Part of what creates this magical sound is the fact that this trick essentially overdrives both EQ stages. As you crank up the boost knob, the valves and transformers start pumping and instilling some nice saturation and nonlinear phase shifts that are characteristic of analog gear. As you add the attenuation knob, you start to reign back the output level of the low end while adding even more coloration as well as a nice low-mid scoop.
Pultec is one of those “make it better” processors for certain things. I’ll never forget this one pop punk track I was mixing about ten years ago. It sounded good but just a *little* indistinct...I decided to throw up a pultec on the master bus for a laugh. It tied the whole thing together so beautifully. It was EXACTLY what it needed. From then on, whenever something sounds a little confusing in the low end/murky (individual track, bus, whatever), out comes the pultec.
I wonder how much of this is psychological... but yeah, it certainly never made something worse. And once you've used it you tend to go back to it just like you describe.
@@Estuera Yeah definitely, there’s always a little confidence involved with some processors. Pro-Q, etc. could easily be massaged into doing a similar thing.
Quick correction, passive refers to using components that do not require power to work and these types of circuit are usually quieter at the output. The no loss term they added it's because the filtering stages are passive but there is active amplification either at the input or output stage of the circuit, to match or boost the gain.
Wow! Thanks. I have at least 2 Pultec EQ plugins, and until now have not really thought much of them... (silly me). I just tried your trick with a MODO bass and my Nomad Factory version of the Pultec, and it truly adds some sweet bottom end to the bass tone. I also tried applying the signal with nothing boosted or attenuated at all, and indeed the plugin does still add some character to the signal just as it is. I wouldn't have expected that from a plugin version, especially since it is more than 10 years old. Gonna be using this going forward for my bass sounds and will experiment with other signals too. Much appreciated!
For the Logic Pro X users: one of the standard Vintage EQs in Logic Pro X is based on the Pultec....I've just discovered after seeing Jonas video and my search for a virtual version of the Pultec.
Just tried this on a remix we're working on, and sweet lorb, this + light use of an aphex aural exciter really sweetened the track. Passed on your video to a colleague of ours, and he tried it, and it's already improved his songs a lot too! Thanks for the tip here This changes the game
This is AWESOME. Just a bit of constructive feedback: when going back and forth between enganged/bypassed effect you could put text in the video instead of actually saying it out loud which I found a little bit distracting when trying to hear the differences. Anyway this is an extraordinary video and channel. Subscribed!
@@Estuera If you want to test frequency response with precision, there is a way. Create a new wave file a few seconds long and draw a single sample spike in the middle of it. Send it through the EQ and do an analysis on the file. You want room on both ends of the spike, because the EQ implementation may have a part in front of the spike. In a typical linear phase EQ for instance, the response will be symmetrical. You can also see the technical quality of implementation using this method if you know your DSP. If you crop silence in this file, you have the reponse of the EQ at the given settings, which you can also apply to audio using a convolution plugin that accepts measured responses. You can use the same method to test and emulate guitar and bass cabinet/mic combinations. You can also test your room for early reflections.
Finally! A worthy video of the truth. Well made. If I may add something to what’s already been said, I’d add this. The valve stage, in the traditional models, comes after everything, including output.
I really enjoy your content. I like the fact that you keep it simple and don't go on with any side stories that are not relevant to the matter. Cheers from Sweden!
@@da-el8547 i got it, it works good, very subtle but noticeable, one of their plugins i also purchased but do not recommend is their inphsse. It’s clunky and difficult to set up within Reason
@@sierra6music Great. I use it with PT and it does add a good subtle low boost. Don't have inphase and thanks for the heads up. I have the Horizon bundle and other Waves plugins totaling over a 100. Plus I also have all the IK Studio Max 3, plus Pro Tools own as well as Air plugins. In my experience, it's easy to go on a buying spree and end up with 100's of unused plugins, since many of them just sound the same actually
At 0:48, I immediately thought of the first Rolling Stones albums issued in America. The left channel was all treble, the right side was all bass. That's what they called "stereo," lol.
speaking of shitty old mixes, listen to “I want you back” by the jackson 5. the drum kit is hard panned all the way to the right and it’s horrific lmao
I’ve been saving up so long for two eqp 1a3’s and I’ve finally had the opportunity to order them. I’m extremely pumped!! Thanks for the vid. Just wanted to share that somewhere hehe
thanks man! real interesting, clearly explained and not too long/too short. same as JP Navarro said maybe just a bit more time without talking between some of the bypassed/inserted sections. good work!!
