The UAD Pultec EQP-1A brings one of the most legendary hardware equalizers of all time into the digital world.
Modeled after the classic tube-driven Pultec unit from the 1950s, this plugin is prized for its silky top end, musical low-end boost, and warm analog character.
Used on vocals, bass, guitars, or the mix bus, the Pultec EQP-1A has an uncanny ability to make sounds bigger, smoother, and more polished — often with just a few knob turns. It’s a piece of analog history reborn inside your DAW.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (9.6/10)
Interface & Workflow
The interface faithfully recreates the original Pultec layout, with its signature boost and attenuation knobs that can be applied simultaneously to the same frequency range. At first, this “Pultec trick” seems counterintuitive, but it creates the unique low-end punch and clarity the unit is famous for.
The workflow is straightforward: choose your frequency, apply boost, attenuation, or both, and enjoy instant analog vibe. While it lacks modern visual feedback like spectrum analyzers, its simplicity is exactly what makes it so musical.
Features
- Faithful emulation of the original Pultec EQP-1A tube equalizer
- Boost and attenuate the same frequency for the classic “Pultec trick”
- Smooth high-frequency shelf for airy vocals and mix polish
- Warm low-end resonance perfect for bass and kick
- Modeled tube saturation and harmonics for analog character
- Authentically modeled interface and response
Price & Value
At around $149–$199, the UAD Pultec EQP-1A isn’t the cheapest EQ plugin, but it delivers a sound that digital EQs struggle to match. For UAD users, it’s considered an essential piece of their plugin collection.
While stock EQs can technically replicate similar curves, they rarely capture the musical, tube-like quality that makes the Pultec so sought after. If you’re looking to add instant analog warmth and polish, this plugin is worth every penny.
Pros
- Legendary analog EQ tone in plugin form
- The famous “Pultec trick” for tight, punchy lows
- Silky high-frequency boost without harshness
- Simple, intuitive controls with musical results
- Excellent on vocals, bass, guitars, and mix bus
Cons
- Lacks modern EQ flexibility (no dynamic bands, limited frequency options)
- Higher price compared to basic EQs
- Requires UAD hardware or Spark subscription
Verdict
The UAD Pultec EQP-1A is more than just an EQ — it’s a piece of analog history that continues to shape the sound of modern music.
With its buttery highs, powerful low-end sculpting, and warm tube character, it remains a go-to for engineers who want their mixes to sound polished and timeless.
Rating: 9.6/10 — An essential vintage EQ emulation that delivers smooth analog tone and the iconic Pultec sound.
FAQ
What is the “Pultec trick”?
It’s the unique ability to boost and attenuate the same frequency range, creating tight, punchy lows with added clarity.
Is the UAD Pultec EQP-1A good for mastering?
Yes — it’s widely used on the mix bus for adding smooth highs and controlled low-end weight.
Do I need UAD hardware to use it?
You can run it with UAD Apollo/Accelerator hardware or via the UAD Spark subscription natively.
How does it compare to other EQs?
Unlike surgical EQs, the Pultec is all about broad, musical curves and analog vibe — it’s not for cutting problem frequencies, but for enhancing tone.
Is it CPU heavy?
No — the plugin is light on resources, even when used across multiple tracks.
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