Apogee Pultec MEQ-5 is a digital emulation of the iconic hardware midrange equalizer that has been shaping the sound of professional recordings since the 1970s. This plugin faithfully recreates the unique characteristics and warmth of the original analog unit, allowing users to sculpt the critical midrange frequencies with precision and musicality. Developed in collaboration with Pulse Techniques, the current manufacturer of hardware Pultec EQs, the Apogee Pultec MEQ-5 plugin offers an authentic experience that closely mimics its hardware counterpart. The plugin features three bands of equalization: a low-mid peak, a mid-dip, and a high-mid peak, each with its own frequency selection and boost/cut controls. The Apogee Pultec MEQ-5 is designed to enhance the frequencies that human ears are most sensitive to, making it an invaluable tool for mixing and mastering across various genres. Its intuitive interface, reminiscent of the original hardware, allows for quick and easy adjustments while maintaining the classic Pultec sound that has been cherished by audio professionals for decades.
Pros:
• Authentic emulation of the classic Pultec MEQ-5 hardware
• Smooth and musical equalization, especially in the critical midrange
• Low CPU usage allows for multiple instances in a project
• Includes both standard plugin and FX Rack versions for flexibility
Cons:
• Limited preset options may be challenging for beginners
• The interface, while authentic, can be confusing for those unfamiliar with the original hardware
The Apogee Pultec MEQ-5 plugin offers a range of features that make it a powerful tool for shaping the midrange frequencies in audio production. At its core, the plugin provides three distinct equalization bands, each meticulously modeled after the original hardware. The low-mid peak band allows for boosting frequencies between 200 Hz and 1 kHz, perfect for adding warmth and body to vocals or instruments. The mid-dip band, ranging from 200 Hz to 7 kHz, enables precise attenuation of problematic frequencies, helping to create space in a mix or tame harsh elements. The high-mid peak band, covering 1.5 kHz to 5 kHz, is ideal for adding presence and clarity to various sources.
One of the standout aspects of the Apogee Pultec MEQ-5 is its ability to impart a subtle, musical coloration to the audio, even when minimal EQ is applied. This is due to the accurate modeling of the original hardware’s transformer and tube circuitry, which adds a pleasing harmonic richness to the signal. The plugin’s wide bandwidth, or ‘Q’, is another key feature that contributes to its smooth and natural sound. This characteristic allows for broad, gentle equalization curves that maintain the integrity of the source material while making impactful tonal adjustments.
The user interface of the Apogee Pultec MEQ-5 closely resembles the original hardware, complete with large, easy-to-read knobs and switches. This design choice not only adds to the authentic feel of the plugin but also allows for quick and intuitive adjustments. The plugin offers both a standard view and a control view, with the latter providing more detailed parameter information for those who prefer precise numerical input.
In terms of technical specifications, the Apogee Pultec MEQ-5 supports all major plugin formats, including VST, VST3, AU, and AAX, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of digital audio workstations. It runs natively on both macOS and Windows systems, with support for Apple Silicon processors. The plugin’s efficient coding results in low CPU usage, allowing users to run multiple instances without overtaxing their system resources.
An interesting feature of the Apogee Pultec MEQ-5 is its integration with Apogee’s hardware ecosystem. When used with compatible Apogee audio interfaces, such as the Element Series or Ensemble Thunderbolt, the plugin can leverage the hardware’s DSP capabilities for near-zero latency processing. This feature, called DualPath Monitoring, is particularly useful for tracking scenarios where real-time processing is crucial.
The Apogee Pultec MEQ-5 plugin stands out in a crowded field of equalizer plugins due to its faithful recreation of a classic piece of hardware. When compared to similar plugins, such as Universal Audio’s Pultec MEQ-5 or Waves’ PuigTec MEQ-5, the Apogee version holds its own in terms of sound quality and authenticity. While the Universal Audio offering may have a slight edge in terms of analog modeling due to their extensive experience in this area, it requires UAD hardware to run, limiting its accessibility. The Waves version, while more affordable, is often considered to have a slightly less authentic sound compared to the Apogee emulation. In contrast to modern parametric EQs like FabFilter’s Pro-Q 3, the Apogee Pultec MEQ-5 offers a different approach to equalization. While it may lack the surgical precision and visual feedback of these contemporary plugins, it excels in imparting a vintage character and musicality that many engineers find irreplaceable. The Apogee Pultec MEQ-5’s strength lies in its ability to make broad, musical adjustments quickly, often requiring less tweaking to achieve a pleasing result compared to more clinical EQs.
This plugin is best for:
• Mix engineers seeking authentic vintage EQ character
• Producers working across multiple genres, particularly those that benefit from midrange sculpting
• Mastering engineers looking for subtle yet effective tonal shaping
• Audio professionals familiar with and fond of the original Pultec hardware
Apogee Pultec MEQ-5 plugin is a remarkable emulation of a classic piece of audio equipment that has stood the test of time. Its ability to shape the critical midrange frequencies with musicality and warmth makes it an invaluable tool for mixing and mastering across various genres. The plugin’s authentic recreation of the original hardware’s characteristics, including its tube and transformer coloration, provides users with a level of analog-like quality that is often sought after in digital productions. While the interface may present a slight learning curve for those unfamiliar with the original hardware, the sonic results are well worth the effort. The Apogee Pultec MEQ-5’s low CPU usage and compatibility with both native systems and Apogee hardware make it a versatile choice for a wide range of studio setups. Despite the limited preset options, which may challenge beginners, the plugin’s intuitive controls and musical output make it a joy to use for experienced engineers. For those seeking to add a touch of vintage warmth and character to their mixes, or for professionals looking to replicate the sound of classic recordings, the Apogee Pultec MEQ-5 plugin is an excellent choice that lives up to the legacy of its hardware predecessor.