Universal Audio Pultec Passive EQ Collection is a meticulously crafted digital emulation of three classic Pultec equalizers: the EQP-1A, MEQ-5, and HLF-3C. This collection aims to recreate the warm, musical sound of the original hardware units that have been used on countless hit records since the 1950s. The EQP-1A is renowned for its ability to simultaneously boost and cut bass frequencies, creating a unique resonant curve that adds weight and clarity to low-end sounds. The MEQ-5 specializes in mid-range tone control, offering precise sculpting capabilities for vocals and instruments. The HLF-3C, a rare high and low-pass filter, rounds out the collection with its smooth, musical filtering. Universal Audio has gone to great lengths to capture the nuances of the analog circuitry, including the subtle harmonic distortion and transformer coloration that contribute to the Pultec’s signature sound.
Pros:
• Authentic emulation of classic Pultec hardware, capturing the warmth and musicality of the originals
• Versatile collection covering low, mid, and high-frequency shaping
• Ability to add substantial boost without harshness, maintaining a smooth, natural sound
Cons:
• Relatively high CPU usage compared to some simpler EQ plugins
The Pultec Passive EQ Collection offers a range of features that make it a powerful tool for mixing and mastering. The EQP-1A, the cornerstone of the collection, provides low-frequency boost and attenuation controls that operate on slightly different center frequencies. This unique design allows for the famous “low-end trick” where boosting and cutting simultaneously creates a resonant dip that adds weight and definition to bass instruments and kick drums. The plugin faithfully reproduces this behavior, allowing users to achieve that coveted Pultec bass sound.
In the high-frequency range, the EQP-1A offers boost with selectable frequencies and bandwidth control, as well as attenuation at fixed frequencies. This combination allows for precise tailoring of the top end, whether adding air to vocals or taming harsh cymbals. The plugin’s ability to add significant boost without introducing harshness is a hallmark of the Pultec sound, and Universal Audio has captured this characteristic admirably.
The MEQ-5 expands on the mid-range capabilities with its three-band design. It features two peaking bands for boost and one dip band for attenuation. This configuration is particularly useful for vocal processing, allowing engineers to enhance presence and clarity while simultaneously reducing problematic resonances. The overlapping frequency ranges of the three bands provide extensive flexibility in shaping the critical midrange frequencies.
The HLF-3C, while simpler in design, offers musical high and low-pass filtering that can be used for gentle frequency contouring or more aggressive filtering. Its 12dB per octave slope strikes a balance between subtlety and effectiveness, making it useful for cleaning up low-end rumble or taming excessive brightness without introducing obvious artifacts.
All three plugins in the collection feature Universal Audio’s attention to detail in modeling the non-linear behavior of the original hardware. This includes the subtle saturation introduced by the input and output transformers, as well as the unique interaction between components that contribute to the Pultec’s musical sound. The user interface closely mimics the original hardware, providing a familiar experience for those accustomed to working with physical Pultec units.
An often-overlooked feature is the ability to link multiple instances of the plugins for stereo operation. This allows for precise stereo image control and maintains the natural stereo field when processing full mixes or stereo subgroups.
When compared to similar plugins, the Universal Audio Pultec Passive EQ Collection stands out for its authenticity and attention to detail. While there are numerous Pultec-inspired equalizers on the market, many focus on recreating the general tone-shaping capabilities without fully capturing the subtle nuances of the hardware. The UAD version is often praised for its ability to closely match the sound of well-maintained original units. Competitors like Waves’ PuigTec EQs and Plugin Alliance’s Bettermaker EQ232P offer their own takes on the Pultec sound, each with its strengths. The Waves version is known for its low CPU usage, while the Plugin Alliance offering includes additional modern features. However, many users find that the UAD collection edges out the competition in terms of analog warmth and the ability to push the EQ to extremes while maintaining musicality. IK Multimedia’s T-RackS Pultec collection is another notable alternative, offering a comprehensive set of Pultec-style EQs at a competitive price point. While it provides excellent sound quality, some users feel it lacks some of the depth and dimensionality of the UAD emulations.
This plugin is best for:
• Mix engineers seeking to add warmth, air, and character to individual tracks or full mixes
• Mastering engineers looking for transparent yet musical EQ adjustments
• Producers wanting to recreate the sound of classic recordings from the 1950s to 1970s
• Sound designers in need of a versatile EQ for subtle enhancements or creative tone shaping
Universal Audio Pultec Passive EQ Collection represents a pinnacle in analog hardware emulation. It offers mix and mastering engineers a set of tools that can elevate productions with their unique sonic character. The ability to impart warmth, clarity, and dimension to audio sources without introducing harshness or digital artifacts makes these plugins invaluable in both corrective and creative applications. While the CPU demands may be higher than some alternatives, the sound quality and versatility justify the resource usage for many users. The collection’s faithful recreation of the original hardware’s quirks and non-linearities contributes to its musicality and explains its popularity among professionals. For those seeking to add the classic Pultec sound to their digital workflow, the UAD collection provides an authentic and comprehensive solution that can enhance a wide range of audio material.