Sweet. Great from start to finish. Fascinating and useful. Something about knowing a bit about the history reinforces the power while your working. And LOTR 👌
Hey that was really good! That's something new I learned today. I've used Pultec plus-ins before and always get nice results, but now I know how it REALLY works, and can get even more out of it. Thanks so much!
This is wonderful, and led me to buy the Pultec. Prior to that, I actually would always boost the low-end, and scoop-down the adjoining lo-mid just a bit to add clarity. It's apparently an industry standard technique. Thanks!
@@Estuera I bought the Tube Tech emulated version so far, since its modeling was very similar to the hardware version. I have always been a fan of the engineering on Alanis Morrissette's vox, so I have been dying to buy an LA-2A to emulate, but now, am thinking of purchasing a Pultec EQ instead. Any info on the LA-2A? Do you own the hardware Pultec EQ? Peace!
This was the best youtube recommendation ever. I love the concept. I hope you make other stuff with this exact structure. Instantly subbed and checking out your other stuff.
ummthiso trick has been out for 20 years - everyone is doing it - if it is new to you , then you need to watch a lot more channels and other content...
@@levondarratt787 This isn't about the trick. FYI I'm a kickass producer and i can handle my low end without 20 year-old "tricks". The cool thing here is the content and it's structure. He doesn't go like "Hi guys just get a pultec and do this trick and you're good to go don't forget to like and sub". He talks about wtf is a pultec(which i didn't know and functionally it didn't matter) why it got popular, why it's important, how people use it and what are some good emulations of it. And it's cool to learn these stuff in like 8 minutes. It's not a "need" it's just a pleasure. I would even pay for this instead of paying netflix.
@@AlayliDracula there is no way you are a kick-ass producer without ever having encountered a Pultec, or at least the plugin. It's everywhere. So for the typical hobby guy working in his own bedroom, never leaving his bedroom, and head nodding to his own beats - yes it was a great history lesson, and to that - well done and structured.
This simple video is amazing !! Thanks. Didnt really use the version of the EQP thta I currently have within Waves. I just went to it and used it on a kick on a new track and HOLY SH*T its awesome. My new favorite Waves plugin- PUIGTEC EQP1A !!!! Amazing !!!!!
You're an inspiration. Very good content and your voice is calming. We have both this super Dutch accent but your pronunciation is much better than mine. I like your preparation and your eye for detail. Well done!
@@Estuera Don't hide it! It has it's coolness too. I've accepted it also. And an honour if you scroll through my vids. Have to pump up my game, though. I notice your preparation a lot, which makes a huge difference. Also, for my it's hobby and therefore less prepared. But I notice the difference in quality a lot.
Things that really help indeed are writing a script (or at least an outline) for the video and general preparation. I also do a lot of work when editing though. Sometimes it's a miracle how much of a consistent story can be made with proper editing. (It helps that I really love editing work off course, always having fun)
great video, thank you ! I have owned the uad plugin of it for some years now and have never really got the best out of it. I'm gonna give this ago tonight for sure. thanks
Super clear and concise breakdown! Great job ! I own the waves version puigteq model , it is definitely making a difference in my mix buss in a very pleasing way
What a great video! I appreciate the time and effort that went into this. The use of a visual aid to help me understand exactly what is happening was very nice. I wish you would have done the same with the high end part of it but I suppose I'll be able to figure that out on my own. Cheers!
Part of what creates this magical sound is the fact that this trick essentially overdrives both EQ stages. As you crank up the boost knob, the valves and transformers start pumping and instilling some nice saturation and nonlinear phase shifts that are characteristic of analog gear. As you add the attenuation knob, you start to reign back the output level of the low end while adding even more coloration as well as a nice low-mid scoop.
I used to put the pultec EQ on vocal, now I'm more brave to put it on the kick and bass. thank you so much
always a good idea to be bold an try new experiments with using different effects
Pultec is one of those “make it better” processors for certain things. I’ll never forget this one pop punk track I was mixing about ten years ago. It sounded good but just a *little* indistinct...I decided to throw up a pultec on the master bus for a laugh. It tied the whole thing together so beautifully. It was EXACTLY what it needed. From then on, whenever something sounds a little confusing in the low end/murky (individual track, bus, whatever), out comes the pultec.
