Pultec MEQ-5

The MEQ-5 focuses on the midrange territory that the EQP-1A addresses less directly. Its three sections are asymmetric by design: low-mid boost, a broad choice of midrange attenuation frequencies, and high-mid boost. They overlap substantially, encouraging combined contours rather than isolated textbook bands.

This modern Passive EQ Collection version includes the modeled transformer and tube-amplifier behavior omitted from the original Legacy Pultecs. It can serve vocals, guitars, instrument groups, or a wider program alongside an EQP-1A, but it does not provide that processor's low shelf or high-air boost controls.

Choose the area that needs support with a peak band, then try a dip in a neighboring region if the added energy also exposes congestion. Revisit the boost after setting the dip, because the result is the sum of interacting curves. EQ Enable allows comparison without removing the modeled I/O path; Bypass/Gain handles complete bypass and final level compensation. The manual gives discrete frequency choices but does not define calibrated maximum dB ranges for the boost and dip amount knobs.

Manual — sections: Pultec MEQ-5; Operational Overview; Pultec MEQ-5 Controls.

• LM Frequency / Low Peak: Select 200, 300, 500, 700, or 1000 Hz for the low-mid boost. This section adds energy; it is not a bidirectional bell filter. Choose the source's useful body region before increasing the amount.
• LM Boost: Controls how strongly that selected low-mid region is raised. Listen for both added fullness and any emerging congestion. The linked control description does not give a calibrated maximum dB value, so panel amounts should not be translated into invented decibel ranges.
• Mid Frequency / Dip: Select 200, 300, 500, 700 Hz, or 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7 kHz. Its wide selection overlaps both peak bands, allowing a cut near—but not necessarily at—the boosted region.
• Mid Dip: Sets attenuation at the chosen mid frequency. Start with a restrained cut and revisit it with the whole mix playing. Because this section is cut-only, use one of the peak sections when the intention is enhancement rather than removal.
• HM Frequency / High Peak: Select 1.5, 2, 3, 4, or 5 kHz for upper-midrange boost. This controls presence rather than the EQP-1A's very high-frequency air region.
• HM Boost: Sets the amount of high-mid enhancement. Try balancing it against the Dip section when a source needs intelligibility without an across-the-board increase in upper-mid energy. There is no separate Q knob documented for these bands.
• EQ Enable: In activates equalization. Out removes EQ action while keeping the modeled I/O coloration, so this is useful for judging the filter moves but not for comparing against a completely untouched signal.
• Bypass/Gain: Provides ±12 dB output trim; fully counterclockwise bypasses processing. Click 0 for unity, or OFF/the red lamp to alternate bypass and the previous setting. Use trim after changing EQ to keep loudness comparisons fair.
• Selection shortcuts: The modern frequency labels can cycle choices, with shift-click reversing direction. These shortcuts are excluded from Legacy in the manual and should not be generalized to Pultec-Pro Legacy.

Manual — sections: Pultec MEQ-5 Controls; Low Peak Controls; Dip Controls; High Peak Controls; Bypass/Gain.