Pultec MEQ-5 Mid-Range Equaliser

The Pultec MEQ-5 provides fine control over the "power region" (300 Hz to 5000 Hz), where most audio energy is focused and the ear is highly sensitive. Smooth handling of this range is crucial, as minor acoustic or equipment resonances can greatly affect sound clarity and listenability.

1955

Equalisers, Pultec

Pultec MEQ-5 Mid-Range Equaliser Details

The Pultec MEQ-5 offers precise control over the critical “power region” of audio, spanning frequencies from roughly 300 Hz to 5000 Hz, where the bulk of sound energy resides. This range is especially sensitive to the human ear, making smooth integration of pre-emphasis, de-emphasis, and crossover networks essential.

In this frequency band, even minor resonances from studio acoustics or microphone and speaker responses can significantly impact the clarity and listenability of the audio.

Three independent sets of controls on the Pultec MEQ-5 make it possible to boost on a peak curve at 200, 300, 500, 700, or 1000 Hz while simultaneously boosting on a peak curve at 1.5, 2, 3, 4, or 5 kHz while simultaneously dipping at 200, 300, 500, 700, 1000, 1500, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000 or 7000 Hz.

Thus two selectable peak boost areas and one selectable dip area are available for simultaneous use.

Will Effectively:

Add body and presence to music already thought to be well balanced.
Highlight or subdue a vocalist, where the vocal is already mixed with the orchestra.
Round out a vocal group, or make it stand out.
Improve the basic quality of voices or instruments by altering their fundamental and overtone relationships.
Equalize dialogue.

The Pultec MEQ-5 features three control sets, each comprising a frequency selector switch and a potentiometer to adjust the amount of boost or cut applied.

The left control set adjusts Low Frequency Peak.
The right control set manages High Frequency Peak.
The centre control set handles Dip adjustments.

These controls can be used simultaneously, allowing you to boost both low and high mid-range frequencies while attenuating (dipping) at any of the eleven selectable frequencies on the dip switch.

Switching the key away from the “IN” position resets all peak and dip controls to zero without removing the amplifier from the circuit of the Pultec MEQ-5.

Specifications

Peak Boost:
- 200, 300, 500, 700, 1000 Hz; 0 to 10 dB.
- 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5 kHz; 0 to 8 dB.
Dip Attenuate:
- 200, 300, 500, 700, 1000 Hz and 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 kHz; 0 to 10 dB.
Noise: Below -75 dBm.
Distortion: 0.15% at +10 dBm into 600 ohms.
Tubes: One ECC-83/12AX7 and one 6AQ5.
Diodes: Two 1N1731 silicon diodes.
Panel Size: 89 mm x 483 mm. Depth behind panel is 197 mm.
Panel Finish: Brushed aluminum satin tone.
Mounting: Standard EIA rack mount.
Net Weight: 5.4 kg.
Loss: None. Passive equalizer loss is restored by amplifier. Overall result is no loss and no gain.
In-Out Key: Switches equalization in and out without clicks.
Input Level: -15 dBm provides greater than 60 dB signal to noise ratio. +4 dBm allows generously for signal peaks without clipping.
Input Transformer: 600 ohms, matching. Connections can be changed for 250 or 150 ohms.
Output Transformer: Feeds a 600-ohm load. Connections can be changed for 250 or 150 ohms.
Amplifier Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz; +0, -1 dB from 1000 Hz reference.

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The details provided above are drawn from historical documents like advertising brochures or user manuals. They’re shared without bias or review. This info is given solely for your consideration, helping you gauge its usefulness to you.