A friend has a WA Pultec an it does kinda suck. It is noisy and though it does EQ things, does not really sound as dense or have a nice smooth high end like a real Pultec. I would also add that I don't think a Pultec, If I had to buy a general use EQ for all kinds of stuff, is what I would choose. I've only used one, other than plugins, but it was kinda a bag of tricks Cool on Kickdrums, cool on Overheads, but not what I would go for to EQ everything. A 3 - 5 Band Parametric, especially with a HPF gets a ton of work done and is more straight forward to use. I don't think any budget Pultec styles are worth it at all. I'd rather use a plugin than the cheap hardware versions.
Re: Recommend a Decent EQ
12That was plenty, thank you for taking the time to spell it out. I've never used a real one or even close so yeah.
Re: Recommend a Decent EQ
13My favourite hardware EQ has to be the API 550. The way the Q works on it just sounds right to me.
from my memory the Waves API eqs aren't too bad either.
My choice for Pultecs would be the Audioscape EQP-A, hands down.
Over the Tube-Tech for sure, and at a 1/4 of the price, I bet it also competes well with new Pultecs(non-clone reissues from Pulse).
I bought KT-EQP, and I would say it is not dogshit, at all. Of course it sounds and feels different to use than a 50 year unit.
from my memory the Waves API eqs aren't too bad either.
My choice for Pultecs would be the Audioscape EQP-A, hands down.
Over the Tube-Tech for sure, and at a 1/4 of the price, I bet it also competes well with new Pultecs(non-clone reissues from Pulse).
I bought KT-EQP, and I would say it is not dogshit, at all. Of course it sounds and feels different to use than a 50 year unit.
DIY and die anyway.
Re: Recommend a Decent EQ
14So, on the one hand, I am using linux, so I don't have a ton of plugins to choose from. This is by choice. Secondly, I really just want something to EQ the signals to record, and then work on little tweaks in software. I know I can use Airwindows or Reaper EQ, just would rather not always have to when I can just EQ in. Recording-wise, I get exactly what I want on the guitar without any processing of the signal from the board, and I get pretty close to bass, though depending on the song it could use EQ and there isn't much headroom in the amp or pedals like there is in guitar, but again not a lot of tweaking there, more like blending of amp/di/sub. With vocals, it's a whole different story. I find that I'm always having to EQ, I would rather have an EQ in the signal chain and get a better base of what I want, then tweak later. Usually, this is rolling off lows, and then sometimes making them really thin in the background if there's overdubbing.twelvepoint wrote: Thu Nov 18, 2021 11:53 am A Pultec is significantly different than a more regular para EQ and the simultaneous boost/cut feature is weird. Is this a situation where you can audition a few plugins and buy the hardware version of whichever one you like? Personally, I would rather just use the stock Reaper EQ most of the time than screw around patching in my Behringer EQP, but if there's some magic with it that works in your input chain, I understand.
I really like how I've gotten my setup working, my gut is just telling me I need some outboard EQ in this area. The pultec's are cool, and I would say even the cheaper ones are better than nothing, but they don't seem like a utility for recording a single-source in, more for mixing or sub mixing and getting a blend of frequencies to play better with each other.
I would say my budget is probably going to be under $500 here. All the high end stuff would be great, but I just need a simple tool that EQs, preferably a dual-channel with stereo linking, though I'm probably asking for too much there.
Now, I would def love to use a pultec EQ as software in a submix or a general mix, but I haven't quite gotten to that point yet to look into what's available on Linux.
