UAD Pultec Passive EQ Collection
Universal Audio · $39+
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.
The essential Pultec suite for broadstroke tone—EQP-1A lows and air, MEQ-5 mids, HLF-3C filters—with UA's deep hardware modeling.
Best for: Mix and mastering engineers who want musical tube EQ curves for bass, drums, vocals, and buses.
Pros
- Three classic Pultec units: EQP-1A, MEQ-5, and HLF-3C
- Famous simultaneous low boost/cut workflow for fat yet tight bass
- MEQ-5 mid presence for vocals, guitars, and keys
- Native operation without UA hardware required
Cons
- Not a surgical digital EQ like Pro-Q 4 for notching problems
- Waves PuigTec and others offer cheaper Pultec-style options on sale
- Limited bands mean broad moves, not 24-band surgery
Overview
The UAD Pultec Passive EQ Collection is Universal Audio's trio of studio-staple tube EQs: the EQP-1A for broad program curves, the MEQ-5 for midrange power, and the HLF-3C for simple high/low filtering. The point is not surgical precision. It is musical broadstroke tone that has shaped records for decades.
It excels on bass, kicks, vocals, and buses where a few confident moves beat twenty tiny notches. EQP-1A low boost with complementary attenuate is the famous fat-but-tight trick. MEQ-5 targets the mid "power region" that makes guitars and voices sit forward. HLF-3C either cleans rumble/hiss or becomes a lo-fi creative filter with two controls. Native support means the set is no longer Apollo-only.
The trade-offs are resolution and price competition. Pro-Q 4 still wins when you need dynamic bands and linear phase surgery. Cheaper Pultec-style plugins flood sale seasons. Treat these as color EQs, not diagnostic tools.
Choose the UAD Pultec Collection for official, deep-modeled passive tone. Choose SlickEQ or Pro-Q when you need free or surgical alternatives. Combine with 1176/LA-2A for a classic analog-style channel path in the box.
A simple starting move is EQP-1A low boost around the kick or bass, then a gentle high shelf for air—bypass often so the color stays intentional.
Specifications
- Units
- EQP-1A, MEQ-5, HLF-3C
- Type
- Passive tube EQ collection
- Classic uses
- Bass/kick lows, vocal air, mid power region, lo-fi filtering
- Platform
- Native macOS/Windows; Apollo/UAD-2 versions where licensed
- Authorization
- iLok account
- Trial
- 14-day demos available
Last verified 2026-07-16
FAQ
What is in the Pultec Passive EQ Collection?
Three emulations: EQP-1A program EQ, MEQ-5 midrange EQ, and HLF-3C high/low filters.
Why do engineers boost and cut the same low frequency on a Pultec?
The EQP-1A's simultaneous low boost and attenuate creates a resonant shelf shape that can fatten lows while controlling mud—a classic Pultec trick.
Does it require Apollo?
No for native use. It runs on macOS and Windows without UA hardware.
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