Wes Audio ngTubeEQ

Wes Audio ngTubeEQ is a mono, fully analog passive Pultec-style equalizer with a tube make-up amplifier, in ng500 format (2-slot 500-series module) with full VST/AU, USB, and MIDI digital integration — the tube counterpart of _RHEA in 500-series format, combining a passive program equalizer network with the warmth and coloration of a tube gain stage. EQ sections: Low (boost/cut with classic Pultec interaction), Mid Boost (selectable frequency and Q), Mid Cut (selectable frequency), and High (boost/cut). The tube make-up amplifier following the passive section adds harmonic saturation and depth characteristic of tube-based Pultec EQP-1A processors. Stepper motors move physical potentiometers and switches in response to DAW automation. A pair of ngTubeEQ modules forms a stereo tube Pultec-style EQ.

Passive EQ network with tube make-up gain

The passive EQ network in the ngTubeEQ includes a Low section with the classic Pultec boost/cut interaction: simultaneously boosting and cutting in the low-frequency range creates a characteristic phase and amplitude shape unavailable in active equalizers — the result is deep, controlled low-end enhancement with subtle phase sculpting. A Mid Boost section with selectable frequency and Q bandwidth, an independent Mid Cut section with its own frequency selection, and a High section with boost and cut at selectable frequencies complete the classic program equalizer architecture. The passive network attenuates the signal; the tube make-up amplifier restores the nominal level after the passive section. The tube in the make-up gain stage adds subtle harmonic saturation and compression characteristic of tube-based processors — the exact coloration character depends on the signal level and the depth of EQ correction (the greater the attenuation in the passive section, the higher the gain through the tube and the more pronounced the saturation). Tubes require a warm-up period before recording.

DAW integration, ng500 format, and pairing

The ngTubeEQ VST/AU plug-ins handle DAW automation and recall: stepper motors move the physical frequency and Q switches and gain potentiometers per band in response to plug-in parameter changes. Recall is accurate to 16-bit per parameter, guaranteeing identical physical settings at every session recall. The module occupies 2 slots in a 500-series rack. Two ngTubeEQ modules form a stereo tube Pultec-style equalizer with identical per-channel character — the tube counterpart of the stereo _RHEA in Starlight format. The ng500 format allows installation in any API-compatible 500-series rack. ngTubeEQ is one of the ng500 line modules from Wes Audio, alongside NGLeveler, NGBusComp, NG76, _MIMAS, _HYPERION, _CALYPSO, _DIONE, _RHEA, and _Prometheus.

KEY FEATURES

• Mono passive Pultec-style EQ with tube make-up amplifier, 2-slot 500-series module, with full digital integration
• EQ sections: Low (Pultec boost/cut interaction), Mid Boost (selectable F and Q), Mid Cut (selectable F), High (boost/cut)
• Classic Pultec boost/cut interaction in Low section — phase and amplitude shaping unavailable in active EQs
• Tube make-up amplifier after passive section — tube harmonic saturation and depth
• Tube coloration character depends on signal level and depth of EQ correction
• Tube warm-up period required
• Full DAW automation (VST/AU) with physical potentiometer and switch movement
• Full preset recall 16-bit per parameter via USB and MIDI
• Zero digital processing in the signal path
• Format: ng500, 2-slot module (API 500-series compatible)
• Pair of modules = stereo tube Pultec-style EQ
• Tube counterpart of _RHEA in 500-series format

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Type: mono passive Pultec-style EQ with tube make-up amplifier, 2-slot 500-series module
• Signal path: fully analog, passive EQ network + tube make-up amplifier
• EQ sections: Low boost/cut (Pultec interaction), Mid Boost (selectable F and Q), Mid Cut (selectable F), High boost/cut
• Make-up amplifier: tube-based
• Digital integration: VST/AU, USB, MIDI
• Automation: 16-bit per parameter, physical potentiometer and switch movement
• I/O: balanced (500-series standard)
• Power: from 500-series rack (API standard, increased current draw due to tube)
• Format: ng500, 2-slot (API 500-series compatible)