The classic all-tube Pultec EQP-1A goes down on the record books as one of the most venerated equalizers of all time, cherished by recording and mastering engineers for its almost mythical ability to improve the sound of just about anything running through it. Finally, after much research and development, A-Designs Audio announces that it has managed to capture much of the essence of the famed EQ in a new product – and one that fits in a compact 500-series module frame size, no less!
Dubbed the EM-PEQ, A-Designs Audio was able to ‘shrink’ this highly sought after filter design into the now red-hot 500-series format without compromise to either build quality or sonics. The EQ section design and control layout of the classic EQP-1A has been meticulously maintained, as well as its wonderfully smooth musicality.
Makeup amplification is achieved through the use of the same discrete Class AB amplifier found in A-Designs Audio’s popular solid-state Pacifica mic pre, putting a slightly unique twist on the classic design of yesteryear.
Additional features include a nickel core output transformer, gold Grayhill rotary switches, Wima caps, and a true hard bypass. Instead of using common off-the-shelf chokes, A-Designs uses a custom-wound tapped inductor wound to the original values. Fully balanced, noise-free operation with modern impedance specs make for dummy-proof operation and fast studio integration.
The new EM-PEQ is an approved API™ ‘VPR Alliance’ product and may also be used in Brent Averill Enterprises racks and A-Designs Audio’s R52, manufactured by Avedis Audio Electronics.
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"The EM-PEQ has this great muscular solid low end that I have probably only heard on an original Pultec, and its high end is great for really pushing some character into a track or mix. It is sort of like a monster truck (I mean that as high praise), where it's a beast that is great for dramatically altering and sculpting sounds. It can turn a wimpy kick into the kick drum of the gods.
The EM-PEQ is hands down, the most important EQ in my collection." Ronan Chris Murphy
Producer/Mixer Ronan Chris Murphy has worked with King Crimson, Terry Bozzio, Steve Morse and Tony Levin to name a few. Ronan also founded the Home Recording Boot Camp recording school for musicians.
