Plugin comparison
Specs, price and the Dubspot Score, side by side — with our verdict on which effect to buy.
Independent score / workflow fit / buying signal
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Contenders
Softube Reference 1998 Equalizer models a passive tube EQ with four parallel bands and a tube stage for warm, saturated color on mix buses and masters.
UAD Pultec Passive EQ Collection includes EQP-1A, MEQ-5, and HLF-3C tube EQ emulations for musical low-end boosts, mid sculpting, and filters.
Score verdict
On the Dubspot Score, UAD Pultec Passive EQ Collection comes out ahead (8.7). That said, the right pick depends on your workflow and budget — read both reviews before deciding.
Technical matrix
| Signal | Softube Reference 1998 Equalizer | UAD Pultec Passive EQ Collection |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99 | $39+ |
| Dubspot Score | 8.6 | 8.7 |
| Formats | VST, VST3, AU (Mac only), AAX | VST3, AU, AAX |
| Type | Modeled passive tube equalizer | Passive tube EQ collection |
| Bands | Four passive, parallel EQ bands with tube stage | — |
| Sibling | Reference 1956, minimum-phase passive design with Mid/Side | — |
| Integration | Console 1 ready, loads into Softube Equalizers for up to 20 bands | — |
| OS requirements | macOS 14/15/26, Windows 10/11 (64-bit) | — |
| Authorization | Softube account and iLok account | iLok account |
| Units | — | EQP-1A, MEQ-5, HLF-3C |
| Classic uses | — | Bass/kick lows, vocal air, mid power region, lo-fi filtering |
| Platform | — | Native macOS/Windows; Apollo/UAD-2 versions where licensed |
| Trial | — | 14-day demos available |
See the full plugin database for more comparisons.