In the world of pro audio recording, there are two types of equalizers: those that you don’t want to hear in action ("surgical" or "corrective" EQ), and those that you do ("color" or "character" EQ). The EM-PEQ is one you most definitely do want to hear...

One of the most venerated equalizers of all time, the all-tube Pultec EQP-1A has been cherished by recording and mastering engineers for its almost magical ability to improve the sound of nearly any signal running through it.

After extensive research and development, the EM-PEQ has captured the essence of the EQP-1A and contained it in the compact and popular 500-Series format. The EM-PEQ faithfully preserves the EQ section design, control layout, and wonderfully smooth musicality of the original Pultec. It also has the same frequency settings and inductors that made the Pultec a must-have for accurately capturing and shaping the sound spectrum, especially the bottom end. The high band is attenuated at 5k, 10k, 20kHz; bandwidth and boost can be varied mid to high band at 3k, 4k, 5k, 6k, 10k, 12k, 16kHz; and, of course, the low band can be boosted and/or attenuated at 20Hz, 30Hz, 60Hz, or 100Hz. Boost and attenuation can be adjusted from 0dB to ±10dB.

Additional features of the EM-PEQ include a nickel-core Cinemag output transformer, gold Grayhill rotary switches, Wima capacitors, and a true hard-wired bypass; plus, instead of using common off-the-shelf chokes, A-Designs uses a custom tapped Cinemag inductor wound to precisely the same values as the original Pultec.

Along with the classic EQ circuitry, layout, and exceptionally musical sound of the EQP-1A, the EM-PEQ offers fully balanced, noise-free performance and modern impedance specs for easy operation and fast studio integration. Makeup amplification is achieved through the use of the same discrete Class AB amplifier found in A-Designs Audio’s immensely popular solid-state Pacifica mic preamp—putting a slightly unique and modern twist on the classic design of yesteryear.

Unlike any other 500-Series equalizer, the A-Designs EM-PEQ sits on the extreme end of the “character” bench. It is the perfect tool to shape what cannot be fixed by so-called “surgical” EQs: the elusive magic of musicality. You’re gonna want two of them…at least….!*

*The EM-PEQ is an approved API™ VPR Alliance product and requires 48V to operate. Please check your power rack for this feature before purchasing an EM-PEQ.