For beginners! The EQP-1A masterpiece and the cheap yet useful EQP-KT.

Hi, this is Nemoto.

There are great effectors around the world. And most of them have a unit that they’re based on (for guitars, Ibanez's Tube Screamer, KLON's CENTAUR, etc. There are so many products that have influenced so many others that they are categorized as "TS series").

For PA equipment, the UREI 1176 (comp), Putnam 610 (preamplifier), Neve 1081 (EQ), EMI TG12345 (EQ), etc.

This time, I will focus on the PULTEC EQP-1A. It is said that sound gets better by just installing it and it’ like a “magical scoop", and various manufacturers make EQP type models so that you could make one category called the "EQP type".

* This article is for beginners, so instead of using technical terms to explain accurately, I will write using simple and easy-to-understand language without being worrying too much about incorrect nuances. Don't take the explanation for granted, just take it as an approximation. If you are familiar with this product already, please disregard this and go on to the next one.

First of all, the PULTEC EQ P-1A is a "parametric equalizer". It allows you to set any frequencies to any value.

The operation is called "shelving". It controls all frequencies above or below the set value. In other words, if the lowest point is set to 100Hz, all the frequencies below 100Hz are raised or lowered, and if the highest point is set to 5kHz, all the frequencies above 5kHz are raised or lowered.

When "Peaking", a specific frequency is raised or lowered.

Now, let's take a look at the EQP-1A.

EQP-1A

• Due to the difference in the amount of change and the curve, even if the frequency is boosted and cut by the same amount, the sound will not be flat.
• You can easily emphasize a specific frequency.
• It can be used like peaking, instead of shelving.
• Even if the equalizer is bypassed, the natural sound of the tube is added.

Now let's move on to the EQP-KT.

First of all, this is the EQP type created by Klark Teknik. Klark Teknik is a prestigious manufacturer from the United Kingdom, and the design is user-friendly. It is durable, making it ideal for outdoor use.

KLARK TEKNIK / EQP-KT

* Hereafter, EQP-KT is referred to as "KT" and EQP-1A is referred to as "1A".

I think the biggest feature of the KT is in the high range. I think even advanced users will be impressed by the high frequencies.

The biggest feature of the 1A is in the low range, and the high range cannot be adjusted as finely as in the low range. Some people say, "1A can only be used to adjust the low range."

On the other hand, KT is designed to adjust high frequencies well. By boosting / cutting independently, the adjustment range is expanded and it becomes easier to handle.

For example, if you want to boost above 3kHz and cut above 5kHz. It's easy if you can boost and cut independently. However, in order to fix the frequency like the 1A and make a similar sound with only the boost & cut knobs, you have to learn to make complicated adjustments.

The low frequency control is basically the same as 1A.

However, it is possible to select up to 800Hz, and it is also possible to equalize the mid-range. This is also an interesting point. If you set it to 800Hz, adjust it roughly, and then adjust it in detail to make the better sound. It’s perfect for use with musical instruments and vocals. A Parametric Equalizer is usually used for the last adjustment, but I think it is better to use it between the comp and the gate.

I'm currently connecting the KT to the MX822 I introduced earlier. I use it as an audio equalizer. This is quite interesting, and it’s fun to adjust the sound of music that does not suit the tube sound, using an equalizer.

Conclusion.

The KT is easy to use and is an excellent quality 1A type. You won’t regret getting one.

There are a lot of things to learn from it, and it is also fun to listen to the sound. You can also change the sound character by changing the tubes. The tubes that are originally loaded are a 12AX7 (ECC83) and a 12AU7 (ECC82).

EQP types are expensive in general, but I would recommend the KT, even though it is cheap.

Finally, I will introduce EQP types handled by Sound House. It's fun to compare each model and see the differences.

■ WARM AUDIO / EQP-WA

■ WESAUDIO / LC-EQP

■ A DESIGNS / EM-PEQ

(Powered rack / chassis required)

■ MANLEY / Enhanced Pultec EQ

■ MANLEY / Stereo Pultec EQ

Dual-channel Stereo Pultec EQ also available.