The Secret Behind the Legendary Pultec Sound: Softube Tube-Tech PE 1C Review
Softube Tube-Tech PE 1C VST RTAS v1.0.1 [CRACKED]-: A Pultec-Style Equalizer Plugin
If you are looking for a high-quality equalizer plugin that can emulate the classic sound of the legendary Pultec tube-driven passive equalizer, you might want to check out Softube Tube-Tech PE 1C. This plugin is a faithful reproduction of the original hardware unit, created in collaboration with the designers at Lydkraft/Tube-Tech. In this article, we will review what this plugin can do, how to use it, and how it compares with other similar plugins on the market.
Softube Tube-Tech PE 1C VST RTAS v1.0.1 [CRACKED]-
Introduction
Softube Tube-Tech PE 1C is a Pultec-style equalizer plugin that can be used in VST, RTAS, or AU formats on Windows or Mac platforms. It is designed to provide a smooth and musical equalization that can enhance any source material, from bass drums and guitars to vocals and synths. The plugin features a low frequency section with two low shelf filters that can be combined to boost and attenuate at the same time, creating a resonant peak or dip at the cutoff frequency. The high frequency section has a peak and shelving filter working in parallel, which can add a silky shine or a gentle roll-off to the top end. The plugin also has a modeled output transformer that adds some subtle harmonic distortion and warmth to the signal.
The plugin is based on the famous Pultec tube-driven passive equalizer, which was first introduced in the 1950s and became one of the most sought-after studio tools ever since. The Pultec EQ had a unique design that allowed it to create curves that were impossible with conventional active EQs, such as boosting and cutting at the same frequency or creating asymmetrical shapes. The Pultec EQ also had a distinctive sound that was rich, warm, and musical, thanks to its tube circuitry and transformers. The Pultec EQ was used by many legendary engineers and producers on countless hit records, from Motown to Pink Floyd.
Softube Tube-Tech PE 1C is not just a simple emulation of the Pultec EQ, but an exact replica of the modern version of the hardware unit, which is still in production by Tube-Tech. The plugin was created together with the designers at Lydkraft/Tube-Tech, who provided access to their schematics, components, and units for testing and comparison. Softube claims that they have modeled every component and nuance of the hardware unit, including the frequency response, phase behavior, distortion characteristics, noise floor, and even the temperature drift. The result is a plugin that sounds as close as possible to the real thing.
Some of the main features and benefits of using Softube Tube-Tech PE 1C are:
It can provide a smooth and musical equalization that can enhance any source material.
It can create curves that are impossible with conventional active EQs, such as boosting and cutting at the same frequency or creating asymmetrical shapes.
It can add a rich, warm, and silky sound to the signal, thanks to its tube circuitry and transformers.
It is an exact replica of the modern version of the hardware unit, created in collaboration with the designers at Lydkraft/Tube-Tech.
It is CPU friendly and easy to use.
How to use Softube Tube-Tech PE 1C
To use Softube Tube-Tech PE 1C, you need to install and activate the plugin on your computer. You can download the installer from Softube's website or use their Gobbler app to manage your licenses. You will need an iLok account and an iLok dongle to authorize the plugin. Once you have installed and activated the plugin, you can load it on your DAW as an insert effect on any track or bus.
The plugin has a simple and intuitive interface that resembles the hardware unit. It has four knobs for adjusting the parameters and two switches for bypassing each section. The parameters are:
Low Frequency Boost: This knob controls how much boost is applied to the low frequency band. You can choose from six fixed frequencies: 20 Hz, 30 Hz, 60 Hz, 100 Hz, 150 Hz, or 200 Hz. The amount of boost can range from 0 dB to +14 dB.
Low Frequency Attenuate: This knob controls how much attenuation is applied to the low frequency band. You can choose from seven fixed frequencies: 20 Hz, 30 Hz, 60 Hz, 100 Hz, 150 Hz, 200 Hz, or 300 Hz. The amount of attenuation can range from 0 dB to -18 dB.
