Pulsatec
by D16 Group · EQ · Passive tube EQ
Not rated yet
Pulsatec is D16 Group's vintage-inspired passive equalizer, in the style of classic passive tube program EQs.
It adds two amplifier models, clean and triode, and a built-in real-time analyzer that overlays input, output and EQ curves.
Best for: Mix Bus, Mastering, Bass, Drums, Vocals. Genres: all genres.
Keywords: tube, built-in analyzer, clean, bass, bus processing, classic, mix bus, visual feedback, vocals, full mix, inspired by, mixing, drums, gentle, kick, mastering, MIDI-controllable, resizable UI, static, vintage.
What it does
Pulsatec is an "Analog Passive Equalizer": a passive-style EQ with separate boost and attenuation for the lows, plus mid and high bands, run through a choice of amplifier stages.
- Low band: independent boost and attenuation controls, for the classic simultaneous boost-and-cut low-end trick.
- Mids and highs: two mid-frequency bands and a high-frequency control.
- Amplifier models: two output stages, one ultra-clean and one triode-based.
- Analyzer: a retractable real-time analyzer showing input and output spectra with an EQ curve overlay, adjustable resolution and mouse-over frequency hints.
- Workflow: quick bypass, factory presets, MIDI Learn and several UI sizes with HiDPI support.
The current version is 1.1.0, at sample rates of 44.1 kHz and up.
Source: D16 Group product page
When to use it
Pulsatec differs from passive tube EQs such as the Universal Audio Pultec Passive EQ Collection, Waves PuigTec EQs and IK Multimedia EQP-1A Vintage Tube Program Equalizer by its built-in analyzer and the choice of clean or triode amp stage. Pick it if you like seeing what the broad passive curves are doing, and pick a hardware-licensed model if exact emulation of a specific unit matters most.
- Best for: broad low-end shaping on kick and bass, gentle air on vocals and buses, and tonal color on the mix bus.
- Genres: general purpose.
- Look elsewhere if: you need surgical, dynamic or linear-phase EQ, or a licensed model of a particular hardware unit.
- Standout: the built-in RTA with input, output and EQ-curve overlays.
What producers say
Early coverage welcomed the analyzer, while some questioned the need for another Pultec-style EQ.
- Gearnews (2025): Stefan Wyeth said the analyzer "is certainly a win for those of us who haven't been mixing with Pultecs."
- Gripe: a Gearnews reader responded, "Wow another pultec EQ. Thats what everybody needs!"
Where to buy
- Best Service: $89
- Plugin Boutique: $89
- PluginFox: $99
- AudioDeluxe: $99
- D16 Group: $101.06 (Listed at €89; converted at €1 = $1.1355 (ECB rate, 29 Sep 2026))
Tutorials and reviews
- Pulsatec - Analog Passive EQ (d16group)
- Instant Vibe & Warmth? Pulsatec by D16
- D16 Group Pulsatec 🇺🇦 🌏
- Pulsatec from D16 - they've done it again!
- D16 Group Pulsatec-Revisión Oficial en Español-
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- EA-PQ by Echelon Audio · Passive tube program EQ · $39
- VEQ-1P by Black Rooster Audio · Pultec EQP-1A-style program EQ · $39
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