Inofficial: Pultec EQP-1A (two variants, a vintage unit and a modern Warm Audio clone), Pultec EQH-2 (vintage), Pultec MEQ-5 (two variants) and Pultec HLF-3C (new for version 3).
The Definitive Passive Tube EQ Collection
Purple 3 is a high-fidelity recreation of the legendary Pultec passive equalizers. These units are world-renowned for their unique ability to shape sound using passive filters and tube gain stages, providing a "glow" that digital EQs simply cannot replicate.
Key Features
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The Full Pultec Family: Includes emulations of the EQP-1A (low/high bands), the MEQ-5 (mid-range specialist), and the HLF-3C (filters).
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The "Low-End Trick": Allows for simultaneous boosting and cutting of the same frequency, creating a tight, punchy low end that cuts through a mix perfectly.
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Silky Top End: Famous for its "Air" band. You can boost the high frequencies significantly without introducing harshness or digital artifacts.
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Hyper Engine Performance: The latest version offers superior transient accuracy and is highly optimized for low CPU usage.
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Tube Saturation: Samples the original tube stages and transformers, adding harmonic richness and a 3D sense of space to your tracks.
Pro Tip: Use Purple P-1 on your master bus. A subtle 60 Hz boost (with some attenuation) and a broad boost at 12 kHz instantly gives your mix that "finished" analog record feel.
Purple 4 is the current standard. This version marks a significant leap forward by fully integrating the Hyper engine across the entire suite, ensuring it remains the gold standard for Pultec emulations.
Key Updates in Version 4
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Hyper Precision: Improved transient response and phase accuracy. The filters feel more "analog" and "reactive" than ever before.
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The Full Collection: Includes the P-1 (EQP-1A), P-M (MEQ-5), H-2 (HLF-3C), and the expanded M-5 series, offering a massive palette of passive tube EQ flavors.
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Aria Integration: Features the new Aria engine for high-resolution graphics, smoother meters, and overall better performance on modern operating systems.
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Optimized CPU Path: Despite the increased audio quality, Purple 4 is more efficient, allowing you to run multiple instances across large sessions without freezing tracks.
Pro Tip: Definitely try the M-5 model in Purple 4 on snare drums. It adds a specific "grip" and warmth to the midrange that is often missing in purely digital recordings.
Company: Acustica Audio