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Pultec EQs are pretty famous in the audio engineering industry for the special character they bring to mixes. So in this article, we’ll show you some of the best Pultec EQ plugins on the market, if you happen to be looking to make it an addition to your collection.
The top Pultec EQ plugin is Waves Audio PuigTec EQ for being very affordable and easy to use, as well as for its great sound and excellent emulation. We also suggest the Pultec EQP-500X 500, which is just as affordable and great sounding, but with a vintage quality to its sound you may enjoy.
Table of Contents
- About Our Top Choices
- The Top 8 Best Pultec EQ Plugin
- Pultec EQ Plugin Reviews
- The Buying Guide
- FAQs
About Our Top Choices
Waves Audio PuigTec EQ
See price @ Waves Audio
It’s highly understandable why Waves Audio PuigTec EQ may be considered the best software version. It’s an affordable, very meticulous emulation of the EQP-1A that is known for creating a resonant shelf boost in the low-end.
Pros
- Effortless to use
- Even-sounding
- Perfect emulation
- Affordable
Cons
- It has specific limits in terms of cutting and boosting
Pultec EQP-500X 500 Series Program Equalizer
See price @ Sweetwater / @ Amazon
Pultec EQP-500X is a great choice for someone who is looking for a 1-channel EQ that combines a recreation of 2 retro units combined in one. And is affordable, great-sounding, and has a distinctive vintage character.
Pros
- Great-sounding
- Budget-friendly
- Vintage character
Cons
- Requires a 500-series chassis with the correct power supply
Top 8 Best Pultec EQ Plugin
- Waves Audio PuigTec EQ
- Pultec EQP-500X 500 Series Program Equalizer
- Pultec EQP-1A Tube Program Equalizer
- Pultec MEQM-5 Mastering Midrange Equalizer
- Pultec MEQ-500 500 Series Parametric Equalizer
- Pultec EQM-1S Tube Mastering Equalizer
- Pultec EQH-2 Tube Program Equalizer
- Pultec EQP-1S EQ Tube Equalizer
Best Pultec EQ Plugin Reviews
Waves Audio PuigTec EQ
Pros
- Effortless to use
- Even-sounding
- Perfect emulation
- Affordable
Cons
- It has specific limits in terms of cutting and boosting
See price @ Waves Audio
It’s highly understandable why Waves Audio PuigTec EQ may be considered the best software version. It’s an affordable , very meticulous emulation of the EQP-1A that is known for creating a resonant shelf boost in the low-end.
Best features and specs
The Waves Audio PuigTec EQ is a wonderful recreation of the legendary analog unit EQP-1A that was highly valued for its capability of making low-shelf boost. Additionally, as you are having 2 EQs in one package, you get MEQ-5 recreation as well. MEQ-5 is well-known for having easily recognizable tonal characteristics.
User impressions
Users say that the Waves Audio PuigTec EQ works really great, is versatile, and easily adds a bit of warmth and just a bit of bite whenever you need it.
What we think
What we like about the Waves Audio PuigTec EQ is how faithful the manufacturer has been to the original look and feel in its interface. The EQ is not bad either, to say the least.
Bottomline
The Waves Audio PuigTec EQ is a great choice for someone who is looking for an extremely affordable, even-sounding, easy-to-use plugin that is a detailed emulation of the famous EQP-1A unit.
Pultec EQP-500X 500 Series Program Equalizer
Pros
- Great-sounding
- Budget-friendly
- Vintage character
Cons
- Requires a 500-series chassis with the correct power supply
See price @ Sweetwater / @ Amazon
If you have ever wanted to own two classic Pultecs EQs, you should pay attention to the Pultec EQP-500X, which combines the EQP-1A3-SS and the EQP-1S3-SS EQs in a much smaller form factor than the original units. Not only do you get the well-known vacuum tube sound, but also the best price among other options on this list.
Best features and specs
The Pultec EQP-500X offers 1 channel with 2-bands EQ that is packed into a 1-slot 500 series module. Also, this EQ has a 30Hz, 40Hz, 70Hz, and 100Hz shelf boost of 0-13.5dB and the same range shelf attenuation of 0-17.5dB. And high-end peak boost of 0-18dB and amplifier with frequency range 20Hz-20kHz, +0, -1dB.
User impressions
Users in their review say they like the Pultec EQP-500X because it’s well-built, reliable, good-sounding, versatile, and very easy to use.
What we think
We think the Pultec EQP-500X is well designed, differing substantially from a lot of other EQs. Having 2 bands and the fact that attenuate and boost controls work separately gives plenty of benefits as well.
