuitive, visually appealing workspace that bridges old-school aesthetics with cutting-edge functionality.

The GUI also includes a unique channel variation selector, allowing you to switch between individual module emulations. This feature is conveniently placed, making it effortless to experiment with subtle tonal differences across channels.

Every control feels smooth and precise, with immediate auditory feedback as you make adjustments. The interface scales well on various screen sizes, ensuring it looks crisp and is easy to navigate whether you’re working on a laptop or a high-resolution display.

Flexible Yet Full of Personality

The Datamix A567 features a 3-band EQ with some unique quirks:

• Low Band: Offers peaking on boost and the choice of peaking or shelving on cut. Great for shaping the weight and body of your sound.
• Mid Band: Features a peaking boost and a notch-style cut, perfect for carving out space or emphasizing crucial midrange elements.
• High Band: Switches between peaking and shelving modes, delivering silky highs or a more pronounced presence depending on your needs.

Two standout features: the Alt Q mode and the Sharp mode allows further customization. Alt Q fixes the bandwidth (Q) of each band for gentler adjustments, while Sharp mode adds resonance to the high band for a striking, focused boost. Whether I needed subtle tone shaping or bold creative moves, these modes delivered.

A Taste of Analog Character

The first thing you’ll notice when using the Datamix A567 is that it doesn’t aim to sound “neutral.” Even with all EQ bands set to zero, the plugin imparts a subtle but noticeable analog warmth, thanks to its meticulously modeled preamp and output transformer sections. This is no sterile digital EQ—it’s alive with tonal color, making it an ideal tool for injecting character into any track.

One of my first tests with the PSP Datamix A567 was on a lead vocal track that needed a lift in the high mids to cut through a dense mix. Using the Mid band in peaking boost mode, I dialed in a gentle 3 dB boost around 3.5 kHz. The vocal instantly came to life, sitting perfectly in the mix without sounding harsh. The Alt Q mode ensured the boost remained musical and avoided overemphasis on narrower frequencies.

I also engaged the preamp section for a touch of analog warmth, which added subtle harmonic richness to the vocal. By tweaking the Output transformer emulation, I found the sweet spot where the vocal tone had just the right amount of saturation to feel intimate without being overwhelming.

Sonic Versatility

On a drum bus, I used the Low band to shape the kick drum and add punch to the overall kit. In shelving cut mode, I rolled off a small amount of sub-bass frequencies below 40 Hz to clean up the low end. Then, switching to peaking boost, I added a controlled lift at 100 Hz to emphasize the kick drum’s body.

Further, when I got to the mastering process I added the PSP Datamix A567 to get a subtle but effective stereo depth and tonal balance. I used the Low band in peaking boost mode to add warmth around 60 Hz and gave the High band a gentle lift at 12 kHz for added air. Engaging the preamp and output sections subtly glued the entire track together, providing the cohesive, polished finish you’d expect from a high-end analog console.

Whether it was a vocal track that needed a touch of vintage character, a bassline that needed more punch, or a drum kit that needed to sit tighter in the mix, the Datamix A567 delivered consistently. Its built-in presets, including some by Eddie Kramer himself, provide excellent starting points for a variety of instruments and styles.

Channel Variations and Stereo Spread

One of my favorite aspects of the Datamix A567 is its attention to analog imperfections. The plugin includes eight modeled “channels,” each with slightly different tuning and behavior, just like the original console modules. For stereo work, you can adjust the left and right channel tuning independently, adding width and depth to your mix.

I found this especially useful when mixing stereo acoustic guitars. By introducing subtle variations between the channels, the sound felt more open and organic, like it was recorded in a live room rather than layered in a DAW.

What Sets It Apart

The Datamix A567 isn’t just about EQ, it’s about tone! The preamp and transformer emulations add a layer of harmonic richness that makes even the cleanest digital recordings feel like they’ve been run through a vintage console. It’s not subtle, but that’s what makes it so compelling.

The PSP Datamix A567 stands out for its distinctive non-linear character and vintage console-inspired tuning spread. It’s more colorful and aggressive compared to plugins like the Pultec EQ or SSL Native X-EQ 2, which tend to lean toward smooth or clean processing.

However, pairing it with plugins like the Neve 1073 or API 550A can give you even more tonal options for a wide range of mixing and mastering tasks.

Here are some of its standout features:

• True Analog Modeling: Captures the nuances of the original Datamix console.
• FAT Double Sampling: Ensures pristine processing across all sample rates.
• Adjustable Tuning Spread: Creates organic stereo variation.
• Transformer Emulation: Adds authentic analog coloration.
• Over 100 Presets: Jumpstart your creativity with settings crafted by industry pros.

A Tool for Engineers Who Love Character

The PSP Datamix A567 isn’t for everyone. If you’re looking for a transparent, clinical EQ, this might not be your go-to. But if you’re after a plugin that oozes character and brings a vintage vibe to your mixes, the Datamix A567 is a must-have.

It’s not just a tool, it’s an instrument! Every adjustment feels like a creative decision, not just a technical one. Whether you’re mixing rock, folk, hip-hop, or anything in between, this plugin has the potential to elevate your work.

If you’re ready to bring the iconic sound of the Datamix consoles into your studio, the PSP Datamix A567 is available at Plugin Boutique. Check it out, and let me know how it transforms your mixes!