High Frequency Boost: This knob controls how much boost is applied to the high frequency band. You can choose from ten fixed frequencies: 1 kHz, 1.5 kHz, 2 kHz, 3 kHz, 4 kHz, 5 kHz, 8 kHz, 10 kHz, 12 kHz, or 16 kHz. The amount of boost can range from 0 dB to +18 dB.
High Frequency Bandwidth: This knob controls how wide or narrow is the bandwidth of the high frequency boost filter. You can choose from three settings: Sharp, Medium, or Broad. The sharper the bandwidth, the more selective the boost will be.
High Frequency Attenuate: This knob controls how much attenuation is applied to the high frequency band. You can choose from six fixed frequencies: 5 kHz, 10 kHz, 20 kHz, or Off. The amount of attenuation can range from 0 dB to -18 dB.
Bypass Low Frequency: This switch allows you to bypass or enable the low frequency section. When bypassed, the low frequency boost and attenuate knobs will have no effect.
Bypass High Frequency: This switch allows you to bypass or enable the high frequency section. When bypassed, the high frequency boost, bandwidth, and attenuate knobs will have no effect.
To apply the plugin to different sources and scenarios, you can experiment with different combinations of settings and listen to how they affect the sound. Here are some general guidelines and examples of how you can use Softube Tube-Tech PE 1C:
Bass Drum: To add some punch and weight to your bass drum, you can boost around 60 Hz or 100 Hz with the low frequency boost knob, and attenuate around 300 Hz with the low frequency attenuate knob. This will create a resonant peak or dip at the cutoff frequency, which will emphasize the attack and body of your bass drum. You can also add some brightness and presence to your bass drum by boosting around 3 kHz or 5 kHz with the high frequency boost knob, and choosing a sharp bandwidth setting. This will make your bass drum cut through the mix better.
Bass Guitar: To add some warmth and richness to your bass guitar, you can boost around 30 Hz or 60 Hz with the low frequency boost knob, and attenuate around 150 Hz with the low frequency attenuate knob. This will reduce some of the mud and boxiness in your bass guitar. You can also add some clarity and definition to your bass guitar by boosting around 1.5 kHz or 2 kHz with the high frequency boost knob, and choosing a medium bandwidth setting. This will make your bass guitar more audible and articulate.
Guitar: To add some sparkle and air to your guitar, you can boost around 10 kHz or 12 kHz with the high frequency boost knob, and choosing a broad bandwidth setting. This will make your guitar sound more open and bright. You can also add some body and warmth to your guitar by boosting around 200 Hz or 300 Hz with the low frequency boost knob, and attenuating around 20 Hz or 30 Hz with the low frequency attenuate knob. This will make your guitar sound more full and rich.
Vocal: To add some presence and smoothness to your vocal, you can boost around 3 kHz or 4 kHz with the high frequency boost knob, and choosing a medium bandwidth setting. This will make your vocal sound more clear and smooth. You can also add some weight and depth to your vocal by boosting around 100 Hz or 150 Hz with the low frequency boost knob, and attenuating around 300 Hz or 400 Hz with the low frequency attenuate knob. This will make your vocal sound more solid and deep.
Synth: To add some color and character to your synth, you can boost around 5 kHz or 8 kHz with the high frequency boost knob, and choosing a sharp bandwidth setting. This will make your synth sound more exciting and lively. You can also add some punch and groove to your synth by boosting around 60 Hz or 100 Hz with the low frequency boost knob, and attenuating around 200 Hz or 300 Hz with the low frequency attenuate knob. This will make your synth sound more punchy and groovy.
Comparison with other equalizer plugins
Softube Tube-Tech PE 1C is not the only Pultec-style equalizer plugin available on the market. There are many other plugins that claim to emulate the sound and behavior of the Pultec EQ, some of them more accurately than others. How does Softube Tube-Tech PE 1C compare with these other plugins? What are the advantages and disadvantages of using this plugin over others? What are some tips and tricks to get the best results with this plugin?
