Pultec Passive EQ Collection at a Glance

The Pultec Passive EQ Collection by Universal Audio recreates the vintage Pultec tube EQs that engineers have used to shape records for decades. You get three of them in one purchase, the EQP-1A, the MEQ-5 and the HLF-3C, and they run on any Mac or PC with no UA hardware needed.

Each one has its own job. The EQP-1A handles the low end and the top end, and it suits bass, kick drums, synths and full mixes. The MEQ-5 works on the midrange, with two bands of mid boost and one band of mid cut, for vocals, guitars and keys. The HLF-3C is a high- and low-pass filter with just two controls, for lo-fi effects or for clearing out hiss and rumble.

The EQP-1A is also behind a well-known mixing trick. Boost and cut the same low frequency at the same time, and you get a lift at the very bottom with a slight dip just above it. That tightens up bass and kick drums in a way a normal EQ curve doesn’t.

These EQs are made for broad moves rather than surgical fixes. If you’re still learning what to boost and cut, our EQ for beginners guide covers the frequency ranges first.

The Three EQs

• EQP-1A: low-end and top-end shaping for bass, kick, synths and full mixes.
• MEQ-5: two mid boost bands and one mid dip band for vocals, guitars and keys.
• HLF-3C: high- and low-pass filters with two controls.

Sound

• Modelled on rare vintage Pultec tube hardware.
• Boost and cut the same low band at once for the classic tight low end.
• Works on a single instrument or across a full mix.

Workflow

• Both versions included: UAD Native for any audio interface, plus Apollo/UAD-2 for UA hardware.
• Managed through the free UA Connect app.

System Compatibility

• Plugin Formats: VST3, AU, AAX
• Mac Requirements: macOS 11 Big Sur or later (up to Tahoe 26), Intel or Apple Silicon
• Windows Requirements: Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit), Intel or AMD
• Activation: free UA Connect app, free iLok account and an internet connection (an iLok USB works but isn’t needed)

Pultec Passive EQ Collection Deal FAQs

How long is the Pultec deal on?

The $39 sale price runs on Plugin Boutique until 1 November 2026.

Do I need a coupon code?

No. The discount is already applied on Plugin Boutique, so the $39 price shows without a code.

Do I need Universal Audio hardware?

No. The UAD Native version runs on any Mac or PC with any audio interface. The Apollo and UAD-2 versions are included as well, if you have UA hardware.

Does the Pultec Passive EQ Collection work in Pro Tools?

Yes. It comes in AAX format as well as VST3 and AU.