I wonder how much of this is psychological... but yeah, it certainly never made something worse. And once you've used it you tend to go back to it just like you describe.
@@Estuera
Yeah definitely, there’s always a little confidence involved with some processors. Pro-Q, etc. could easily be massaged into doing a similar thing.
This was very eye opening and a great explanation, thank you for the fantastic video !
I use this tool on every mix. Love it
Thank you so much for putting me on 🤯
I have to point out that this is great for the low end of a piano jab. difference is amazing.
Quick correction, passive refers to using components that do not require power to work and these types of circuit are usually quieter at the output. The no loss term they added it's because the filtering stages are passive but there is active amplification either at the input or output stage of the circuit, to match or boost the gain.
Indeed. Somewhere in the comments we already had a discussion about this because there was some confusion.
The way you describe it is correct.
Thank you for such a left-of-centre piece of gear history. Bravo.
Very nice and informative! I really enjoyed this and am sure gonna remember this trick for next time💪
Thank you!
Great video! I love the 10 commandments dude
Wow! Thanks. I have at least 2 Pultec EQ plugins, and until now have not really thought much of them... (silly me). I just tried your trick with a MODO bass and my Nomad Factory version of the Pultec, and it truly adds some sweet bottom end to the bass tone. I also tried applying the signal with nothing boosted or attenuated at all, and indeed the plugin does still add some character to the signal just as it is. I wouldn't have expected that from a plugin version, especially since it is more than 10 years old. Gonna be using this going forward for my bass sounds and will experiment with other signals too. Much appreciated!
My pleasure :)
For the Logic Pro X users: one of the standard Vintage EQs in Logic Pro X is based on the Pultec....I've just discovered after seeing Jonas video and my search for a virtual version of the Pultec.
Looks like it's the Vintage Tube EQ in Logic Pro X
I wonder how it compares with other plugins?
@@christophernoia5197 There is a Sound on Sound article with a comparison. In addition, there are Some TH-cam comparison video also.
Vintage EQ in Ozone too but dont know if it has the tube colouration aspects
Just tried this on a remix we're working on, and sweet lorb, this + light use of an aphex aural exciter really sweetened the track. Passed on your video to a colleague of ours, and he tried it, and it's already improved his songs a lot too!
Thanks for the tip here
This changes the game
Great to read it helped you out :)
This is AWESOME. Just a bit of constructive feedback: when going back and forth between enganged/bypassed effect you could put text in the video instead of actually saying it out loud which I found a little bit distracting when trying to hear the differences. Anyway this is an extraordinary video and channel. Subscribed!
Thanks and fully agree with your feedback.
me too!
yea
@Darius Aarav Yup, I've been using InstaFlixxer for years myself =)
@Darius Aarav yea, have been using instaflixxer for months myself :)
Having Jonas Steur himself share his knowledge on audio stuff is a real privilege. Thank you!!!
My pleasure 😉
@@Estuera If you want to test frequency response with precision, there is a way. Create a new wave file a few seconds long and draw a single sample spike in the middle of it. Send it through the EQ and do an analysis on the file. You want room on both ends of the spike, because the EQ implementation may have a part in front of the spike. In a typical linear phase EQ for instance, the response will be symmetrical. You can also see the technical quality of implementation using this method if you know your DSP. If you crop silence in this file, you have the reponse of the EQ at the given settings, which you can also apply to audio using a convolution plugin that accepts measured responses. You can use the same method to test and emulate guitar and bass cabinet/mic combinations. You can also test your room for early reflections.
Absolutely agreed!
Great tip! I just checked this with Logic's Vintage Tube EQ and it totally transforms the sound 🙌🏼
Finally! A worthy video of the truth. Well made.
If I may add something to what’s already been said, I’d add this. The valve stage, in the traditional models, comes after everything, including output.
Thanks for the compliment and the extra info 👍
I am here just for the T-Shirt.
I literally just put this on my kick & bass bus and it did wonders. wow. i’m using the waves version. thanks for the tip.
I just got the waves one free and am going to try this exact thing as soon as I can
I really enjoy your content. I like the fact that you keep it simple and don't go on with any side stories that are not relevant to the matter. Cheers from Sweden!
