There are already so many emulations of classic analog audio hardware like the LA-2A and 1176 that the world doesn’t need another one. However, when a classic emulation has some truly usable modern additions, then it’s worth taking a look. Such is the case with the D16 Group Pulsatic EQ, modeled after the original analog passive Pultec EQP-1A but with several useful twists.
If you’ve used a Pultec hardware EQ or the plugin version, then you know it has some rather unusual features due to the passive nature of the circuit design, like the ability to both boost and cut the low frequency at the same time and the high frequency attenuator. Pulsatec has these features too, but a lot more.
More Of A Good Thing
For instance, there are two mid-frequency bands instead of one. The Mid-Low band has seven frequency selections at 200, 300, 500, 700, 1k, 1.5k and 2kHz. Instead of the normal boost and cut controls, there’s just one level control with a Boost/Atten switch. There’s also the standard Bandwidth control that goes from Sharp to Broad as you move it clockwise.
The Mid-High band has identical controls, but the selectable frequencies are at 3k, 4k, 5k, 8k, 10k, 12k, and 16kHz. As with the original, a High Attenuation level control cuts at either 5k, 10k, or 20kHz.
The new features don’t stop there. There’s an Output Volume control, a stereo output LED ladder display, and the ability to add or recall presets, which show in their own Preset display at the top of the plugin.
Finally, there’s a built-in Real Time Analyzer that shows both the input and output frequency curves, along with a Resolution control.
The Pulsatec plugin is priced at $49 until July 31st, when it will return to $89. Yes, there’s a free trial period. It’s available for both Mac and PC in all plugin formats.
You can find out more here, or watch the video below for more details (they do a very good job of making Pulsatec seem like it’s a hardware unit, but it’s a plugin).