Here are some of the most popular Pultec-style plugins that you might want to compare with Softube Tube-Tech PE 1C:
Plugin
Description
Pros
Cons
UAD Pultec Passive EQ Collection
This is a collection of three plugins that emulate the original Pultec EQP-1A, Pultec MEQ-5, and Pultec HLF-3C units. It is considered one of the most accurate and faithful emulations of the Pultec EQs.
- Very realistic sound and behavior- Includes three different models- Has a midrange EQ (MEQ-5) that Softube Tube-Tech PE 1C lacks- Has a low/high cut filter (HLF-3C) that Softube Tube-Tech PE 1C lacks
- Requires UAD hardware or Apollo interface- Expensive- CPU intensive
Waves PuigTec EQs
This is a bundle of two plugins that emulate the Pultec EQP-1A and Pultec MEQ-5 units. It is based on Jack Joseph Puig's personal Pultec units that he used on many hit records.
- Affordable- Includes two different models- Has a midrange EQ (MEQ-5) that Softube Tube-Tech PE 1C lacks- Has an output gain control that Softube Tube-Tech PE 1C lacks
- Not very accurate compared to the hardware units- Sound quality is not very consistent- Interface is not very user-friendly
NoiseAsh Rule Tec EQ1A
This is a plugin that emulates the Pultec EQP-1A unit. It is designed to provide a warm and musical sound with minimal CPU usage.
- Cheap- CPU friendly- Has an output gain control that Softube Tube-Tech PE 1C lacks- Has an analog saturation option that Softube Tube-Tech PE 1C lacks
- Not very accurate compared to the hardware unit- Interface is not very intuitive- Lacks a midrange EQ (MEQ-5) that other plugins have
Nomad Factory Pulse-Tec EQs
This is a bundle of three plugins that emulate the Pultec EQP-1A, Pultec MEQ-5, and Pultec EQH-2 units. It is designed to provide a vintage vibe and character to any source material.
- Includes three different models- Has a midrange EQ (MEQ-5) that Softube Tube-Tech PE 1C lacks- Has an additional high frequency boost filter (EQH-2) that Softube Tube-Tech PE 1C lacks- Has an input gain control that Softube Tube-Tech PE 1C lacks
- Expensive- CPU intensive- Sound quality is not very consistent- Interface is not very user-friendly
Overloud Gem Comp670
This is a plugin that emulates the Fairchild 670 compressor, which is another legendary tube-based unit that was often used together with the Pultec EQs. It is designed to provide a smooth and natural compression that can glue any source material.
- Very realistic sound and behavior - Includes four different models that emulate the variations of the hardware unit - Has a sidechain filter and a dry/wet mix control that Softube Tube-Tech PE 1C lacks - Has a mid-side mode and a stereo enhancement option that Softube Tube-Tech PE 1C lacks
- Expensive - CPU intensive - Not an equalizer plugin, but a compressor plugin - Interface is not very intuitive
As you can see, there are many factors to consider when choosing a Pultec-style plugin. Some of them may offer more features, but also more complexity and cost. Some of them may sound more authentic, but also more demanding on your CPU. Some of them may have more options, but also less consistency and quality.
Softube Tube-Tech PE 1C stands out as a balanced option that offers a faithful emulation of the modern version of the hardware unit, created in collaboration with the designers at Lydkraft/Tube-Tech. It has a simple and intuitive interface, a realistic sound and behavior, and a reasonable price and CPU usage. It may lack some features that other plugins have, such as a midrange EQ, a low/high cut filter, an output gain control, or an analog saturation option, but it also has some advantages over them, such as being an exact replica of the hardware unit, having a modeled output transformer, being CPU friendly, and easy to use.
