Pultec EQP-1S #5136 (Used)

This ultra-rare version of the EQP-1S has a factory ordered black faceplate and the desirable 5k and 10k shelving filters on the top band. Recently purchased from the legendary Sigma Sound Studio, complete with its Sigma Sound decal on the rear of the unit. Each and every Pultec was created custom to order from the factory, including this blackface unit, and the many blackface Pultecs at Cherokee Studio in L.A.

The EQ settings are:

• Low Band Frequencies 30Hz, 40Hz, 70Hz, 100Hz
• Low Band Boost 0 to 10 dB boost
• Low Band Attenuation 0 to 10 dB cut

• High Bell Frequencies 1 kHz, 2kHz, 3kHz, 4kHz, 5kHz, 6 kHz, 8kHz, 10kHz, 12kHz
• High Bell Boost 0 to 10 dB boost
• High Bell Bandwidth (Q) 0 to 10 (0=sharp 10=wide)

• High Shelf Frequencies 5kHz, 10kHz, 20kHz
• Attenuation Selector 0 to 10 dB cut

History

The name Pultec is an abbreviation of Pulse Techniques Inc., a company that consisted of two men: Gene Shank and Ollie Summerland. These electronic wizards made every piece of their gear by hand at their factory in Teaneck, New Jersey, not far from Les Paul’s house. In fact they even collaborated with Les on some projects. Although they made a number of other products, Pultec is famous for their passive EQ’s, the circuitry of which was licensed from Western Electric. To make up for the signal loss of the EQ circuit, a tube gain make amp was used.

Near the end of their production years, Pultec switched from tube designs to solid state. These units had a brushed metal faceplate rather than the blue-green paint jobs of their tube gear. With top-notch hand-made craftsmanship and a unique sound, Pultecs remain one of the most sought after of the vintage passive equalizers.