THE AFFORDABLE PULTEC? || Gainlab Empress

[@coywood203]

I swear...I've never seen anyone have so much fun trying out a new piece of gear...that's awesome!

[@ethangregorymusic]

You have been convincing me about the difference in analogue products through your demonstrations with clear audio representing what's going on. Really not something you see often outside of long-winded mix sessions. I hope to see more! This EQ sounds great. Everything doesn't just sound boosted, it sounds focused

[@buffsop3191]

The hilarious thing about Pultec EQs and the "low end trick," IIRC, is that it was actually explicitly stated in the original manual from the 50s "DO NOT USE THE BOOST AND ATTENUATION FUNCTIONS AT THE SAME TIME!" The manual says not to, and audio engineers do it anyway and turn it into a staple function of the device. 😂

[@Swiftopher755]

I honestly think this is the most talked about eq trick ever so that's crazy, cool to know though

[@Anya-ip6fd]

Probably discovered by the same maniac who first did the “all buttons” trick on the 1176

[@nickskywalker2568]

Is it also the same maniac guy that ran his electric guitar in the amplifier with too much power?

[@buffsop3191]

@@nickskywalker2568 Musicians and audio engineers have a weird history of blatantly ignoring what I suppose would be considered "common safety practices" in modern times. Both in terms of doing "this" can and will break your stuff and "Hey, if you touch the wrong thing in here, it can kill you."

[@Mark-vv1dy]

Tube amplifier manufacturers used to warn about not turning the amp up past the point where it distorts. It became the basis of the entire genre of rock music and all that followed. Sometimes it's a good thing when musicians don't RTFM.

I’m really interested in Stam Audio EQP-1AS. What do you think about it?

[@maxmileski1248]

So, Gainlab Empress or Elysia X-filter (mastering)? If you had to choose one.?.?..

[@seenbelow]

As a hungarian, happy that we made something good :)

[@ryanshook8284]

Did you end up keeping this one? What kind of Pultec are you currently using?

[@b.hornetiii.6771]

How bad is the self noise of this unit? Thanks ...

[@shezzan3525]

First of all thx for your honest work here on youtube! Just to share a feedback i really appreciate your "conclusion" camera frame setup with desk in background, i think it give you something more "professional looking" than your usual setup! P.s. Great unit, sound a bit more "clinical" than the vintage pultec i'm used of, but in a pleasant way.

[@Folk661]

Finally someone made a stereo pultec that actually sounds like a pultec. Gonna have to scoop this.

[@MELOPSMUSIC]

Just one thing : the unit is not very quiet , i had one in test, the channel close to the powersupply is a bit noisy . Can t be heard when music is loud, but if you hear at the end of a piano note.....Apparently it s "normal " because the powersupply is not enough isolated. Anyway it s nice. I chosed the IGS tilt n bands eq; what a big thing for mastering , 6 tubes behind....baxendall curves, and noiseless

[@b.hornetiii.6771]

Yes, the noise floor is a big thing and nobody is talking about it. The problem is not that you can't hear the noise when the music id loud, but that "is there" and making a mess (less space for the "music") inside a mix ...

[@mingofaas5809]

great video. what's (actual) the song?

[@architechproducer]

Nice video and seems like a great unit. I just sold my two "Pultecs" from warm audio, to finance getting a Universal Audio Apollo soundcard and using their Pultecs (and other hardware clones) instead. Wytse, since you really liked universal audios 1176 plugins and hoped they would make similar for Pultec.. Have you checked out their unison/dsp Pultecs? Their "Legacy" versions of plugins seems about the same as hardware clones from other brands, but the more expensive unison versions really sounds better than any Pultec plugin I've tried. Just as the 1176 sounds better than the competition.

[@tisbonus]

That sounds as good as a passive EQ should! My guess is they went with the mirrored look because of copyright and trademark issues. Love your videos man! Saved me a bunch of money and time. I'm too old to be experimenting. That rabbit hole has taken enough of my time. Thanks for doing what you do brutha!

[@Rqmod]

This isn’t active tho no? This is tube based

[@arnaudm.8155]

Thanks man for this ! I have been owning this beast since a couple of months and it is stellar.

[@ValenteVillanuevaMusic]

Can you rewiev the Tegeler’s Pultec? It’s even more affordable. I have it and I love but it’d be cool to see your review of it

[@shooby251]

I have one, and it is Awesome. Also, You are Right on with the "Tube Boost" it does not work on every mix.

[@tekis0]

If White Sea likes, then that's good enough for me! It's SO great to see high-quality recording equipment coming out of European countries other than Germany, France, England, etc. Go Hungary!

[@mteixido9]

I've been having a listen to many videos and reviews about the empress I do reeally like its sound but It does something with the transients that loose definition. LIke those get smeared, did you get this feeling when trying it ? thank you in advance !

