Tube-Tech Equalizers Mk II

As long ago as 2006, Softube formed a partnership with Tube-Tech of Lydkraft, Denmark, and began work on what would become the definitive plug-in representations of Tube-Tech’s best and most highly-prized analog hardware units.

In 2018 we released the updated Mk II versions; a total ground-up remodel of the CL 1B compressor, and a single combined EQ plug-in, taking advantage of our latest signal processing technology. We also added stunning high-resolution graphics and additional features to make the best even better.

Fat, tube-driven, passive equalizers can be so much more than functional tools. They impart character and style to any source; drums, synths, vocals, guitars, strings, brass… you name it! As such, they’ve been sought after in top-of-the-line international studios for decades, and their sound enriches the textures of thousands of classic records, in every genre you can imagine.

Try, for example, the famous 'Pultec' low-end trick. Because the filters for the low frequency boost and attenuate functions are slightly offset in frequency (despite being controlled by the same frequency knob) it’s possible to create attractive and well-focused bumps or cuts in the low end by boosting and attenuating simultaneously. Give a kick drum more body, for example, by boosting heavily at 60 CPS and then attenuating to deal with the muddiness. The bump will remain, but you’ll have cleaned up too.

The ME 1B was designed to accompany the PE 1C equalizer, and provide control over the frequencies that the PE 1C cannot adjust. On its own it's a great tool to shape the midrange of any audio material, and together with the PE 1C it becomes a versatile and full-featured equalizer.

The user interface of the ME 1B is pretty straightforward. You have three different sections, the Low Frequency Peak, Mid Frequency Dip and the High Frequency Peak. The only confusing thing is that the mid section never boosts, but always attenuates the selected frequency. The other two sections, low and high frequency, always boost the frequencies. But as soon as you start to use the ME 1B in conjunction with the Tube-Tech PE 1C 'Pultec' Equalizer you'll find that these equalizers complement each other perfectly.