Quote:
Originally posted by mizzle
Hi,
I am looking for general discussion on Pultec EQs.
Can anyone clue me in on the different model types? How about average pricing for the range of EQs?
It seems that everyone compares EQ to the
EQP-1A, but how do the others sound?
-Craig |
The general "Pulse Techniques" design philosophy was a passive EQ circuit surrounded by an input buffer amplifier and an output gain make up amplifier [to make up for the insertion loss of the passive EQ section]... the passive EQ was derived from public domain Western Electric filter set drawings. Some of the later Pultecs employed solid state API op-amps [and in my mind better but there will people that will argue this point ad nauseum] in lieu of tube amps. I thought the bottom was tighter with the 2520 than the tube amp... but YMMV.
There were several "program" equalizers... the EQP-1 was first, the EQP-1S and 1R were basically the same things with a couple of added frequencies [like down to 1kHz], the EQP-1A added 16 kHz on the top, the EQP-1A3 shrunk the EQP-1A down to 2 RU. The bottom frequencies on the EQP series were controlled by the both the cut and boost knobs, each having a different "Q" so you can boost and cut simultaneously for a very interesting, very tight low end thump.
The EQH-2 had a similar thing going on the bottom, on the top it doesn't have the "bandwidth" control you'll find for the HF boost on the EQP series... nor will you find the 3 position selectable Lo Pass filter attached to the "cut" knob. I forget what frequency the HF attenuation is fixed to, but it's a fixed "Lo pass filter"
The MEQ-5 is the 'midrange equalizer'... if features two bands of boost and one of cut, none have bandwidth control and if I remember correctly the cut band has the same available frequencies as the lower of the two boost bands.
The HLF-3C is a passive [no amplifiers, no power cord] Hi/Lo pass filter... the HLT-23C is a two channel version of it.
Then there were mic pre's like the "Mavec" that had some EQ, and panning modules, and all kinds of groovy shit... but the EQP series of equalizers are the most famous, in my mind the EQH-2/MEQ-5 combo the most useful set [EQH-2's sound about the same, and for the parts I use have basically the same function as the EQP series (the 'bandwidth knob on the EQP series isn't all that helpful)... and they're a grand or so less expensive].
EQP series... can range from like $2k USD to $4k USD... EQH-2's around $2,500 USD... MEQ-5's about $1,500 USD... and everything else from there is a function of how much a buyer is willing to pay and a seller is willing to take.
Sorry, I was in a hurry and didn't elaborate to the fullest.