[@troeteimarsch]

It sounded really good. But what do the NS-10 folks say? This thing almost exclusively works in the frequency regions they can't monitor :D

[@DubFreakuencies]

They will have to wait for the mk2 version, which includes ns10 on/off button.

[@troeteimarsch]

@@DubFreakuencies :D

[@rafaelsantti714]

this sounds so good! Have you manage to try the warm audio "pultec" ?

[@JornLavoll]

That was a very good test! And the unit sounds wonderful.

[@shawnwaldron1018]

Do you think the Acustica Audio Lava Mics are any good Could you maybe review its plug in for us

[@acollectionofdaves]

So glad you have done a review of this - I really liked the sound of the Dictator as well and am looking at getting some mastering hardware as it sounds so much better than software! - cheers and Merry Christmas! ☕(Dave, Plastic Tree Studios)

[@Balverine]

Can you make a video about the Lin2a and the Lin 76 by Lindell Audio. Need to know if we are in another Klark Teknik situation or if these are actually good for the price

[@christopherventer6391]

It sounds quite good! I was wondering if the mid band is based on the MEQ-5 curves. They're much narrower than an EQP-1A (which is very useful in the midrange). Would also be cool if it had the option of potentiometers instead of stepped controls. That's one thing i really like about the EQP-1A. It's very easy to quickly dial in just the right setting with the pots. I would be curious to hear it head to head with mine!

[@GloveBunniesVideos]

Quick question: the audio that Wytse uses, is it considered unfinalized, or are they final mixes? I'm just curious if that makes a difference when testing things like mastering limiters and such. Thanks!

[@Whiteseastudio]

It depends, sometimes its mixed, sometimes its raw

[@lynnwalker9650]

What about the HCL Oz, or Audio-scape or Stam Audio? Other affordable options, even with tubes.

[@Whiteseastudio]

I would love to check those as well...

[@savagetofu1]

I enjoyed spelunking down in all the comments. I hadn't heard of any of the products mentioned here previously. I learned some interesting new foods: snoepwinkel panikooken stroopkoeken or stroopwafel's I learned about many other Pultec copies: Gainlab Audio Dictator Compressor Stam Audio EQP-1AS - Analog Tube Equalizer Audioscape EQP-A TUBE EQUALIZER (mentioned favorably several times) Tegeler Audio Manufaktur EQP-1 HCL OZ Elysia xfilter 500 Class A Discrete Stereo Parametric EQ IGS Audio RB500ME Rubber Bands Lindell Audio Lin76 was mentioned once. Folks seemed to not like both the Klark Teknik EQP-KT & Warm Audio. (several mentions) I think the Empress looks neat. It isn't an item I have on my radar for purchasing. It's nice to know about it. Thank you.

[@skiiizo]

Thank you very much for the video, looking at your smile I can see that you like the Empress. I see the Dictator in your rack. How do you like it ? I have the Dictator and the Empress and though I'm not a pro engineer, I have a lot of pleasure with these machines. My only complaint about the Dictator is that when you drive the input harder to get the tubes to work, there is no way that I know to reduce the output gain to compare with the dry signal. Do you have a way to do that ? Thank you and cheers from Brussels 😄

[@Whiteseastudio]

Dictator is great as well!

[@codee-music]

Damn! That sounds good. Songs are killing too!

[@FUTR-tv]

That thing sounds amazing. There is definitely magic in that box. Can't justify the purchase price right now, but it is a good value for sure.

[@sebastianjmartin]

love your videos and the device sounds great! ☺ please consider keeping your obsession with autogain/ gainmatching for the analog gear as well otherwise a good comparison is hardly possible.

[@djcrote76]

I think this is the happiest i ever saw you :) Sounds great!

[@sebastianzech3892]

Whats about the headroom of this tool. Its working for +24db ?

[@chrisyking]

Could you do a test of the UAD Pultec vs this unit or a real one? Is it any good?

[@jessermejia]

I’m extremely happy with the JLM PEQ500s I built from kits!

[@shoey6123]

On the subject of EQ's that seem like they should cost more, what are your collective thought on the SSL Ultraviolet EQ at the current sale price of $500? Looking to start a 500 series rack and am considering pulling the trigger on the SSL but I am concerned about how versatile it is on different sources compared to a Pultec clone or another good 500 series eq. I primarily work in the box and am planning on using a Craneborne 500r8 to help with analog integration in DAW but if I were to buy into the ecosystem I would want to know that my hardware does something or sound different/better than what I could get out of Pro-Q. I don't have much spare cash for audio gear set aside so I'm really focused on bang for buck instead of having the absolute best. Anyone have any advice?

