JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser.
Checkout using your account
This form is protected by reCAPTCHA - the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Checkout as a new customer
Creating an account has many benefits:
The Pultec EQP-1A Program Equalizer, introduced by Pulse Techniques in the 1950s, has become an indispensable tool in recording studios worldwide. Known for its smooth, musical tone, this iconic tube equalizer allows users to boost and attenuate frequencies simultaneously, creating a distinctively warm and rich sound. The EQP-1A’s unique passive EQ circuit, paired with tube amplification, makes it a go-to for adding warmth to vocals, bass, and mastering projects. You can check out all of our vintage and used Pultec gear here.
Over the years, the legendary Pultec equalizer has inspired numerous reproductions, each designed to capture the essence of the original while offering modern enhancements. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best modern reproductions of the Pultec EQP-1A, from faithful recreations to innovative designs that bring this classic EQ into the modern studio environment. Let’s dive into the world of Pultec-style EQs!
Price: $35 - $299
Kicking off our list with the most affordable options, there are a variety of Pultec-style EQ plug-ins available from popular brands like Apogee, Universal Audio, Manley, Waves, and more. Although each model offers unique features, such as additional frequency selections and high-pass filters, all of these plug-ins do a great job of recreating the signature Pultec sound.
Price: $399
Next up, the Lindell Audio LiNTEC EQ offers classic Pultec-style tone-shaping at an accessible price. Unlike the original Pultec, which used a tube-driven design, LiNTEC uses a solid-state design for lower noise and a faster transient response. Combined with the brand’s proven OPA 1731 op-amp and custom transformers, LiNTEC delivers a smooth, creamy sound.
Price: $799
The most affordable tube-driven EQ on our list, the Warm Audio EQP-WA EQ combines two premium vacuum tubes by Tung-Sol with CineMag transformers to recreate the signature Pultec sound. Plus, the EQP-WA offers additional frequency selection options, with the low band ranging from 20 Hz to 600 Hz and the high band ranging from 3 kHz to 16 kHz.
Price: $895
The IGS Audio RB 500 Series Pultec-style EQ delivers classic analog EQ performance in an ultra-compact 500 series format. With passive circuitry inspired by the original Pultec design, it features separate frequency controls for low boost and cut, transformer-balanced I/O, and Carnhill transformers. Offering a true bypass switch and precision-stepped controls, the RB 500 is perfect for engineers seeking authentic Pultec tone in a space-saving, affordable package.
IGS also offers a stereo mastering edition of the brand’s popular 500 Series Pultec-style EQs called the IGS Audio RB 500 ME stereo passive EQ.
Price: $899
Unlike the other EQs on our list, the Heritage Audio LANG PEQ-2 is not a direct descendant of the legendary Pultec EQP-1A. Instead, it revives the rare Lang PEQ-2, a sought-after gem from the 1960s. Equipped with the same Western Electric patent as the Pultec EQ, plus transformer-balanced input and outputs, the LANG PEQ-2 delivers a very similar sound to the beloved Pultec design Plus, with nearly twice as many frequency options to choose from, the LANG PEQ-2 makes it easy to dial in the sound you’re looking for.
Price: $1,399
If you’re looking for a Pultec-style EQ that’s tailor-made for modern studios, check out the WesAudio _PROMETHEUS. This dual-slot 500 Series module combines the classic passive inductor-based Pultec-style EQ with flexible digital controls. Tweak knobs, save presets, and instantly recall settings with the touch of a button using the intuitive WesAudio plug-in.
*WesAudio's ngTubeEQ deserves a special mention on this list too, as it's essentially a super-charged Pultec with four fully passive, inductor-based bands, low-pass and high-pass variable filters, and a unique dual-output design featuring both a tube and Carnhill transformer.
Price: $1,730
Tegeler Audio’s EQP-1 takes the classic Pultec design to the next level with separate boost and cut controls for each band, giving you unparalleled control over your sound. In addition to dedicated boost and cut controls, the EQP-1 also adds a few more options to the high-frequency selector switch (3 kHz, 4 kHz, 5 kHz, 6 kHz, 8 kHz, 10 kHz, 12 kHz, and 20 kHz).
Equipped with premium tubes and high-quality input and output transformers, the EQP-1 recreates the classic Pultec sound with even more sound-sculpting capabilities. Unlike the other options on our list, the EQP-1 is a two-channel design, which is pretty impressive for the price point!
Price: $3,299
It’s hard to believe that the EQP-1A could get any better, but Manley Labs has supercharged the classic design, blending vintage warmth with modern innovation. This versatile tube-driven EQ features separate boost and cut controls, additional high and low frequencies, a vastly improved power supply, and Manely’s custom transformers.
Looking for a cleaner, more transparent EQ? Manley’s Enhanced Pultec features a dedicated transformerless input that perfectly recreates the classic "Pultec trick" with none of the harmonics or distortion. The Manley Enhanced Pultec is also available in a stereo model.
Price: $3,800
The folks at Tube-Tech know a thing or two about tubes, and the brand’s PE 1C EQ applies that knowledge to great effect. The design of the Tube-Tech PE 1C is almost identical to that of the original Pultec, save for one key difference: the PE 1C adds a few additional stops to the high-frequency selector switch, including settings for 1 kHz, 1.5 kHz, 2 kHz, 3 kHz, 4 kHz, 5 kHz, 8 kHz, 10 kHz, 12 kHz, and 16 kHz.
Price: $4,495
Although vintage EQP-1As often sell for tens of thousands of dollars, the good folks at Pulse Techniques have reissued the classic Pultec EQ for the modern age.
Crafted using original-spec components, this recreation captures the essence of the legendary design, thanks to over a decade of meticulous research by Dr. Steven Jackson. With its unique two-band configuration, users can simultaneously boost and cut frequencies, resulting in a rich, open sound that adds a touch of magic to any mix.
Pultec also offers a number of variants based on the EQP-1A design, including the EQP-500X 500 Series EQ and EQM-1A mastering EQ, plus several models based on the EQP-1A3 EQ.
* Required Fields
exclamation-circle
