Pulsar 8200 is a meticulously crafted digital emulation of the legendary GML 8200 parametric equalizer, designed by George Massenburg, the inventor of the parametric EQ. This plugin aims to capture the essence of the original hardware unit, known for its unparalleled resolution, headroom, and precision. Pulsar Audio has recreated the all-discrete, Class-A analog electronics that made the original machine famous in the 1980s and is still used today. The Pulsar 8200 offers a tight and solid low end, a crystalline high end, and surgical control over the frequency spectrum, making it a go-to choice for mixing and mastering professionals.
Pros:
• Faithful emulation of the GML 8200 with added modern features
• Intuitive and resizable interface with multiple operation modes
• Parallel EQ topology for unique and musical sound shaping
• Integrated de-esser functionality
• Efficient CPU usage despite complex audio algorithms
Cons:
• Relatively high price point compared to some competitors
The Pulsar 8200 boasts an impressive array of features that set it apart from other EQ plugins. At its core, it utilizes a parallel EQ topology, which is uncommon in modern equalizers. This design means that the five bands of the equalizer are wired in parallel, filtering the same input signal before summing the results. This approach creates a unique push/pull effect and ensures that the total response never exceeds a certain threshold, contributing to the plugin’s musical quality.
The Pulsar 8200 also includes a tilt EQ feature, which allows users to effortlessly adjust the overall tonal balance of a mix. This can be particularly useful during mastering or for quick, broad-stroke adjustments during mixing. The plugin offers five fully parametric bands with adjustable frequency, gain, and Q controls. Users can fine-tune these parameters with precision, thanks to the plugin’s high-resolution controls. The frequency range extends from subsonic frequencies (as low as 15 Hz) up to the highest audible frequencies, allowing for comprehensive sound shaping across the entire spectrum. One standout feature is the integrated de-esser functionality, which can be used to tame sibilance in vocal recordings or to gently compress harmonic content in instruments like electric guitars. This feature adds versatility to the plugin, potentially reducing the need for additional processing in a mix.
The plugin’s interface is both beautiful and intuitive, following Pulsar’s design language while capturing the essence of the hardware it models. It features a simple yet dense layout with two main sections representing the left and right channels (or mid and side in M/S mode), flanking a central global control section. The Pulsar 8200 can operate in dual mono, linked stereo, or mid-side modes, offering flexibility for various mixing scenarios. The top bar contains global plugin and GUI controls, including oversampling options and the ability to switch resolution for stepped gains, widths, and frequencies, allowing users to operate the plugin more like the hardware version. The interface is resizable, making it adaptable to different screen sizes and workflows. It also includes modern features such as oversampling options, which can help reduce aliasing and improve overall sound quality, especially when pushing the plugin hard.
The Pulsar 8200 offers multiple operation modes, including dual mono, linked stereo, and mid-side processing. These options provide flexibility for various mixing and mastering scenarios. The ability to solo left and right channels (or mid and side) and apply EQ to only one channel adds further precision to the mixing process.
An Auto Gain switch is included, which can be particularly useful when making significant EQ adjustments, helping to maintain consistent perceived loudness. The plugin also features independent gain control for each channel, allowing for precise balance adjustments.
While the price point may be a consideration for some users, the Pulsar 8200’s quality and versatility justify the investment for those seeking a top-tier EQ plugin. Its ability to handle a wide range of sound-shaping tasks with finesse and musicality makes it a valuable addition to any audio professional’s toolkit.
The Pulsar 8200 enters a crowded field of high-end EQ plugins, many of which also emulate classic hardware units. Compared to other GML 8200 emulations, such as the UAD Massenburg EQ, the Pulsar 8200 stands out for its modern features and efficient CPU usage. Its parallel EQ topology sets it apart from many digital EQs that use series filtering, potentially offering a more musical sound. When compared to other high-end digital EQs like the FabFilter Pro-Q 3 or iZotope Ozone EQ, the Pulsar 8200 may offer less flexibility in terms of the number of bands or advanced features. However, it compensates with its unique sound character and faithful recreation of the original GML 8200’s sonic qualities. The inclusion of a de-esser feature is relatively uncommon in EQ plugins and adds value compared to many competitors. This feature, combined with the tilt EQ and mid-side processing capabilities, makes the Pulsar 8200 a versatile tool that can potentially replace multiple plugins in a signal chain.
This plugin is best for:
• Mixing and mastering engineers seeking a high-quality, transparent EQ
• Producers working with acoustic instruments and live recordings
• Audio professionals familiar with and fond of the original GML 8200
• Users looking for a CPU-efficient plugin capable of handling numerous instances
• Those who appreciate the unique characteristics of parallel EQ topology
Pulsar Audio Pulsar 8200 is a remarkable achievement in plugin design, offering a faithful recreation of a legendary hardware unit while adding modern features that enhance its usability and versatility. Its parallel EQ topology and carefully modeled analog characteristics contribute to a sound that is both precise and musical, capable of subtle enhancements and dramatic transformations alike. The plugin’s strengths lie in its ability to shape sound with surgical precision while maintaining a natural, organic quality. Its extended low-frequency reach makes it particularly useful for managing low-end content in electronic and pop music, while its crystalline high-end is ideal for adding air and presence to vocals and acoustic instruments. The inclusion of features like the integrated de-esser, tilt EQ, and mid-side processing capabilities elevate the Pulsar 8200 beyond a simple EQ, making it a comprehensive sound-shaping tool. These features, combined with its intuitive interface and CPU efficiency, make it a strong contender for a go-to EQ in professional mixing and mastering situations.