Pultec EQ: Shaping the Sonic Landscape for Six Decades

Imagine a piece of equipment with deceptively simple controls that holds the power to revolutionize the recording industry. For over 60 years, Pultec-designed gear has remained a go-to choice for countless renowned recording and mixing engineers. From the original hardware to faithful reproductions and versatile plug-ins, Pultec continues to shape the sonic landscape of modern music. Let's take a journey through the captivating story of Pultec, the brand that has reigned supreme in the professional recording industry.

The Birth of Pultec EQ: The EQP-1:

In 1951, visionary founders Gene Shenk and Ollie Summerland introduced the world to Pultec's passive EQP-1, the first-ever passive program equalizer. This groundbreaking invention changed the game in recording studios, granting engineers the ability to shape and manipulate sound in ways never before imaginable. Suddenly, the mix could be sculpted, bringing the elements to the forefront and placing listeners right in the heart of the performance.

The Magic Behind Pultec EQs:

One of the main factors that contributes to the unique sound of Pultec EQs is their passive circuitry. Unlike other EQs that rely on active amplification, Pultec EQs use a passive design that imparts a smooth and transparent equalization to the sound. The use of tube amplifiers in their circuitry adds a pleasing warmth and depth to the audio, especially in the EQP-1 model. The wide and gentle boost and cut curves of Pultec EQs also contribute to their musical tonal adjustment, allowing for broad strokes of equalization while maintaining a natural balance.

Unique Features and Craftsmanship:

Pultec EQs are known for their unique frequency bands and features. For example, the EQP-1A offers the "Pultec Low-End Trick," a technique that simultaneously boosts and cuts the low frequencies, resulting in a unique low-end enhancement and a tighter, more focused bass response. Transformer-based circuitry and overlapping frequency bands further add to the versatility and musicality of Pultec EQs. Meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail in Pultec's original designs have resulted in a distinct and sought-after sound that has stood the test of time.

The Enduring Legacy:

The legacy of Pultec EQs can be heard in the recordings of legendary musicians and bands. From the Beatles to Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin to Pink Floyd, these iconic artists have relied on Pultec's sonic wizardry to shape their timeless recordings. Engineers like Geoff Emerick, Bruce Swedien, and Sylvia Massy have seamlessly integrated Pultec EQs into their workflows, crafting sonic landscapes that have left an indelible mark on music history. Songs like "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin and "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana bear witness to the transformative capabilities of Pultec EQs.

Revival and Unparalleled Sound:

Although the Pultec company closed its doors in the early '80s, the legacy of the original EQP-1 endured through the passing years. In 2000, Steve Jackson embarked on a monumental journey to revive the Pultec EQs, resulting in faithful recreations of these iconic and coveted pieces of gear. A painstaking 10-year process has culminated in the most accurate and faithful recreations, ensuring that the timeless allure of Pultec EQ never fades away.

Pultec EQ remains an unparalleled force in the recording industry, with its timeless power and unique sonic characteristics. Few brands have managed to replicate the wide and warm EQ punch that defines Pultec.