Pulsar 8200 EQ plugin by Pulsar Audio interface with curve editor

Pulsar 8200: Analog-Style Parametric EQ Plugin by Pulsar Audio Free Download

Rated 4.8/5 on Plugin Boutique (140 ratings)

Pulsar 8200 is an EQ plugin from Pulsar Audio that emulates the GML 8200 parametric equalizer designed by George Massenburg. It offers an analog-style curve editor, a built-in de-esser and mid-side processing for mixing and mastering.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

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Free trial available from the developer

01Overview

Pulsar 8200 is built around the parallel topology and distinctive filter shapes of the original GML 8200 hardware. The developer describes it as a component-accurate model, aiming for smooth curves and a more natural result than many digital equalizers. On top of the emulation, Pulsar Audio adds a visual curve editor, a real-time spectrum analyzer, high- and low-cut filters, a tilt filter and Air and Sub bands for working at the extremes of the spectrum.

Best for

Master bus EQ
Vocal sibilance control
Acoustic piano tuning
Kick and bass low-end shaping
Guitar harshness reduction
Mix tonal balance

Developer: Pulsar Audio
Category: EQ
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Visual curve editor with per-filter property editing
Built-in de-esser with frequency, amount and bell or shelf type
Mid-side processing with Listen buttons for isolated audition
Auto-Gain compensation based on EQ curve analysis
Six-pole tilt filter for overall tonal balance with one knob
Air and Sub bands for the extreme high and low ends
Real-time, long-term and Infinite Spectrum analyzer
Peak, RMS and overall gain metering

03In depth

Sound and Character of the Analog EQ Emulation

Pulsar 8200 models the all-discrete, Class-A analog electronics of the original unit. Its parallel topology and unique filter shapes are meant to produce a tight low end, a clear high end and precise control across the frequency spectrum.

The developer says the parallel design keeps corrections sounding natural, including larger EQ moves that would be harder to handle on other units. The Air and Sub bands are inspired by parallel passive equalizers and let you adjust the extreme ends of the spectrum without adding mud or harshness.

Workflow: Curve Editing, Mid-Side and Metering

The on-screen curve editor shows the overall frequency response, and you can edit the properties of any filter, including its name, without using the lower panel. Mid-side mode lets you equalize the center or side information of a signal, and the Listen buttons help you audition each channel in isolation.

The spectrum analyzer offers fast and slow real-time windows or an Infinite Spectrum setting for long-term views. Peak and RMS meters, along with an overall gain meter, help you track dynamics and level matching. Auto-Gain compensates for level changes caused by EQ moves, and the Gain Scale control raises or lowers an entire curve at once.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	Pulsar Audio
Type	Plugin
Category	EQ
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit
Free trial	Yes

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does Pulsar 8200 support?

Pulsar 8200 is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats, all 64-bit. It runs on Windows and macOS.

What do I need to run Pulsar 8200?

You need an account at ilok.com to use Pulsar software. On Windows, a 64-bit system with an Intel or AMD quad-core CPU, 4 GB RAM and 1 GB of free disk space is listed, and on macOS 10.9 or later, including Apple Silicon (M1).