The Pultec EQP-1A equaliser provides a wide selection of equalisation curves, allowing users to enhance very low or high frequencies without introducing muddiness to the mid-range. Its unique design incorporates separate controls for boosting and attenuating, which can be applied simultaneously on the same frequency, most notably on the low end. This feature allows the EQP-1A to boost low frequencies while applying attenuation at 10 kHz, giving engineers precise control over tonal balance.
The Pultec EQP-1A’s continuously variable controls allow for fine adjustments on sustained notes, providing smooth transitions without creating any unwanted noise or level jumps. All controls are clickless for seamless operation, with a dedicated key to switch the equaliser in and out as needed, making it ideal for both studio and live settings.
Launched in 1953, the Pultec EQP-1 was the first passive program equaliser on the market, allowing engineers to sculpt sound more precisely than ever. This game-changer made it possible to bring recordings to life, adding depth and presence that felt as if the artist was right in the room. Each unit was hand-built by founders Ollie and Gene Shenkman in Teaneck, New Jersey. Today, the craftsmanship and sound quality of the original Pultec remain unmatched, with many units still in perfect working order.
The Pultec EQP-1A, an evolution of the original, is often described as having a “magical” quality. Thanks to its unique tube-driven design, this equaliser enhances anything passed through it – even without applying EQ. The custom passive circuit design, paired with tube gain make-up, allowed it to overcome the typical 16dB gain loss of passive EQs, making it “lossless” while adding warmth, weight, and an open top end to the sound.
The Pultec EQP-1A’s controls are deceptively simple: it features separate boost and cut controls across low and high bands, enabling engineers to create resonant low-end power without muddying up the mix. The high band, selectable from 3 kHz to 16 kHz, adds clarity and air to instruments and vocals. Engineers discovered that dialling in boost and attenuation together creates a smooth, warm bump that adds punch and presence.
Engineers love the Pultec EQP-1A’s flexibility, especially on sources like vocals, kick drums, guitars, and even mix busses. The high frequencies can add presence without harshness, while the low frequencies deliver punch with remarkable smoothness. The high band’s bandwidth control shapes the Q from narrow to broad, providing tailored enhancement across a wider range of sounds.
The Pultec EQP-1A saw several variations, but Pulse Techniques brought it back to life in 2014 with modern reproductions that capture the essence of the original. The Pultec EQP-1A remains popular on mix busses and individual tracks alike, and its signature sound has been a staple of Chris Lord-Alge’s mixing toolkit for years.
Features
- Toroid coils: Peerless audio and Chicago power transformers used for low noise and distortion and high dependability.
- Frequency shelf boost: 9, 18, and 30 Hz, 0 to 13.5 dB.
- Frequency shelf attenuate: 9, 18, and 30 Hz, 0 to 17.5 dB.
- Peak boost: 3.5, 5.8, 8.3, and 12 kHz, 0 to 18 dB.
- Shelf attenuate: 10 kHz, 0 to 16 dB.
- Separate controls: Low and high-frequency boost and attenuate controls, continuously variable for stepless adjustment on sustained notes.
- Separate switches: Low and high-frequency selector switches.
- In-out key: Switches equalizer “in” and “out” without changes in level or clicks.
