Waves PuigTec EQP-1A User Manual

Chapter 1: Introduction

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1.2 Product Overview

About Pultec

Custom-engineered and built by hand, the original Pultecs are a top choice for leading recording and mastering engineers, known for their ability to enhance individual frequency ranges without significantly altering others. Introduced in 1951 by Gene Shenk and Ollie Summerland of Pulse Techniques Inc. as the EQP-1, these passive program equalizers used circuit designs licensed from Western Electric. Initial models experienced gain insertion losses typical of passive filters, leading to the addition of a gain makeup stage using a push-pull design with vacuum tubes, resulting in the classic EQP-1A. The EQP-1A is designed for broadband equalization, featuring four low boost/cut frequencies, three high-cut frequencies, seven HF boost points, and a bandwidth control for shaping the high boost curve.

The plugin interface features numerous controls including BOOST, ATTEN, LOW FREQUENCY, BANDWIDTH, HIGH FREQUENCY, MAINS, and GAIN, along with a VU meter indicating output level.

About the Modeling

Waves meticulously modeled and incorporated elements of the original analog gear to replicate the PuigTec EQP-1A's unique sonic characteristics. Key analog behaviors include:

• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): The ratio of harmonic component powers to the fundamental frequency's power. THD, often caused by amplification, alters signal shape by adding odd and even harmonics, affecting tonal balance and potentially peak output gain by +/- 0.2-0.3 dB.
• Transformers: Used for stabilizing or changing I/O loads and signal levels. Older transformers often had non-flat frequency responses, introducing low and super-high frequency roll-offs. The modeled transformers in the EQP-1A contribute to high-frequency roll-off above 10kHz.
• Hum: Waves modeled both 50Hz and 60Hz power current hum. The level of hum can vary based on regional electrical conditions and may differ from the hum present in a user's studio.
• Upon Instantiation: When the PuigTec EQP-1A is first loaded, a slight change in frequency balance, perceived as a top-end boost of about 1dB, may occur. This replicates the hardware's behavior and is influenced by filter interactions.

A frequency response graph shows two curves: a red curve for the EQP-1A with low cutoff at 20Hz, and a yellow curve with low cutoff at 100Hz, both with gains set to 0.

Components

WaveShell technology allows Waves processors to be split into smaller plug-ins called components, offering flexibility in configuration. The PuigTec EQP-1A has two components:

• PuigTec EQP-1A Stereo: A 3-band passive stereo equalizer.
• PuigTec EQP-1A Mono: A 3-band passive mono equalizer.

Chapter 2: Quickstart Guide

• Low Frequency Band: Offers a low shelf for Boost and/or Attenuation at four cutoff points. Boost and Attenuation applied simultaneously create a resonant shelf rather than canceling each other.
• Hi Band Boost: Provides a high bell boost with seven cutoff points and adjustable Q (bandwidth control).
• Hi Band Attenuation: Offers high shelf attenuation at three cutoff points.
• Gain: Controls level trimming.
• Output Meter: Displays peak output level.

Chapter 3: Interface and Controls

3.1 PuigTec EQP-1A Interface

The PuigTec EQP-1A interface includes the Waves System Bar, and controls for EQ In/Out, Low Shelf Frequency, Low Shelf Boost, Hi Bell Boost, Hi Bell Bandwidth (Q), Hi Bell Frequency, Power Select, Output Level, and an Output Meter.

The main controls are:

• EQ In/Out: Toggles the EQ on/off while retaining analog modeling.
• Low Shelf Frequency: Selects the cutoff frequency for the low shelf boost/attenuation.
• Low Shelf Boost: Adjusts the boost level for the low shelf.
• Low Shelf Atten: Adjusts the attenuation level for the low shelf.
• Hi Bell Boost: Adjusts the boost level for the high bell curve.
• Hi Bell Bandwidth (Q): Controls the bandwidth (Q) of the high bell boost.
• Hi Bell Frequency: Selects the center frequency for the high bell boost.
• High Shelf Atten: Adjusts the attenuation level for the high shelf.
• High Shelf Frequency (Atten Sel): Selects the cutoff frequency for the high shelf attenuation.
• Mains: Controls analog characteristics related to noise floor and hum, based on original unit power supplies. Options are Off, 50Hz, 60Hz.
• Gain: Controls the overall output trim level.
• Output Meter: Displays output level in dBFS. An LED indicates clipping.

Chapter 4: The WaveSystem

4.1 The WaveSystem Toolbar

The WaveSystem toolbar provides administrative functions common to all Waves processors. Its features include:

• Undo: Reverts up to 32 previous actions.
• Redo: Reapplies up to 32 undone actions.
• Setup A/B: Allows comparison between two different presets.
• Copy A->B: Copies current settings to the second preset register.
• Load: Recalls presets from files.
• Save: Saves presets in Waves file formats.
• ?: Opens the processor's manual.

4.2 Preset Handling

Preset Types

• Factory Presets: Permanent presets that cannot be overwritten or deleted.
• User Presets: User-saved favorite settings, which can be overwritten or deleted.
• Setup Files: Can contain multiple presets, useful for organizing session settings for quick access.

Loading Presets and Setups

Click and hold the 'Load' button to access the Load pop-up menu, divided into sections for 'Open Preset File', 'Filename.xps' (loaded Setup Files), 'Factory Presets', and 'User Presets'.

Saving Presets and Setups

Click and hold the 'Save' button for options:

• Save to New File...: Creates a new Setup file, prompting for both setup and preset names.
• Save 'File Name' – “Preset Name”: Overwrites the current preset with new settings.
• Save to 'File Name' As...: Saves current settings as a new preset into an open Setup file.
• Put into Preset Menu As...: Saves current settings as a User Preset, available in the Load menu.

Deleting Presets

User Presets and presets within Setup Files can be deleted. Hold Command (Mac) / Control (PC) while clicking 'Load' and selecting the preset/setup to delete. A confirmation prompt will appear.

A/B Comparison and Copying

The Setup A/Setup B button allows comparison of two settings. Settings can be copied from Setup A to Setup B using the 'Copy to B' button for fine-tuning. The current setup name is displayed in the title bar, with an asterisk indicating changes.

4.3 Interface Controls

Controls can be in one of three states:

• Not Selected: Control is not the target of user entry.
• Selected: Control is the target of mouse control entry only.
• Selected and Active: Control is the target for both mouse and keyboard entry.

Control Types

• Toggle Buttons: Display and switch between control states. Some have text displays, others illuminate when active. Linked toggle buttons allow click-and-drag adjustment.
• Value Window Buttons: Display control values and allow click-and-drag or direct keyboard entry. Arrow keys provide incremental adjustments.
• Sliders: Click on the slider or track to adjust. The numerical value appears in a hover window.
• Hover Box: Displays control values when the mouse hovers over them.
• Multiple Selection of Controls: Allows simultaneous adjustment of multiple controls by drag-selecting them or holding Shift while clicking.
• TAB Functions: Navigate between controls using TAB (forward) and Shift+TAB (backward). Mac users have Option+TAB (down) and Shift+Option+TAB (up) options.

Appendix A – PuigTec EQP-1A Controls