EQP-1A classical Pultec, vintage sound Designed and manufactured to the original specifications, this product has all the mojo of a vintage EQP-1A/EQP-1A3 EQ.

As described on the EQP-1A product page, the 3U EQP-1A was/is an enhanced version of the original (1953) Pultec product, the EQP-1. The EQM-1A (mastering version) takes the EQP-1/EQP-1A evolution a significant step farther by replacing the BOOST/ATTEN potentiometers with 21-position (and BW with 11-position) ELMA switches, loaded with precision metal film resistors to achieve custom tapers for each control. The current design implements our “full-range, progressive-taper” design, which provides 0.5 dB per step precision for the first 50% of rotation and then progressively larger (1 or 2 dB) steps as the control is rotated from 50% to 100% of rotation. This allows precise control for subtle equalization for mix bus or similar applications or the full 18-20 dB BOOST/ATTEN of the potted version when tracking or mixing of individual tracks. Furthermore, the stepped controls make recall a breeze and the precise tracking between units is essential for stereo image retention when using a pair on the stereo mix bus.

The EQM-1A (mastering version) takes the EQP-1/EQP-1A evolution a significant step farther by replacing the BOOST/ATTEN potentiometers with 21-position (and BW with 11-position) ELMA switches, loaded with precision metal film resistors to achieve custom tapers for each control.  The current design implements the “full-range, progressive-taper” design, which provides 0.5 dB per step precision for the first 50% of rotation and then progressively larger (1 or 2 dB) steps as the control is rotated from 50% to 100% of rotation. This allows precise control for subtle equalization for mix bus or similar applications or the full 18-20 dB BOOST/ATTEN of the potted version when tracking or mixing of individual tracks. Furthermore, the stepped controls make recall a breeze and the precise tracking between units is essential for stereo image retention when using a pair on the stereo mix bus.

Since rereleasing the EQP-1A & EQP-1S, customers have asked when we planned to do mastering versions of these iconic 3U products. We are excited to introduce you to the mastering version of our ever-popular EQP-1S EQ, with a couple of extra tweaks. Complete with full-range progressive-taper Elma Switch stepped controls as in our EQM-1A3, EQM-1S3 & EQM-1A mastering EQs, the BOOST/ATTEN controls provide 0.5dB steps for the initial ~50% of rotation and then increase step size as rotation is increased from 50%-100%. This provides fine control (subtle boost/cut) for mastering/mix-bus applications, while still delivering the full range (16-20 dB) of BOOST/ATTEN for more aggressive tracking/mixing applications. In addition to adding mastering controls, we’ve replaced the 6k peak boost center frequency with the 16k center, which is so popular on the 1A/1A3 models. So whether your track/mix needs the magical 16k air band or the full 5k/10k shelf boost, you have the option in a single equalizer.We think we’ve created the ultimate Pultec and we believe you’ll agree!

The Pultec EQM-1S mastering eq is a modern recreation of the rare EQP-1S with added stepped controls for mastering applications and different frequency points and curves. The Pultec EQM-1S has been meticulously reproduced from the original EQP-1S3 by Dr Steve Jackson, using only original-spec components to deliver the same stunning sound of the original vintage units. Adapted for mastering applications the EQM-1S uses Progressive-taper Elma switch controls with a 0.5dB of boost and cut for precise settings and easy recall. As a result, the gain has been reduced to 10dB boost/cut instead of the original values. Pultec's unique design uses two bands with separate boost and cut controls that can be combined to create a resonant shelf curve. These curves are key to the Pultec sound by boosting a band without unwanted frequency build-up, offering a tight and musical sound. For mastering applications, these curves allow to add weight and foundations without boxiness and add presence or air without harshness. The EQM-1S also offers the choice between peak and shelf modes which delivers different sonic characteristics, as well as boasting different frequency points compared to the EQP-1A: Low Shelf Boost/Cut: 30kcs 40kcs, 70kcs and 100kcsHigh Bell Boost:1kcs, 2kcs, 3kcs, 4kcs, 5kcs, 6kcs, 8kcs, 10kcs, 12kcsHigh Shelf Boost: 5kcs, 10kcsHigh Shelf Cut: 5kc, 10kc, 20kc   Furthermore, their passive designs ensure that no distortion is generated by the curves. This design is compensated by a tube driven push-pull amplification placed after the equalisation stage, compensating for the loss of volume.   Pultec EQM-1S Mastering EQ Features: Boost, cut, or both - it all sounds greatThe sound of Pultec heard on decades of amazing recordingsSingle-channel, two-band equalizer built exactly like the original, legendary Pultec unitsCombines the vintage character of original Pultecs with the reliability of modern designsIncredibly low noise floor for a pure soundBandwidth control lets you decide how wide a range you're sculptingSeparate boost and cut controls provide additional creative potentialAdapted for mastering applications Specifications: Low shelf boost: +10 dB in .5 dB steps @ 30, 40, 70, 100 HzLow shelf attenuate: -10 dB in .5 dB steps @ 30, 40, 70, 100 HzMid/high peak boost: +10 dB in .5 dB steps@ 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12 kHz5, 10 kHz shelf boost, 0 - 10 dBHigh shelf attenuate: -10 dB in .5 dB steps @5, 10, 20 kHzPrecision mastering-grade 21-position boost/cut rotary switchesInput impedance: ~600 ohmsOutput impedance: ~50 ohmsNoise: 92 dB below +10 dBmDistortion: ≤ 0.15% at +10 dBm into 600 ohmsAmplifier: Flat, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, +/- 0.5 dBTubes: 1 each - 12AU7, 12AX7, 6X4

