On Demo | Pultec EQP-1A
The Pultec EQP-1A Equaliser is arguably one of the best-known EQ’s ever made. Thanks to its smooth, natural sound and ease of operation, it has found itself stamped upon countless records since its first inception by electronics engineers Gene Shank and Ollie Summerlin at the start of the 1950s. Both Shenk and Summerlin were skilled engineers, Shenk having spent his formative years in radio telegraphy at RCA, whilst Summerlin brought a wealth of studio experience to the table having engineered at Capitol records, before going on to sell Ampex tape recorders.
Pultec (an abbreviation of Pulse Techniques) began life predominantly manufacturing various test equipment and valve power amplifiers. It wasn’t until a former Capitol records colleague of Summerlin commissioned the duo to design and build a passive mastering equaliser that the company started exploring professional studio solutions. Principally designed by Shenk, with Summerlin playing a key-role in the development – what resulted was the EQP-1 Program Equalizer. Whilst Pultec operated on a relatively small production scale, Pultec continued to produce a variety of studio equipment (including the mid-range iteration of the EQP1 – the MEQ5) for 30 or so years, before Shenk was forced to close business doors when he couldn’t find a buyer for the business.
Fast forward 20 years, and thanks to the the curiosity and determination of another American – Dr Steve Jackson – the Pultec name and product range has been reborn. Dismayed by both the astronomical rising prices of vintage Pultec units, along with the clear sonic deficiencies of the various clones available on the market, Dr Jackson set out to build an original, unmodified EQP1 to the exact specifications of the original, design. Not content with merely sourcing alternative modern components, or relying on scarce NOS parts, Jackson spent the best part of 10 years meticulously analysing each component of the original to determine its exact specifications. This painstaking approach paid off, and and in an effort to market his new EQP-1A, Pulse Techniques LLC was born.
Whether you’re looking to add weight to drums and bass or top-end to a mix or stem, the Pultec can do it all in a way that no other EQ can. Its all-valve, passive design has a way of rounding out sounds whilst adding heft to low-end sources. Unlike most passive EQ designs which are inherently ‘lossy’ devices, (with output signal typically 20dbs quieter than input), an amplified output stage ensures not only that signal is made-up but actually contributes to the overall sonic character, adding more body and harmonic character to the signal.
In practice, it’s an incredibly easy EQ to use. The low frequency controls offer the user the ability to both boost and cut, and it’s here that the legendary Pultec “magic” happens (despite the original manual actually recommending against “simultaneous adjustments”!). By dialling in just the right amount of boost and cut, a musical ‘hump’ in the low-end can enhance weight, whilst the simultaneous dip an octave above can help clear out any conflicting muddiness.
Similarly, boosting the top-end results in smooth top-end lift and much like the low end can be adjusted to extreme settings without sounding harsh or unpleasant. Indeed, the Pultec’s signature sound is best observed when pushed a little beyond “sensible”. Attenuating using one of the 3-band selector can also introduce a pleasing counterpart to the treble boost, allowing the boost to be pressed further, while maintaining an incredibly smooth, classy “air” to sources, in particular female vocals and acoustic instruments.
Safe to say, the Pultec EQp-1A is a classic for good reason. Favoured for its beautifully natural sound and forgiving nature when pushed to extreme settings, there’s really nothing it doesn’t shine on and there are few other EQ’s that have both stood the test of time nor garnered such legendary status as the EQP-1A. Over the course of several decades, it has firmly established itself as a legendary piece of gear and a studio-rack staple for any and every pro facility worth its salt.
Check out the video above to hear it in action, and shop the full range of Pulse Techniques today at Funky Junk