Universal Audio Pultec Passive EQ Collection
PSP NobleQ $69
NobleQ is a real Pultec Plus, adding well-
thought-out features that enable a more
modern, slightly more clinical take on the
original design. First of all, there’s a high-pass
filter added into the control set. Next, the low
shelves now have a whopping 13 frequency
settings, helping you fine-tune the scoop
when performing the low-end trick – a great
idea, and one that we miss when moving
back onto other designs.
The high bell filter can now cut as well as
boost, as the high shelving filter can boost as
well as cut – again at 13 frequency settings,
this time from 5kHz all the way to 40kHz.
The boost setting on the high shelf provides
less gain, and when mixed with the highest
frequencies, this introduces a lovely musical
sheen, adding extra air where you need it.
Lastly, you can switch from Valve to Clear
mode, or just leave these characterful circuits
out altogether.
These perfect Pultec tweaks really update
the unit for today’s producers.
www.pspaudioware.com
VERDICT 9.6
Ignite Amps
PTEq-X FREE
PTEq-X doesn’t just emulate the
EQP-1A – it also takes on the MEQ-5
mid-range EQ and HLF-3C high- and
low-cut filters in the same package.
And the bang-for-buck ratio works
out at somewhere around infinity!
As for the EQP-1A part of this
plugin, the low frequency selector
includes 45Hz and 150Hz settings,
helping you refine that scoop a little
better than the original could. Three
frequency settings have also been
added to the high-shelf attenuation
(6, 8 and 15k), and a 5kHz setting
to the high bell. You can also switch
the tube emulation off.
PTEq-X doesn’t just give you
loads, for free – it also emulates the
original Pultec sound to a T. The only
gripe here is some clicking when
changing settings.
www.igniteamps.com
VERDICT 9.2
Lindell PEX-500 $99
Pultec EQP-1A hasn’t just been
emulated in software. Lindell’s
PEX-500 hardware models the
legendary EQ in your rack, and in a
meta move, they’ve made a plugin
emulation
of that
!
PEX-500 just offers three low
frequencies, staying true to earlier
Pultecs, but adding some excellent
new features – the Analog switch lets
you engage or disengage the tube
‘circuitry’, while the EQ switch helps
you isolate just that warming
saturation. PEX-500 also scores
points for its Mid/Side capability,
which lets you commit to separate
settings for those two channels. A
great update to a classic sound.
www.lindellplugins.com
VERDICT 9.2
FM
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STUDIO ESSENTIAL!
Software Pultec Clones | Roundup
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