As described on the EQP-1S3 product page, the 2U EQP-1S3 is an enhance version of the EQP-1A3. The EQM-1S3 (mastering version) takes the EQP-1S3 one step further by replacing the BOOST/ATTEN potentiometers with 21-position (and BW with 11-position) ELMA switches, loaded with precision metal film resistors to achieve custom tapers for each control. The current design implements our “full-range, progressive-taper” design, which provides 0.5 dB per step precision for the first 50% of rotation and then progressively larger (1 or 2 dB) steps as the control is rotated from 50% to 100% of rotation. This allows precise control for subtle equalization for mix bus or similar applications or the full 18-20 dB BOOST/ATTEN of the potted version when tracking or mixing of individual tracks. Furthermore, the stepped controls make recall a breeze and the precise tracking between units is essential for stereo image retention when using a pair on the stereo mix bus.

The 2U (3.5″ tall) EQP-1A3 is a condensed version of the 3U (5.25″ high) EQP-1A. In 1971, after 10 years of EQP-1A production and due to customer demand, Gene and Ollie rearranged controls and components to reduce the height of the popular equalizer. As indicated on the original EQP-1A3 product brochures “SAME PARTS, SAME SPECS”. The EQP-1A3 was the first product in the Pultec line that we brought back into production and has continued to be very popular. New York City’s Power Station had 24 of them in each control room! We now make them both, so you can take your pick. But be assured, they both have all that Pultec mojo that you are seeking.

In the early 1970s, after condensing the classic 3U model EQP-1A into the 2U form-factor model EQP-1A3 (same components, same specs), Pulse Techniques introduced a solid-state line amp version of the EQP-1A3. These units have exactly the same front end (input transformer and passive EQ section) but utilize a solid-state opamp (API 2520) gain stage driving a Triad output transformer, just like the originals. This version of the EQP-1A3 is actually preferred by some engineers for certain applications (kick, snare, bass, piano, etc.) and also serves as the core for our 500-series EQs. Many users of this version of the Pultec describe them as “more punchy” and having “a tighter low end” than the tube version. Pulse Techniques, LLC is the only company licensed to use genuine API 2520 opamps in their products. These EQs deliver plenty of the punch and mojo of their tube-amp counterparts, with just a slightly different flavor.

In 2014, due to customer demand, Pulse Techniques brought back into production the 3U EQP-1A program EQ. Many of our clients prefer the look and layout of the larger unit to that of the 2U EQP-1A3 and the EQP-1A has become one of our most popular units. Almost immediately after announcing the return of the EQP-1A, we started receiving requests for the EQP-1S, the 3U version of the EQP-1S3. For those not familiar with the (formerly) extremely-rare EQP-1S/EQP-1S3, these products have the same wide-bandwidth line amp as the EQP-1A/EQP-1A3 units, but have modified low-frequency boost/atten response curves, add 2 additional peak boost frequencies, and most-importantly add 2 high-frequency shelf boost curves to the sonic palette.

The (formerly) extremely-rare EQP-1S3 has the same wide-bandwidth line amp as the EQP-1A3, but has modified low-frequency boost/atten response curves, adds 2 additional peak boost frequencies (1k & 2k) and most-importantly adds 2 high-frequency shelf boost curves (5k & 10k corners) to the sonic palette. The originals included 6k peak boost in place of the 16k and that’s the way we built them initially. But we had so many requests from customers for the 16k and so little interest in the 6k that we now build them with the 16k peak boost center.

The EQP-1S3 is a very rare variant of the EQP-1A3, which features modified low-frequency shelf boost/atten curves, additional peak boost frequencies & high-frequency shelf boost.

Pulse Techniques is pleased to offer the EQP-500X 500-series equalizer, the next generation of our API 2520 gain stage passive equalizers.In the early 1970s, after condensing the classic 3U model EQP-1A into the 2U form-factor model EQP-1A3, Pulse introduced a solid-state line amp version of the EQP-1A3. These units have exactly the same front end (input transformer and passive EQ section) but utilize a solid-state opamp (genuine API 2520) gain stage driving a Triad output transformer. Many users of this version of the Pultec describe them as “more punchy” and having “a tighter low end” than the tube version. Pulse has taken this proven design to the next stage by packing them into the 500-series form factor as the EQP-500X module. These may come in a smaller package, but don’t be fooled! These EQs deliver all of the punch, mojo and sonic impact of their full-sized counterparts.