Bottomline
The Pultec EQP-500X is a great choice for someone who is looking for a 1-channel EQ that combines a recreation of 2 retro units combined in one. And is affordable, great-sounding, and has a distinctive vintage character.
Pultec EQP-1A Tube Program Equalizer
Pros
- Great-sounding
- Thorough emulation
- Stylish
Cons
- Not exactly budget-friendly
See price @ Sweetwater
We bet you have always wanted to try out the legendary Pultec EQP-1A and enjoy the enhancements that it can bring to your tracks. Well, now is the time, as Pultec EQP-1A is a state-of-the-art recreation of the original unit from 1978.
Best features and specs
The Pultec EQP-1A features a 1-channel 2-band EQ that is designed identically to the well-known vintage unit. This EQ gives you an amazingly low noise floor for achieving the purest sound, bandwidth control, and isolated cut and boost controls.
User impressions
Users say that the Pultec EQP-1A is a great EQ. It’s versatile, adds that special magic, and is no less than satisfactory.
What we think
We think that the Pultec EQP-1A does the same as the original “True Blue” unit did, which is good. You won’t experience any gain loss due to its design, and we sure do love the classic look.
Bottomline
The Pultec EQP-1A is a great choice for someone who is looking for 1 channel 2 band EQ that is a very detailed recreation of the famous retro unit that looks very stylish and is great-sounding.
Pultec MEQM-5 Mastering Midrange Equalizer
Pros
- Reliable
- Stylish
- Pure-sounding
Cons
- Not for every budget
See price @ Sweetwater
If you’re looking for an EQ specifically for the midrange that will let you get rid of any tiny bit of mud or dirt in the sound, then you should check out the Pultec MEQM-5.
Best features and specs
The Pultec MEQM-5 offers 1-channel with 3-bands EQ that is recreated with the closest proximity to the design of the original unit. It gets you the lowest noise floor so that you get no less than pure sound. Also, it has 21-position stepped switches and isolated cut and boost bands.
User impressions
Users like Pultec MEQM-5 for doing the job on the highest level possible, getting rid of unwanted frequencies, and making the sound smooth and pleasant to listen to.
What we think
We think that the Pultec MEQ-5 is definitely the ‘cure’ for your midrange woes, including any unwanted sounds, and other imperfections.
Bottomline
The Pultec MEQM-5 is a great choice for someone who is looking for a 1-channel 3-band EQ that’s dedicated to the midrange.
Pultec MEQ-500 500 Series Parametric Equalizer
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Pleasant-sounding
- Versatile
Cons
- Requires a 500-series chassis
See price @ Sweetwater
If you want a midrange EQ but don’t have enough space to use a standard rackmount 19″ unit, you should have a look at the Pultec MEQ-500, which features a more compact form factor and the same characteristics as the original one.
Best features and specs
The Pultec MEQ-500 has a 1-channel 3-band midrange EQ that comes in a 500 series module and has a few improvements by Jack Douglas. This EQ offers you a modern design with the built-in vintage character of the original unit. Also, it features API 2520 op-amp for makeup gain, extremely low noise floor, and isolated cut and boost bands.
User impressions
Users agree that the Pultec MEQ-500 surely makes everything sound better, is really stylish, and sounds great.
What we think
We think the Pultec MEQ-500’s form factor will save you a lot of space, yet deliver the same functionality and ability to clean up the midrange.
Bottomline
The Pultec MEQ-500 is a great choice for someone who is looking for a 1-channel 3-band EQ that is affordable, versatile, and enormously pleasant-sounding.
Pultec EQM-1S Tube Mastering Equalizer
Pros
- Thorough recreation
- Stunningly-sounding
- Unique design
Cons
- Not exactly budget-friendly
- Requires 3 rack spaces
See price @ Sweetwater
If you’re in need of the classic EQP-1S equalizer, you should check the Pultec EQM-1S, which is a modern recreation of the legendary unit that has the same functionality and well-recognized design.
Best features and specs
The Pultec EQM-1S offers a 1-channel 2-band EQ that is meticulously built to be an identical recreation of the vintage unit. It has an extremely low noise floor to achieve the purest sound, bandwidth control, and isolated cut and boost controls.
User impressions
Users are quite impressed with the Pultec EQM-1S as it delivers great results, truly pure sound, and is versatile.
What we think
We like when the manufacturer is ready to come to great distances and make any efforts in order to produce the unit of the highest quality possible. The Pultec EQM-1S is proof of that enormous dedication and mastery of Pultec. This EQ gives you the needed amount of control over boosting and cutting on the mastering stages.
Bottomline
The Pultec EQM-1S is a great choice for someone who is looking for a 1-channel 2-band EQ that is a detailed recreation of the retro unit that has a unique design and amazing sound quality.
