All user reviews for the A-designs EM-PEQ

The A-Designs EM-PEQ is a 500 series module that is designed after the classic Pultec equalizer. It's got the same Pultec make up that most engineers will be aware of, and certainly boasts a similar sound quality to the original. This is an analog piece of gear that can only be used within a 500 series rack, so it doesn't have any connections of it's own and is only rackable in a 500 series rack casing.


UTILIZATION

Even if you aren't familiar with the make up of a Pultec equalizer, the A-Designs EM-PEQ is still easy enough to use for anyone. Like the classic Pultech, it's essentially got two bands, with parameters for frequency selection, boost, and attenuation on each. This also has a attenuation frequency selector knob, which you can choose between 5K, 10K, and 15K. A manual shouldn't be necessary at all to use the EM-PEQ.


SOUND QUALITY

The sound quality of the A-Designs EM-PEQ makes it one of the best 500 series EQ modules I've used, and really one of the best sounding EQ's in general. It's hard to say how this matches up to a real Pultec without actually doing a shoot out, but it sounds amazing in it's own right for sure. It's definitely suitable for use for any application, but I've primarily used it on electric guitar and various drums. I haven't done much tracking with the EM-PEQ, rather have used it to go back and mix. We've got a Neve console at the studio where I work at, so it isn't really necessary to use any outboard EQ for tracking. You might find equalizers that match the top tier sound of the EM-PEQ, but I don't think you'll be finding many that beat it.

OVERALL OPINION

While the A-Designs EM-PEQ is probably the best 500 series equalizer that I've used, it definitely comes with a large price. Home studio owners won't be adding these any time soon, but if you're a professional studio owner looking to add to your 500 series rack, and do have some money to spend, the EM-PEQ is a great investment. If you're not looking for a Pultec model specifically, this is a great sounding EQ, but it's not going to give you as much flexibility as you'd get elsewhere. In the end, the EM-PEQ is a great sounding equalizer and the only 500 series Pultec style EQ that I've seen...