Jack Douglas (John Lennon, Aerosmith, Alice Cooper, Cheap Trick, etc.) once told us that the MEQ-5 was his go-to EQ for guitars of any type. The MEQ-5 provides exacting control of the “power region” in program material, that frequency range from about 300 Hz to 5000 Hz in which most of the sound energy is concentrated. The ear is especially sensitive to sounds in this region. In this region, even small resonances in studio acoustics and microphone and speaker responses are very evident in their effect on the listenability of the sound. Three independent sets of controls make it possible to boost on a peak curve at 200 – 1000 Hz while simultaneously boosting on a peak curve at 1.5 – 5 kHz, while simultaneously dipping at 200 – 7000 Hz. Guitars, vocals, horns, strings, keyboards, snares, toms, anything with significant midrange that requires complex contouring is a candidate for the MEQ-5.

In the early 1970s, Pulse Techniques introduced a solid-state line amp version of the EQP-1A3. They followed the release of the EQP-1A3-SS with a similar version of the MEQ-5 (the MEQ-5-SS). These units have exactly the same front end (input transformer and passive EQ section) but utilize a solid-state opamp (API 2520) gain stage driving a Triad output transformer. The MEQM-5-SS is the mastering version. Like our other mastering products, the potentiometers have been replaced with custom taper 21-position precision rotary switches providing enhanced control and reproducibility of settings. Jack Douglas (John Lennon, Aerosmith, Alice Cooper, Cheap Trick, etc.) once told us that the MEQ-5 was his go-to EQ for guitars of any type. Just like the tube version, the MEQ-5-SS provides exacting control of the “power region” in program material, that frequency range from about 300 Hz to 5000 Hz in which most of the sound energy is concentrated. The ear is especially sensitive to sounds in this region. In this region, even small resonances in studio acoustics and microphone and speaker responses are very evident in their effect on the listenability of the sound. Three independent sets of controls make it possible to boost on a peak curve at 200 – 1000 Hz while simultaneously boosting on a peak curve at 1.5 – 5 kHz, while simultaneously dipping at 200 – 7000 Hz. Guitars, vocals, horns, strings, keyboards, snares, toms, anything with significant midrange that requires complex contouring is a candidate for the MEQ-5-SS.

Pulse Techniques recently introduced a 500-series version (EQP-500X) of our popular 19″ rack-mount solid-state line amp program equalizers (EQP-1A3-SS & EQP-1S3-SS) equalizers. Based on the venerable API 2520 op-amp followed by a high-quality Triad output transformer, these are preferred by some engineers to the vacuum tube models. Before bringing the MEQ-5 midrange equalizer into the 500-series family, we discussed the project with legendary producer/engineer Jack Douglas (John Lennon, Aerosmith, Alice Cooper, Cheap Trick, etc.). Jack has indicated previously that the MEQ-5 has been a staple of his guitar, bass, vocal and keyboard sounds over the years. With Jack’s input, we made a few enhancements to the standard MEQ passive EQ section, which included the addition of 1.2k and 1.5k centers to the low-mid, addition of 1.2k and 8k to the high-mid (overlaps low-mid section and expands top-end) and some minor tweaks to the Q of the high-mid settings. We are proud to recognize Jack Douglas with the production of the MEQ-500 Jack Douglas Edition 500-series Midrange Equalizer.Just like the tube and rack-mount solid state versions, the MEQ-500JD provides exacting control of the “power region” in program material, that frequency range from about 300 Hz to 5000 Hz in which most of the sound energy is concentrated. The ear is especially sensitive to sounds in this region. In this region, even small resonances in studio acoustics and microphone and speaker responses are very evident in their effect on the listenability of the sound. Three independent sets of controls make it possible to boost on a peak curve at 200 – 1000 Hz while simultaneously boosting on a peak curve at 1.5 – 5 kHz, while simultaneously dipping at 200 – 7000 Hz. Guitars, vocals, horns, strings, keyboards, snares, toms, anything with significant midrange that requires complex contouring is a candidate for the MEQ-500JD.

The MEQM-5 is the mastering version of our popular MEQ-5 midrange equalizer. Like our other mastering products, the potentiometers have been replaced with custom taper 21-position precision rotary switches providing enhanced control and reproducibility of settings. The MEQM-5 provides exacting control of the “power region” in program material, that frequency range from about 300 Hz to 5000 Hz in which most of the sound energy is concentrated. The ear is especially sensitive to sounds in this region. In this region, even small resonances in studio acoustics and microphone and speaker responses are very evident in their effect on the listenability of the sound. Three independent sets of controls make it possible to boost on a peak curve at 200 – 1000 Hz while simultaneously boosting on a peak curve at 1.5 – 5 kHz, while simultaneously dipping at 200 – 7000 Hz. Guitars, vocals, horns, strings, keyboards, snares, toms, anything with significant midrange that requires complex contouring is a candidate for the MEQM-5.