Pulsar Audio Poseidon is a powerful EQ plugin that brings the legendary sound of a rare, iconic console to the digital realm. Modeled after the console used on records by Queen, The Beatles, David Bowie, and The Rolling Stones, Poseidon combines the warmth and character of analog hardware with the flexibility and precision of modern digital processing. This plugin faithfully recreates the unique band interactions of the original hardware, delivering rich, asymmetrical EQ curves that are both visible and easy to control. Poseidon goes beyond mere emulation by offering extended frequency ranges and continuous frequency control, expanding the possibilities beyond the original hardware’s limited options. It also incorporates modern features such as Mid/Side processing, allowing users to apply EQ separately to the Mid (center) and Side (stereo) channels for enhanced stereo field control. The plugin’s interface is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, featuring a responsive, resizable GUI that can be customized to suit individual workflows.
Pros:
• Faithful emulation of a rare, iconic console EQ
• Extended frequency ranges and continuous control for modern flexibility
• Mid/Side processing for enhanced stereo manipulation
• Multiple saturation modes for adding analog-style warmth
• Intuitive, resizable interface with real-time visual feedback
Cons:
• Requires iLok account for authorization, which may be inconvenient for some users
Pulsar Poseidon boasts an impressive array of features that cater to both vintage enthusiasts and modern producers. At its core, the plugin offers precise analog emulation, faithfully recreating the unique band interactions of the original hardware. This results in rich, asymmetrical EQ curves that are characteristic of the iconic console sound. Users can visualize these curves in real-time, making it easier to understand and control the EQ’s behavior. Extended frequency ranges and continuous frequency control. Unlike the original hardware, which had limited fixed options, Poseidon allows for seamless adjustment across the entire frequency spectrum. This expanded range opens up new possibilities for sound shaping that weren’t possible with the original console.
The plugin incorporates Mid/Side processing, a powerful tool for modern mixing and mastering. This feature allows users to apply EQ separately to the Mid (center) and Side (stereo) channels, providing precise control over the stereo field. This can be particularly useful for widening or narrowing specific frequency ranges within a mix.
Poseidon offers multiple saturation options to add analog-style warmth and character to the sound. It includes an emulation of the original console’s preamp circuitry, as well as a more aggressive, modern saturation mode. Additionally, the plugin features output transformer emulations inspired by classic Neve preamp transformers, which can enhance low-end harmonics for a fuller, richer sound.
The user interface of Poseidon is designed with both functionality and aesthetics in mind. It features a curve editor and spectrum analyzer that provide real-time visual feedback of the EQ curve and audio spectrum. This makes it easier for users to fine-tune their sound and understand the impact of their adjustments. The GUI is also responsive and resizable, allowing users to customize the interface to their preferred workflow and screen size.
Poseidon includes several quality-of-life features that enhance its usability. The Auto-Gain function ensures consistent output levels when applying EQ, while the Gain Scale allows for global adjustments to the intensity of the EQ curve. The plugin also offers oversampling options up to 384kHz for high-quality audio processing, with different settings available for real-time and offline processing.
In terms of comparison to similar plugins, Poseidon stands out for its faithful emulation of a specific, rare console EQ. While there are many vintage-inspired EQ plugins on the market, few offer the exact character and band interactions of this particular console. Compared to more general-purpose EQs, Poseidon may have a steeper learning curve due to its unique behavior, but it offers a distinctive sound that can be difficult to achieve with other tools. When compared to other console emulations, Poseidon distinguishes itself with its extended frequency ranges and continuous control, which go beyond the limitations of the original hardware. This makes it more versatile than some strictly vintage-accurate emulations. The inclusion of Mid/Side processing and multiple saturation options also sets it apart from many console-style EQ plugins, offering more modern functionality alongside the vintage character. However, unlike some all-in-one channel strip plugins that emulate entire console channels, Poseidon focuses specifically on the EQ section. This specialized approach allows for deeper control and more accurate emulation of this particular aspect of the console sound, but users looking for a complete console channel emulation may need to pair Poseidon with other plugins.
This plugin is best for:
• Engineers and producers seeking authentic vintage console EQ sound
• Mixing and mastering professionals who require precise stereo field control
• Musicians and producers looking to add analog warmth and character to digital recordings
• Audio enthusiasts interested in recreating the sound of classic records
Poseidon successfully bridging the gap between vintage hardware emulation and modern digital processing. It offers the coveted sound of a rare, iconic console EQ while providing the flexibility and precision that contemporary audio production demands. The plugin’s extended frequency ranges, continuous control, and additional features like Mid/Side processing and multiple saturation options make it a versatile tool for a wide range of audio tasks. The visual feedback provided by the curve editor and spectrum analyzer, combined with the intuitive, resizable interface, makes Poseidon accessible to both seasoned professionals and those new to console-style EQs. While the requirement for an iLok account may be a minor inconvenience for some users, the overall package offers exceptional value, especially considering the introductory pricing. For those seeking to add the character and warmth of classic recordings to their productions, or for professionals looking for a high-quality, versatile EQ with a unique flavor, Pulsar Poseidon is a compelling option. Its ability to deliver both vintage charm and modern functionality in a single plugin makes it a valuable addition to any digital audio workstation.