Re: Recommend a Decent EQ
15I get ya. I record myself, at home with no control room so it's a lot more likely I'll be making eq decisions when mixing. Sorry, I don't have much advice, although a $250/channel price point is tough with new units, but maybe there's some 2nd hand options. You might be able to hit that point with a DIY 500 series thing. I think DBX has a parametric 500 series that's pretty cheap.cakes wrote: Thu Nov 18, 2021 2:38 pmSo, on the one hand, I am using linux, so I don't have a ton of plugins to choose from. This is by choice. Secondly, I really just want something to EQ the signals to record, and then work on little tweaks in software. I know I can use Airwindows or Reaper EQ, just would rather not always have to when I can just EQ in. Recording-wise, I get exactly what I want on the guitar without any processing of the signal from the board, and I get pretty close to bass, though depending on the song it could use EQ and there isn't much headroom in the amp or pedals like there is in guitar, but again not a lot of tweaking there, more like blending of amp/di/sub. With vocals, it's a whole different story. I find that I'm always having to EQ, I would rather have an EQ in the signal chain and get a better base of what I want, then tweak later. Usually, this is rolling off lows, and then sometimes making them really thin in the background if there's overdubbing.twelvepoint wrote: Thu Nov 18, 2021 11:53 am A Pultec is significantly different than a more regular para EQ and the simultaneous boost/cut feature is weird. Is this a situation where you can audition a few plugins and buy the hardware version of whichever one you like? Personally, I would rather just use the stock Reaper EQ most of the time than screw around patching in my Behringer EQP, but if there's some magic with it that works in your input chain, I understand.
I really like how I've gotten my setup working, my gut is just telling me I need some outboard EQ in this area. The pultec's are cool, and I would say even the cheaper ones are better than nothing, but they don't seem like a utility for recording a single-source in, more for mixing or sub mixing and getting a blend of frequencies to play better with each other.
I would say my budget is probably going to be under $500 here. All the high end stuff would be great, but I just need a simple tool that EQs, preferably a dual-channel with stereo linking, though I'm probably asking for too much there.
Now, I would def love to use a pultec EQ as software in a submix or a general mix, but I haven't quite gotten to that point yet to look into what's available on Linux.
Are you recording just your own vocals? I ask because if you have a set-it-and-forget it EQ, something with fewer options might be just fine.
Re: Recommend a Decent EQ
16Mostly my bandmates, but probably also myself at times and one or two other people. Something that can have a little variety. Looking at the DBX 530, this is pretty close!twelvepoint wrote: Thu Nov 18, 2021 3:11 pmI get ya. I record myself, at home with no control room so it's a lot more likely I'll be making eq decisions when mixing. Sorry, I don't have much advice, although a $250/channel price point is tough with new units, but maybe there's some 2nd hand options. You might be able to hit that point with a DIY 500 series thing. I think DBX has a parametric 500 series that's pretty cheap.cakes wrote: Thu Nov 18, 2021 2:38 pmSo, on the one hand, I am using linux, so I don't have a ton of plugins to choose from. This is by choice. Secondly, I really just want something to EQ the signals to record, and then work on little tweaks in software. I know I can use Airwindows or Reaper EQ, just would rather not always have to when I can just EQ in. Recording-wise, I get exactly what I want on the guitar without any processing of the signal from the board, and I get pretty close to bass, though depending on the song it could use EQ and there isn't much headroom in the amp or pedals like there is in guitar, but again not a lot of tweaking there, more like blending of amp/di/sub. With vocals, it's a whole different story. I find that I'm always having to EQ, I would rather have an EQ in the signal chain and get a better base of what I want, then tweak later. Usually, this is rolling off lows, and then sometimes making them really thin in the background if there's overdubbing.twelvepoint wrote: Thu Nov 18, 2021 11:53 am A Pultec is significantly different than a more regular para EQ and the simultaneous boost/cut feature is weird. Is this a situation where you can audition a few plugins and buy the hardware version of whichever one you like? Personally, I would rather just use the stock Reaper EQ most of the time than screw around patching in my Behringer EQP, but if there's some magic with it that works in your input chain, I understand.
I really like how I've gotten my setup working, my gut is just telling me I need some outboard EQ in this area. The pultec's are cool, and I would say even the cheaper ones are better than nothing, but they don't seem like a utility for recording a single-source in, more for mixing or sub mixing and getting a blend of frequencies to play better with each other.
I would say my budget is probably going to be under $500 here. All the high end stuff would be great, but I just need a simple tool that EQs, preferably a dual-channel with stereo linking, though I'm probably asking for too much there.
Now, I would def love to use a pultec EQ as software in a submix or a general mix, but I haven't quite gotten to that point yet to look into what's available on Linux.
Are you recording just your own vocals? I ask because if you have a set-it-and-forget it EQ, something with fewer options might be just fine.
Re: Recommend a Decent EQ
17HPF is the most important EQ you can buy.
