Pultec EQP-1S3-SS Program Equalizer

Pultec EQP-1S3-SS Program Equalizer is the solid-state version of the EQP-1S3, pairing the widest Pultec curve set with a gain stage built on a genuine API 2520 opamp and a Triad output transformer. The front end and passive equalization network are identical to the tube variant. Compared with the EQP-1A3-SS it adds peak centres at 1 and 2 kHz plus high-frequency shelf boost with 5 and 10 kHz corners.

Shelf-lifted top with a solid-state attack

The 1A family, solid-state versions included, lifts the highs with a peak curve only, so the response falls away again above the chosen centre. Here you get a 5 or 10 kHz shelf up to 14 dB that holds its level upward, and you can use it at the same time as the peak. That combination earns its place on saturated guitar buses and drum sums: the shelf opens the whole band while the variable-bandwidth peak places presence where it is needed. The solid-state stage meanwhile preserves the attack that matters most on that material.

The 1-2 kHz band and headroom to spare

The 1 and 2 kHz centres govern vocal intelligibility and whether a guitar or snare cuts through a backing track. The 1A family cannot reach that band at all, which makes this the deciding argument for anyone working mainly in the midrange. Added to that is the character of the solid-state path: many engineers pick it for kick, snare, bass and piano, describing the low end as tighter than the tube variant. A maximum output level of +21 dBm and noise below -80 dBm mean the equalizer sits comfortably on hot console inserts.

KEY FEATURES

• EQP-1S3 passive equalization network with a solid-state gain stage
• Genuine API 2520 opamp with a Triad output transformer
• High-frequency shelf boost with 5 and 10 kHz corners
• Nine high-frequency peak centres, including 1 and 2 kHz
• Low curves at 30, 40, 70 and 100 Hz with simultaneous boost and cut
• Tighter low end and more defined attack than the tube variant
• Output level to +21 dBm and noise below -80 dBm
• The same circuit that forms the core of the 500-series modules

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Type: passive program equalizer with solid-state line amplifier
• Gain stage: API 2520 with Triad output transformer
• Low shelf boost: 30, 40, 70, 100 Hz, 0-13.5 dB
• Low shelf attenuation: 30, 40, 70, 100 Hz, 0-17.5 dB
• High peak boost: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 12, 16 kHz, 0-18 dB
• High shelf boost: 5, 10 kHz, 0-14 dB
• High shelf attenuation: 5, 10, 20 kHz, 0-16 dB
• Input impedance: approx. 600 Ohms, output approx. 50 Ohms
• Noise: below -80 dBm
• Distortion: 0.15% max at 10 dBm into 600 Ohms
• Amplifier response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, +0 / -1 dB ref 1 kHz, transformers included
• Maximum output level: +21 dBm