Who doesn’t love a Pultec EQ? However, not everyone has the budget for that particular hardware classic. If you’re light on cash after Christmas, Analog Obsession’s free Poortec is the EQ for you!
On Friday, the indie dev launched the new Poortec EQ for macOS (VST3, AU, AAX) and Windows (VST3, AAX).
The Poortec is presumably based on the OG Pultec EQP-1A, given the similar appearance of the interface and the fact that the plugin’s main six controls are identical to those on the EQP-1A.
The iconic and much-imitated Pultec EQP-1A Program Equalizer debuted in 1951. The two-band tube EQ made waves as the first passive program EQ on the market.
So what have Analog Obsession done with their “poor man’s” take on the classic studio staple?
The dev describes Poortec (a brilliant name, I might add) as a no-frills Pultec build without an SRPP gain stage and inductors. The emulation uses a Fairchild-style old line amp to amplify the signal after the passive EQ.
The Poortec has low- and high-frequency EQ bands. The dev notes that the low band allows you to perform the Pultec “low-end trick with extra frequencies.” The high band, meanwhile, offers a shelf-shape high boost and cut at the same frequency.
On the bottom right, there is a trim pot (TP) on the gain stage circuit. This pot can be used to add more drive to the signal, providing a unique sound with enhanced transients.
Next to the trimpot, there’s a clean master output, and there’s a bypass on the bottom left.
Analog Obsession has provided a nice and easy download process. With a single click, you can grab the macOS or Windows installer from the dev’s Patreon announcement page.
Over the years, many developers have tried emulating the Pultec EQP-1A, often pricing them as high-end products, even for plugin releases.
If you haven’t tried the Pultec sound yet, this freebie is the perfect opportunity to do so. Alternatively, old hands may wish to check out a fresh take on the classic hardware unit.
The original Pultec EQP-1A was valued for its no-frills operation and its warm and musical presence.
The unit (and the Poortec emulation) can also boost and cut at the same frequency point (which the original manual advised against), creating a tight and unique low-end character.
We offer something similar in our recently released BPB Bassaturator plugin. Give it a try if you’re looking for a plugin to saturate and enhance your bass.
Download: Poortec (FREE)
More:
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- BPB Bassaturator is a FREE Bass Booster Plugin
Last Updated on January 11, 2025 by Tomislav Zlatic.