Pultec EQH-2 Tube Program Equalizer
Pros
- Transparent
- Carefully-modeled
- Stylish
Cons
- Not for every budget
See price @ Sweetwater
If you’re looking for an EQ that is capable of giving you transparent sound, you should check the Pultec EQH-2. Like many others, this unit is a meticulous recreation of the vintage hardware unit that has the same functionality.
Best features and specs
The Pultec EQH-2 features a 1-channel with 2-bands EQ that has the same Class A output stage as the original MEQ-5 EQ. In addition to that, this unit has the most transparent character.
User impressions
Many buyers like the Pultec EQH-2 due to being a much more compact version if compared with the original unit. Users add that they truly like the fact that this EQ has bandwidth for the boost and cut in high-end around 12 kHz.
What we think
What we like about the Pultec EQH-2 is its design, which is very straightforward and equal to that of the original unit. In addition to that, we fancy the way this EQ sounds.
Bottomline
The Pultec EQH-2 is a great choice for someone who is looking for a 1-channel 2-band EQ that is very carefully modeled, has stylish looks, and features transparent sound.
Pultec EQP-1S EQ Tube Equalizer
Pros
- Warm-sounding
- Well-built
- Meticulously recreated
Cons
- Not exactly budget-friendly
See price @ Sweetwater
It’s true that every studio on the planet wants to have one or a few of the Pultec EQs, and they’re ready to give this unit as much space as it needs. The Pultec EQP-1S is an exquisite unit that requires 3 racks and enhances your tracks so that you get massive low-end, tasty, and smooth warmth in the midrange and delicate highs.
Best features and specs
The Pultec EQP-1S offers 1-channel with 2-band EQ that is modeled the same way as the original one. It has a perfect combination of modern and sturdy design with vintage character. Also, you get low noise floor, isolated cut and boost controls, and bandwidth control.
User impressions
Users agree that the Pultec EQP-1S is a versatile, good-sounding, extremely well-built, and well-designed EQ that is really easy to use.
What we think
We think that the Pultec EQP-1S is useful in giving you more access to frequencies in the high-end to mix. Not only that, but we think you’ll love the flavor that the low-end gives.
Bottomline
The Pultec EQP-1S is a great choice for someone who is looking for a 1-channel 2-band EQ that is modeled to be an exact replica of a vintage unit.
Pultec EQ Plugin Buying Guide
What is a Pultec EQ plugin?
The Pultec EQ was a passive tube EQ with a unique amp circuit that was created in the 1950’s.
Why would you need Pultec EQ Plugin?
Pultec EQs tended to add harmonic distortion, an effect which adds depth to the sound. The fact that the original unit was increasingly popular more than last 60 years and still is a worthy addition to every music studio.
Important features
When choosing a Pultec EQ plugin, you should check the following features: type of EQ, the number of bands, and the frequency response range.
EQ type
There are several types of Pultec EQs, such as program, midrange, master, and parametric EQs.
Program EQ is capable of simultaneously cutting and boosting the low-end and has quite common controls with the addition of bandwidth to treble, while midrange EQ deals specifically with midrange and typically has not a lot of controls such as boost, reduction, and one more boost for high-mids. The Master EQ is designed specifically to help in the mastering stage, and parametric EQ is used when you need to make lots of precise alterations.
Bands
For the sake of being precise in cutting or boosting, you need as little as 2 bands, but, ideally, even more.
Frequency response
Regarding this, you would want to start as lower as possible, for example, 20-30 Hz is a good starting point, and go as high as 20 kHz. If you’re looking for a midrange EQ, a good idea would be something with a range of 200 Hz – 7kHz.
How to choose the right one for you?
When you are choosing the best Pultec EQ plugin, you have to already have an idea of which EQ specifically you need. If you’re going to do a lot of very precise and surgical changes, you need to choose an EQ with 2-3 bands. Depending on the type of EQ, choose the widest frequency range possible. And, of course, check all of your wishes against your budget to make a weighed decision.
FAQs
What is Pultec EQ best for?
For changing and modeling the tones in the most natural way as well as adding warmth, depth, punch, and presence to your musical material.
What kind of EQ is a Pultec?
It’s a passive EQ that has a built-in amp so that it can compensate for a gain loss. This is so that the signal comes out at the same level that it came in, with just a bit of coloration and, all-in-all a pleasant sound.
How do you use Pultec EQ?
The thing which makes Pultec EQ so unique is the ability to boost and cut the frequency simultaneously so that you get a nice sound that isn’t muddy or boxy. Other than that, you use this EQ as any other you would. To get rid of unwanted frequencies and boost those that need to stand out in the mix.
