The Pultec MEQ-500 500-Series Parametric Equalizer Equalizer is a 500-series 3-band midrange equalizer designed with input from legendary producer Jack Douglas. It offers enhanced frequency options beyond the classic MEQ-5 for precise control of the midrange.
The MEQ-500 is a 500-Series version of the Pultec MEQ-5. Before bringing the MEQ-5 midrange equalizer into the 500-series family, Pulse Techniques discussed the project with legendary producer/engineer Jack Douglas (John Lennon, Aerosmith, Alice Cooper, Cheap Trick, etc.). Jack has indicated previously that the MEQ-5 has been a staple of his guitar, bass, vocal and keyboard sounds over the years. With Jack’s input, we made a few enhancements to the standard MEQ passive EQ section, which included the addition of 1.2k and 1.5k centers to the low-mid, addition of 1.2k and 8k to the high-mid (overlaps low-mid section and expands top-end) and some minor tweaks to the Q of the high-mid settings.
Pultec MEQ-500 500-Series Parametric Equalizer Features
- 3-band midrange EQ: Provides two peak boost bands and one dip (attenuation) band for simultaneously shaping the midrange frequencies.
- Overlapping bands: The design features overlapping bands, which allows for unique and creative sculpting of the frequency response. This is a classic Pultec technique used to achieve complex and musical curves.
- Low-midrange peak boost: Offers up to 10 dB of boost at selectable frequencies: 200, 300, 500, 700, 1000, 1200, and 1500 Hz.
- High-midrange peak boost: Provides up to 8 dB of boost at selectable frequencies: 1.2, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8 kHz.
- Midrange dip attenuation: Allows for up to 10 dB of cut at selectable frequencies: 200, 300, 500, 700 Hz, and 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 kHz.
- API 2520 op-amp: Unlike the original tube-based MEQ-5, the MEQ-500 uses an API 2520 op-amp for its makeup gain stage. This gives it a more transparent and punchy character.
- Low noise floor: The solid-state construction results in an impressively low noise floor, ensuring a clean and vibrant sound.
- Classic Pultec sound: Despite its solid-state design, the MEQ-500 captures the iconic sound and musicality of Pultec equalization.
Pultec MEQ-500 500-Series Parametric Equalizer Specifications
- Low-midrange peak boost: 200, 300, 500, 700, 1000, 1200, 1500 CPS, 0 – 10 dB
- High-midrange peak boost: 1.2, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 KCS, 0 – 8 dB
- Dip Atten: 200, 300, 500, 700 CPS and 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 KCS, 0 – 10 dB
- Input Impedance: ~600 Ohms
- Output Impedance: ~50 Ohms
- Noise: Below -80 dBm
- Distortion: ≤ 0.15% at 10 dBm into 600 Ohms
- Amplifier: 20 CPS to 20 KCS; +0, -1 dB ref 1 KCS including input/output xfmrs
- Output Level: +21 dBm maximum
Pultec MEQ-500 500-Series Parametric Equalizer Includes
- Pultec MEQ-500 500-Series Parametric Equalizer
- Manufacturer Warranty
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