MANLEY ENHANCED PULTEC EQ
Manley Enhanced Pultec EQP-1A: Elevating the Pultec Legacy
Manley Labs' take on the historic Pultec Equalizer, the Enhanced Pultec EQP-1A, represents a modern interpretation of the classic Pultec design, incorporating enhanced features, superior components, and the renowned Manley touch.
Key Features
- Manley's Interpretation: The Manley Enhanced Pultec EQP-1A is Manley's own take on the historic Pultec Equalizer, originally produced by Pulse Techniques, Inc. Manley has been building these units since 1990, following approval from Eugene Shenk, the original designer.
- All-Tube Make-Up Gain Block: The unit employs a clean all-tube make-up gain block designed by Manley to reamplify the signal after passing through the passive EQ circuit. This design choice contributes to the classic tube sound associated with Manley gear.
- Continuously Variable Controls: All BOOST and CUT controls are continuously variable conductive plastic potentiometers, ensuring silent operation and long life. The controls allow precise adjustments, and the EQ can be set to 'flat' positions or entirely bypassed.
- Compact Design: The single rack unit monoblocks occupy one-third of the space compared to the vintage Pultecs, making them space-efficient for outboard rack configurations.
- Additional Frequencies: Manley has added a couple of extra frequencies to the EQ, providing additional sonic flexibility compared to the original Pultec design.
- Phase Invert and Input Options: The rear-mounted input switch allows the selection of 0 degrees or 180 degrees PHASE INVERT for the balanced gold pin XLR input. Additionally, the transformerless unbalanced bridging input (1/4" jack) can be selected in the middle position of this switch.
- Superior Power Supply: The Manley Enhanced Pultec features a vastly superior B+ power supply with regulated and balanced heater supply, contributing to enhanced performance.
- Modern Components: The unit benefits from the availability of modern components, offering improved reliability and performance compared to vintage units.
- Enhanced Line Amp: The Manley Enhanced Pultec incorporates a killer-sounding line amp known for its quality and sonic characteristics.
- Transformer Options: The Manley Pultec offers both transformer-coupled balanced and direct capacitor-coupled unbalanced outputs, providing versatility in sonic character.
- Feedback Adjustment: Gain is factory-set for unity, but additional gain is available through a rear-mounted feedback adjustment trimpot, offering flexibility in signal amplification.
In summary, the Manley Enhanced Pultec EQP-1A captures the essence of the classic Pultec design while introducing modern enhancements and the craftsmanship for which Manley Labs is renowned. Whether used on kick drums or guitars, this unit promises to deliver the magic associated with Pultec EQs but with the added benefits of contemporary design and superior components.
This set of EQ curves shows what happens when you perform BOOST and CUT operations separately.
This set of EQ curves shows the effects of performing BOOST and CUT at the same time, where a DIP is introduced and a BOOST might sound like a CUT!