Pultec Passive EQ Collection by Universal Audio EQ plugin interface

Pultec Passive EQ Collection: Analog-Modeled EQ Plugins by Universal Audio

Rated 4.8/5 on Plugin Boutique (814 ratings)

The Pultec Passive EQ Collection is a set of analog-modeled EQ plugins from Universal Audio, based on the vintage Pultec EQP-1A, MEQ-5 and HLF-3C hardware units. It runs in VST3, AU and AAX on macOS and Windows.

VST3AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

The Pultec Passive EQ Collection brings three vintage Pultec-style equalizers into your DAW as plugins. Universal Audio describes the models as emulations of legendary tube EQs used to shape popular music for more than 70 years. The collection covers low-end shaping with the EQP-1A, midrange boost and dip with the MEQ-5, and retro filtering or corrective cutting with the HLF-3C. Each unit is available in a UAD Native version and an Apollo Realtime and UAD-2 version.

Best for

Bass and kick shaping
Vocal midrange presence
Lo-fi filter effects
Hiss and rumble removal
Mix bus EQ

Developer: Universal Audio
Category: EQ
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Three vintage Pultec-style EQ models: EQP-1A, MEQ-5 and HLF-3C
Low-end shaping for bass, synths and drums with the EQP-1A
Two bands of mid boost and one midrange dip on the MEQ-5
Two-control HLF-3C for lo-fi filter effects and corrective cuts
UAD Native version runs without UA hardware
Apollo Realtime and UAD-2 versions run accelerated on that hardware
Available in VST3, AU and AAX formats

03In depth

Sound and Character of the Pultec EQ Models

Universal Audio says the EQs are modeled closely on the original analog hardware, with the aim of reproducing its tone. The developer positions the collection as a detailed modeling effort built around the hardware's sound rather than a generic EQ with a Pultec-style interface.

The EQP-1A is presented as a tool for low-end work on bass guitar, synth bass, kick drums and synths. The MEQ-5 covers the midrange, with two bands of mid boost and one midrange dip band, and the developer notes that its filter interactions are part of the vintage design.

The HLF-3C uses two controls and is aimed at both lo-fi effects on vocals and instruments and removing hiss and rumble.

Workflow and Use Cases in a Mix

Each of the three EQs suits a different stage of a mix. The EQP-1A fits low-end sculpting on bass and drums, the MEQ-5 fits vocals, guitars and keys where the midrange carries presence, and the HLF-3C fits both creative filter sweeps and cleanup of unwanted low and high frequencies.

Because the collection includes both UAD Native and Apollo Realtime and UAD-2 versions, you can choose how the processing runs. The UAD Native version runs on a Mac or PC without UA hardware, while the Apollo and UAD-2 versions run accelerated on that hardware.

04Specs

Will it run?

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

Developer	Universal Audio
Type	Plugin
Category	EQ
Formats	VST3, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What do I need to use the Pultec Passive EQ Collection?

You need a supported DAW that is compatible with VST3, AU or AAX plug-in formats, plus a free iLok account and the free UA Connect application to manage the UAD Native plug-ins. An internet connection is needed to download the software and authorize the plug-ins. An iLok USB key is optional.

Which formats and operating systems does it support?

The collection is available in VST3, AU and AAX formats on macOS and Windows. The listed macOS versions run from Big Sur 11 through Tahoe 26, and Windows requires Windows 10 or Windows 11 in 64-bit editions.

Do I need UA hardware to run it?

No. The UAD Native version runs on a Mac or PC without any UA hardware. The Apollo Realtime and UAD-2 versions run accelerated on Apollo interfaces and UAD-2 hardware.