If it is something I really care about, I don't EQ much. I don't own many EQs, but when I reach for one, I want it to do a pultec thing. If I don't like the way something sounds, I should probably re-mic it.
I love you.
Re: Recommend a Decent EQ
18I'm a hybrid digital with outboard gear guy, and have had eq's on my gear wish list for a long time.
After many a conversation over at Tapeop, and reading tons of reviews, it just seemed like the right move is to get more 500 series rack space going.
So many people love both the parametric, and the graphic API units, and some have suggested the Purple graphic eq beats the API. Elysia makes really cool stuff. The Chandler Germanium EQ looks really cool, but is pricey (and only available used).
If I can ever stop lusting after compressors, fancy mics, and guitars I'm going the 500 series route.
After many a conversation over at Tapeop, and reading tons of reviews, it just seemed like the right move is to get more 500 series rack space going.
So many people love both the parametric, and the graphic API units, and some have suggested the Purple graphic eq beats the API. Elysia makes really cool stuff. The Chandler Germanium EQ looks really cool, but is pricey (and only available used).
If I can ever stop lusting after compressors, fancy mics, and guitars I'm going the 500 series route.
Re: Recommend a Decent EQ
19I've been moving in the opposite direction for the last few years. Getting rid of hardware and relying on Plugs more. I rarely EQ or comp (I dislike the sound of compressors) on the way in and the variety of VST EQ I have is vast and interesting. Really, cool preamps and mics are all I'm interested in for hardware anymore. As far as recommending VST EQ:losthighway wrote: Thu Nov 18, 2021 5:01 pm I'm a hybrid digital with outboard gear guy, and have had eq's on my gear wish list for a long time.
After many a conversation over at Tapeop, and reading tons of reviews, it just seemed like the right move is to get more 500 series rack space going.
So many people love both the parametric, and the graphic API units, and some have suggested the Purple graphic eq beats the API. Elysia makes really cool stuff. The Chandler Germanium EQ looks really cool, but is pricey (and only available used).
If I can ever stop lusting after compressors, fancy mics, and guitars I'm going the 500 series route.
TDR Slick Eq (great, Free!)
TDR NOVA (great, FREE 2, does dynamic EQ for free!) Both TDR plugs have a non-free version (like $30) that have more features. These really are great for the money. THeir Comps are also great.
Fabfilter (for everything, Spendy)
Reapers EQ (works fine almost all the time. Low CPU load)
Izotope Ozone (mastering shit. actually a pretty subtle EQ. Tons of options. Spendy.)
URS BLT (Bass, Level, Treble, what else do you need? Oh yeah... mids.) I use it a lot.
Audiothing Blindfold EQ (4 band Para with NO numerical indicators. USE YOUR EARS! Like mixing on a board where the numbers have been rubbed off)
Waves Puigtec series (Pultec in 2 flavors. this and their Fairchild comp are the only waves plugs I can't seem to get away from. If it wasn't for these I would never use Waves for anything. Waves can eat my ass)
I have probably more than 50 EQ plugs in my folder but I do 80% of my DAW EQ with the stock Reaper EQ or Fabfilter. Everything else is just fun toys.
Re: Recommend a Decent EQ
20On the "Grumpy Uncle..." tip -
Start with software options. Even "Modest..." software options will most likely be better than hardware until you are actually going to plunk down a reasonable amount of cash.
Second...
Always, and I mean always, be ready to second guess if hardware is better just because it is hardware.
Past all of that throwing mud on somebody's rainbow?
I can distinctly recall Joe Gore discussing using the ART "Tube EQ..." guy back in the day in a "Home Recording..." article in Guitar Player. Even said the results had a couple of folks suspecting nicer gear had been involved.
While I would still discourage that play?
It's an option.
Start with software options. Even "Modest..." software options will most likely be better than hardware until you are actually going to plunk down a reasonable amount of cash.
Second...
Always, and I mean always, be ready to second guess if hardware is better just because it is hardware.
Past all of that throwing mud on somebody's rainbow?
I can distinctly recall Joe Gore discussing using the ART "Tube EQ..." guy back in the day in a "Home Recording..." article in Guitar Player. Even said the results had a couple of folks suspecting nicer gear had been involved.
While I would still discourage that play?
It's an option.