Thanks ! :)
This seems like a must have, off to waves 🌊
got mine from them and enjoying playing around with it. $29 is just a real bargain
@@da-el8547 i got it, it works good, very subtle but noticeable, one of their plugins i also purchased but do not recommend is their inphsse. It’s clunky and difficult to set up within Reason
@@sierra6music Great. I use it with PT and it does add a good subtle low boost. Don't have inphase and thanks for the heads up. I have the Horizon bundle and other Waves plugins totaling over a 100. Plus I also have all the IK Studio Max 3, plus Pro Tools own as well as Air plugins. In my experience, it's easy to go on a buying spree and end up with 100's of unused plugins, since many of them just sound the same actually
Imma try it out right away. Thank you.
At 0:48, I immediately thought of the first Rolling Stones albums issued in America. The left channel was all treble, the right side was all bass. That's what they called "stereo," lol.
speaking of shitty old mixes, listen to “I want you back” by the jackson 5. the drum kit is hard panned all the way to the right and it’s horrific lmao
One of my favorite tricks. I use it regularly but thanks for the video history lesson!
Underrated channel for sure
Love the history lessons bro, keep em comin! 😎😎
Finally someone shows how it's used on a 909 Kick! Thanks dude.
Thanks for sharing this neat trick.
I heard of this trick before but you explained it excellent especially with the audio examples. Love your channel more and more!
Please do more of these !
I’ve been saving up so long for two eqp 1a3’s and I’ve finally had the opportunity to order them. I’m extremely pumped!! Thanks for the vid. Just wanted to share that somewhere hehe
Hope you can make good use of them !
Works just as well with the "Waves" Puig Tec... Thanks!
Thanks bro for sharing your knowledge
I use The Ik multimedia Version And Since I used it the first time, I couldn't stop, it's addictive.
thanks man! real interesting, clearly explained and not too long/too short. same as JP Navarro said maybe just a bit more time without talking between some of the bypassed/inserted sections. good work!!
Can never get enough of Pultec-related content. Thanks!
Sweet. Great from start to finish. Fascinating and useful. Something about knowing a bit about the history reinforces the power while your working. And LOTR 👌
Great video, thanks man
Thank you for being a good teacher. Very helpful and to the point. Subscribed.
Hey that was really good! That's something new I learned today. I've used Pultec plus-ins before and always get nice results, but now I know how it REALLY works, and can get even more out of it. Thanks so much!
My pleasure :)
This is wonderful, and led me to buy the Pultec. Prior to that, I actually would always boost the low-end, and scoop-down the adjoining lo-mid just a bit to add clarity. It's apparently an industry standard technique. Thanks!
So which one did you get ? :)
@@Estuera I bought the Tube Tech emulated version so far, since its modeling was very similar to the hardware version. I have always been a fan of the engineering on Alanis Morrissette's vox, so I have been dying to buy an LA-2A to emulate, but now, am thinking of purchasing a Pultec EQ instead. Any info on the LA-2A? Do you own the hardware Pultec EQ? Peace!
I'm also using the Softube Pultec actually. Works perfectly fine and sounds great.
@@Estuera Thanks for the heads-up. I love your videos.
thanks :)
Pultec's are awesome! broaden the bandwidth and they really get silky smooth.
Just tried it. It sounds amazing, thank you!
This was the best youtube recommendation ever. I love the concept. I hope you make other stuff with this exact structure.
Instantly subbed and checking out your other stuff.
Thanks ! :)
ummthiso trick has been out for 20 years - everyone is doing it - if it is new to you , then you need to watch a lot more channels and other content...
@@levondarratt787 This isn't about the trick. FYI I'm a kickass producer and i can handle my low end without 20 year-old "tricks".
The cool thing here is the content and it's structure. He doesn't go like "Hi guys just get a pultec and do this trick and you're good to go don't forget to like and sub".
He talks about wtf is a pultec(which i didn't know and functionally it didn't matter) why it got popular, why it's important, how people use it and what are some good emulations of it.
And it's cool to learn these stuff in like 8 minutes. It's not a "need" it's just a pleasure. I would even pay for this instead of paying netflix.
