Bettermaker Passive Eq

The Timeless Appeal of the Pultec EQ: A Personal Journey

My fascination with the Pultec EQ began in 2006 when I first learned about its legendary status. This EQ, originally designed in the 1950s, had achieved an almost mythical reputation. I was captivated - how could something so old still be so revered in modern music production? My curiosity led me to explore plugin versions like Waves’ Puigtec EQ, developed with mix legend Jack Joseph Puig, and UAD’s Pultec EQ. These plugins gave me a glimpse of the magic, and for the first time, I began to understand why the Pultec was so celebrated.

At first, I thought the plugins were fine. They brought a new clarity to the high end that I hadn’t experienced before, but they didn’t completely win me over. At the time, I was primarily using Logic’s built-in EQ, which felt familiar and reliable for my needs. Then in 2010, Pensado’s Place hit the scene, and everything changed.

In almost every episode, engineers raved about the Pultec EQ’s ability to shape low-end frequencies, particularly for kicks and bass. They emphasised the famous “boost and cut simultaneously” technique, which works by boosting the low end while cutting at the same time, resulting in a clean, tight, and balanced low-frequency response. I revisited my Waves and UAD Pultec plugins, applying what I had learned, and suddenly everything clicked. I could hear the magic of the Pultec in action. It wasn’t just an EQ - it was a tool that could transform the foundation of a track. My desire for the real thing, the hardware Pultec, started to grow.

The Klark Teknik EQP: Tubes Change Everything

In 2017, Klark Teknik released their EQP, a budget-friendly hardware version of the Pultec. Unlike the plugins, this had actual tubes, a key part of the original Pultec’s design. For me, this was huge. Tubes are known for their warmth and musicality, and I knew I had to get my hands on one-or, ideally, two.

After a long search (and a fair bit of patience), I managed to snag a pair of EQPs on eBay, brand new and unopened. For months, they seemed impossible to find in stores-either out of stock or unavailable altogether - which only made finally getting my hands on them even more thrilling. When they finally arrived, it felt like Christmas morning. I connected them to my RME interface, set them up as external plugins in my DAW, and started experimenting.

The difference was immediate. The hardware brought warmth and colour that the plugins struggled to match. Kicks and bass were solid, vocals gained a newfound presence, and the tubes added a richness that elevated my productions. They just worked. For years, those EQPs became an integral part of my workflow, and the tactile experience of working with real hardware was both rewarding and inspiring

The Bettermaker Passive EQ: A Modern Classic

In 2024, Bettermaker released their Passive EQ, a modern take on the Pultec with additional features. At the time, I was subscribed to Plugin Alliance, so I downloaded it immediately. Bettermaker had already earned a reputation for their high-quality gear, and this plugin was no exception.

The Bettermaker Passive EQ blew me away. It captured the essence of the Pultec while offering modern enhancements. The low end was punchy and clean, the Valve/Heat switch added a subtle gloss, and the Output Filter became my go-to tool for high and low cuts. It felt like the best of both worlds - the Pultec sound with modern flexibility.

The Bettermaker impressed me so much that I decided to sell one of my Klark Teknik EQPs, keeping the other specifically for vocals. The plugin was that good - it delivered the sonic qualities I loved in the hardware while streamlining my workflow.

The Pultec Legacy Lives On

Owning hardware with real tubes was a significant moment for me. By this point, I already had a solid understanding of sound and production, but the tactile experience, warmth, and character of the Klark Teknik EQPs added a new dimension to my work. They reinforced what I knew about shaping sound while offering unique tonal qualities. That said, tools like the Bettermaker Passive EQ have shown me that modern technology can often rival, and sometimes even surpass, hardware in both practicality and sound quality.

I’ve yet to work with an original Pultec, but the legacy of this iconic EQ continues to inspire me. Whether it’s through plugins or hardware, the Pultec’s ability to add weight, clarity, and musicality to a track remains unmatched.

🔗 Passive EQ by Bettermaker