My prayers have been answered with this Pultec EQ... Its a reason why you cant find one used for sale. If you do its very rare. I want the Audioscape EQP 1A tube version just to have tubes... Other than that, its amazing on vocals and absolute killer on Bass. There is nothing like it in my rack and that includes the SSL and Harrison EQ. Neither gives you the Body and clarity at the same time like this does. I thought it was overpriced but now I don't think so. Its only this price because of the size IMHO. Nothing else.

This is the most expensive 500 series single EQ. I received three of these units for replacement. They all have moving parts. Here this one too skip to 9min 48 sec

It's all you believe it is and more!!! And for bass is completely ridiculous.

I think we all tell ourselves digital EQ's can get the job done, and you can totally make a record without analog.

While these statements are true, the reality is, until you hear what most digital EQ's do around 1-3K, you will find yourself reaching to notch, instead of boosting. This is the first EQ where it was a "whoa" moment. I found I was able to push that 1-3K range quite significantly and all there was to show for it was pushed focused energy without the shrill or ear piercing fatigue. The 4-8K is simply brilliant and clear. The 10-12K, I often don't use to boost since most mics have a natural response there, but the 16K is where the magic lives. I pushed 16K almost all the way up and start to cut 20K to compensate, the results are unreal. I have tried this on Pultec style plug ins and yes, you can get close, but you will not achieve what this box does so beautifully. You will get the results quicker and you will notice running this as a line insert, the API opamp gives it "a sound."

The 30-40hz is amazing too. You get the pillowy goodness that just sits the low end without building up. I almost traded this thing away like an idiot. I have used tube EQ's, and transformer EQ's, all amazing, but what this small box gives you seems unfair.

You will need to get used to the knobs though since they aren't gain scaled, but These things are designed for you to just listen and that is what I love the most about them. If you can find one on sale, get it. They aren't for the faint of heart, but this box changed my workflow. I would love if they made a mastering version with detented pots. Just buy it and be in awe that this thing is that amazing.

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I bought a pair of the EQP-500S back in early 2016. Since then Pulse Techniques has revised those into the 500X.
So for those considering getting these, the following is my original review on my 500S units which is 100% applicable to the 500X.

April 2016: I just receive my pair of these genuine Pultec EQP-500S units and I am in sonic heaven.
First off, I was floored at how heavy these things are. I spoke with Steve at Pulse Techniques and he told me that the guts of their 500 series units have the same circuitry and tranny specs as their full size rack counterparts. That said, they sound outstanding, period. Yes indeed, genuine Pultec with an API 2520 opamp in a 500 series package, 'nuff said. If you want the real deal in this size, these are worth every penny. I'm lovin' these things.. ;-)

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I was a bit skeptical at first because you buy a pultec for their tubes! This is as every bit as deserving the name PULTEC as any of her tubbed predecessors!!!

First off they are not as gooey as the tubed version but it ha this tight focused low end that compliments the midrange so much , it's hard to get a muddy mix with too much , it just adds an organic presence. And with the Q it's easy to pinpoint any oomph that needs to be cleaned out.

The top end is sparkly and smooth with that magical presence that pultec is known for , on top of that it has the extra 5 and 10 k shelf that is exclusive to these units ! And it does add that silky air !

I recommend these for anyone looking for pultec !

I have some pretty awesome eq’s in my lunch box but this one is my fav especially for vocals nothing like the plugin even though I still use the plugin this goes on every vocal now and sounds like a record!!!
Ps Thanx Zach and Alana and the Sweetwater gang for the help with my purchase