@@AlayliDracula there is no way you are a kick-ass producer without ever having encountered a Pultec, or at least the plugin. It's everywhere. So for the typical hobby guy working in his own bedroom, never leaving his bedroom, and head nodding to his own beats - yes it was a great history lesson, and to that - well done and structured.
@@levondarratt787 LOL. I love the internet.
This simple video is amazing !! Thanks. Didnt really use the version of the EQP thta I currently have within Waves. I just went to it and used it on a kick on a new track and HOLY SH*T its awesome. My new favorite Waves plugin- PUIGTEC EQP1A !!!! Amazing !!!!!
Great explanation
Thanks, great video and Great knowledge to add to the arsenal. But never say don't. You know where that leads.
Wow, it actually works. Not to mention that attenuation also clears out the mud.
Excellent informative tutorial. Very thorough and concise. Thanks for your effort. I know this is an older post but extremely useful nonetheless.
This is exactly what I needed for my mixes! Thank you!
Really good explanation. I just got a UAD and love the EQP1, but fairly clueless apart from presets. Great work. Subscribed.
Great explanation. Learned a lot. Thank you
I've seen 2 of this guys videos so far when they pop up on my feed. Good stuff
Thanks :)
Great video. Its all the subtle things like this that add up to the big things!
This content is awesome! More of these videos please!
Tanks for this video Jonas! I’m looking forward to the next video’s, as always.
This is great - thank you! Another trick added to my collection :)
Thanks! Very interesting and useful!
Great Video my Friend!!!! Love it...
Very cool video! thanks!
You're an inspiration. Very good content and your voice is calming. We have both this super Dutch accent but your pronunciation is much better than mine.
I like your preparation and your eye for detail. Well done!
Thanks. And yes , can not hide the Dutch 😁
And I'll be checking out some of your content later today. I see a lot of interesting videos :)
@@Estuera Don't hide it! It has it's coolness too. I've accepted it also.
And an honour if you scroll through my vids.
Have to pump up my game, though.
I notice your preparation a lot, which makes a huge difference.
Also, for my it's hobby and therefore less prepared. But I notice the difference in quality a lot.
Things that really help indeed are writing a script (or at least an outline) for the video and general preparation.
I also do a lot of work when editing though. Sometimes it's a miracle how much of a consistent story can be made with proper editing. (It helps that I really love editing work off course, always having fun)
very interesting and well presented - great job!
Nice demo thanks!
great video, thank you ! I have owned the uad plugin of it for some years now and have never really got the best out of it. I'm gonna give this ago tonight for sure. thanks
Love all your videos. Keep it up
Great review
Brilliant demonstration. Thanks! Was looking for something decent on this a couple of days ago.
Brilliant
thanks great tutorial
LOVE THAT TACO CAT SHIRT!!!
Thats what I was thinking
Excellent! Thanks - I didn't even know half of that!
Great video!
Thanks for the video! This was great. Subbed!
This is a fun and unique way of explaining audio gear ♥️♥️
Thanks ! :)
Very cool trick! I never knew this measure would have a dampening effect on the midrange!! Thank you ;)
Thanks very nice
Super clear and concise breakdown! Great job ! I own the waves version puigteq model , it is definitely making a difference in my mix buss in a very pleasing way
Not sure why this popped up but I'm glad it did! Subscribed!
The mysteries of the TH-cam algorithm ;) Welcome !
I’m glad this was recommended :) brilliant content with no filler! Well done 👏🏼
Thanks :)
Excellent video, thank you very much!
Thank you
Nice "beef" added on the final mix
Superb video!
definitely need more like this, great video man
Thanks :)
What a great video! I appreciate the time and effort that went into this. The use of a visual aid to help me understand exactly what is happening was very nice. I wish you would have done the same with the high end part of it but I suppose I'll be able to figure that out on my own. Cheers!
Much Thanks 👍👍
good video straight to the point!
Great video Jonas, thank you. Really informative and practical. Looking forward to more of the same!
very very good video!
fantastic, thank you! Subscribed.
Thank you for this video! Very useful 👍
Supper awesome. Keep up the great work!
very cool this,,,, great video fella
Thanks for explaining this Pultec EQ low end trick! Has now Subscribed! :-)
thanks and welcome ! :)
this trick also works wonders on metal guitars!
GREAT VIDEO MY FRIEND
Keep doin these! Its great info to share and very concise!
Brilliant video and very well explained