Some tips and tricks to get the best results with Softube Tube-Tech PE 1C are:
Use it as an insert effect on individual tracks or buses, rather than on the master bus. This will allow you to shape each source separately and avoid over-processing your mix.
Use it in combination with other plugins, such as compressors, limiters, reverbs, delays, etc., to create more complex and interesting sounds. For example, you can use it before or after a compressor to enhance or tame its effect.
Use it subtly rather than drastically. A little boost or cut can go a long way in improving your sound. Avoid extreme settings that may cause unwanted artifacts or distortion.
Use it creatively rather than conventionally. Don't be afraid to experiment with different settings and frequencies that may not be typical for your source material. You may discover new sounds and textures that you like.
Use it musically rather than technically. Don't rely on numbers or meters to adjust your settings. Use your ears and listen to how it affects your sound. Trust your taste and judgment.
Conclusion
Softube Tube-Tech PE 1C is a Pultec-style equalizer plugin that can provide a smooth and musical equalization that can enhance any source material. It is based on the famous Pultec tube-driven passive equalizer, which was one of the most sought-after studio tools ever since. It has a unique design that allows it to create curves that are impossible with conventional active EQs, such as boosting and cutting at the same frequency or creating asymmetrical shapes. It also has a distinctive sound that is rich, warm, and musical, thanks to its tube circuitry and transformers.
Some of the benefits of using Softube Tube-Tech PE 1C are:
It can provide a smooth and musical equalization that can enhance any source material.
It can create curves that are impossible with conventional active EQs, such as boosting and cutting at the same frequency or creating asymmetrical shapes.
It can add a rich, warm, and silky sound to the signal, thanks to its tube circuitry and transformers.
It is an exact replica of the modern version of the hardware unit, created in collaboration with the designers at Lydkraft/Tube-Tech.
It is CPU friendly and easy to use.
If you are interested in trying out Softube Tube-Tech PE 1C, you can download a free trial version from Softube's website or buy it for $199. You will need an iLok account and an iLok dongle to authorize the plugin. You can also find more information and support on Softube's website or contact them via email or phone.
Thank you for reading this article and we hope you found it useful and informative. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below or contact us directly. We would love to hear from you and help you with your audio needs.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about Softube Tube-Tech PE 1C:
What is the difference between Softube Tube-Tech PE 1C and Softube Tube-Tech CL 1B?The Softube Tube-Tech PE 1C is an equalizer plugin, while the Softube Tube-Tech CL 1B is a compressor plugin. They are both based on Tube-Tech hardware units, but they have different functions and sounds. The PE 1C is a Pultec-style EQ that can shape the frequency spectrum of the signal, while the CL 1B is a tube-based compressor that can control the dynamics of the signal. They can be used together or separately, depending on your needs and preferences.
Can I use Softube Tube-Tech PE 1C on any source material?Yes, you can use Softube Tube-Tech PE 1C on any source material that you want to enhance or improve with equalization. The plugin is suitable for many different sources, such as bass drums, guitars, vocals, synths, etc. However, you should always use your ears and judgment to adjust the settings according to your source material and desired sound.
How do I get the best results with Softube Tube-Tech PE 1C?To get the best results with Softube Tube-Tech PE 1C, you should follow some general guidelines and tips, such as:
Use it as an insert effect on individual tracks or buses, rather than on the master bus.
Use it in combination with other plugins, such as compressors, limiters, reverbs, delays, etc., to create more complex and interesting sounds.
Use it subtly rather than drastically. A little boost or cut can go a long way in improving your sound. Avoid extreme settings that may cause unwanted artifacts or distortion.
Use it creatively rather than conventionally. Don't be afraid to experiment with different settings and frequencies that may not be typical for your source material. You may discover new sounds and textures that you like.
Use it musically rather than technically. Don't rely on numbers or meters to adjust your settings. Use your ears and listen to how it affects your sound. Trust your taste and judgment.