[@peteralbert9805]

Hey, they sound differently. First of all, this pultec clone (Gainlab) is designed with a tube amplifier, so the sound will be always pleasing and warm as you can hear it. Then there are pultec clones with solid state amplifier stages, I think most of the 500 clones are like that. The Ultraviolet EQ sounds completely different, if you like the SSL eq sound, you will love it. A Fabfilter Pro Q3 is a surgical digital eq, doing its job pretty well without any coloration. Now, that the price is so low (from $1200 to $500 c.a.) the SSL eq is a very good deal. Probably you could use it on mix / master bus and you don't want to replace it to a pro q3 for sure.

[@andreasgilgenberg5588]

so much fun to see you smiling (-: and yes it sounds amazing........uhhhhhh i want one

[@dejayeazy2770]

Am buying it this week I love it

[@J-DUB-F1]

That Pultec thing!. They're so addicting!. You can over do it and still get a smooth and pleasant sound. The top end on this one is really sweet. The problem is that when you over do it, everything just sounds , more better 😁😉......BUT then when you bypass it, the mix you thought was done, sounds a bit shit....dull, lifeless 🤷‍♂ Really good analog gear will never be snake oil 😏

[@jeffbaumet794]

id be very interested in hearing your thoughts on the Wes Audio Promethius.

[@EqDior]

Man this EQ sounds fantastic!! Awesome vid!

[@jefffpv2759]

have you tried the kniff soma?

[@virtuoskommunizieren]

Sounds wonderful. Even on my Tablet 👍

[@PaulEubanks]

The clarity this thing provides across these frequency bands is impressive. I'd love to see it feeding a spectrum analyzer to see what these sweeps all do

[@simmermusic3894]

That's a really nice sound! Which audio interface are you using to connect all your outboard gear?

[@Whiteseastudio]

A set of RME M-32’s

[@eduardwilliams1245]

Every box has a sound. And this one's signature is very nice indeed.

[@Rhythmattica]

So does my Mic chain, my analog synths, my room thats a box has a sound also. Flavour is but a term like Glue. Something that adds to the music. So, I Guess , My music has a sound, a Signature.. So I dont need a 3k box. ;)

[@eduardwilliams1245]

@@Rhythmattica what?

[@Rhythmattica]

@@eduardwilliams1245 Just saying.. Theres a lot of good "Signatures" Out there .

[@Firetracks]

I’ve noticed that the midrange punch diminishes when engaged

[@Danieljfern]

What is the Tune you're testing with there? It's great! Can't afford the Empress but it sounds amazing

[@Danieljfern]

The first aphrobeat song 👨‍🍳😘

[@gutterg0d]

@@Danieljfern It's ofcourse the classic, Darude - Sandstorm.

[@r4x2]

I’ve had my eyes on the Tegeler EQP-1 but haven’t heard or seen enough good demos yet.

[@tomleader7054]

That sounds nice even through KZbin's codec.

[@1loveMusic2003]

Mirrored is good for using both hands I think that's the intention? I like it.

[@lllllllllllllllllllll1lll1]

Absolutely wonderful. You got me inspired, time to finish up my Gyraf Pultec clone. Mmmmm I can smell that delicious RMA flux already. Cheers!

[@codycreepcore]

That tube boost does it for me. Daaaaamn

[@ralfroeder]

Only one word wow and it is amazing to see how happy you are. Great sound. I used highend headphones.

[@PabloPlus]

This video is perfect for a question I have had for a long time. When do we know we should stop at equalization? Because "always" you can take things a little "further". (I don't speak English, google translate)

[@PuRe_AdDicT]

Compare it to a mix you like the sound of Level match to compare :)

[@MartinNugent]

How about do an honest compare with a good pultec plugin with the analogue one. That would be cool

[@MannyXO]

The first I like a song that’s been used in a demo. That eq is special, wow!

[@mutti5924]

Can you test the puryfied audio 4 in 1 compressor?

[@samprock]

Need to work on my definition of the word affordable :) Sounds great and clear presentation!

[@skinnyblonde4308]

That little moment at 9:44 when you bypassed and the whole mix just went away was the moment I said “fuuuuuck” because I realised I now need some sort of Pultec clone

[@BF-up5xw]

It sounds very good. As do a lot of the plugin emulations; but this is a surefire way to get the benefits without any of the cramping and aliasing that can affect the plugins. Plus, it seems to sound better, as far as I can tell via KZbin!

[@dtrenz]

I would guess that maybe the mirrored controls are meant to be adjusted with both hands at the same time, so you can sort of stereo link the controls manually.

[@joost3783]

Wytse realtalk you should check out the tone boosters MBC, nobody talks about it or reviews it, and it's probably the best multi band compressor I ever used (yes, better than FabFilter IMO). You can expand+compress at the same time (if you want?!), got subtle saturation on each band + imaging. CLEAN interface, very precise and quick workflow. It's incredible

[@DJDMass]

That’s really musical. Would make a great secondary eq beside a bax style eq

[@bastienmalek]

Wow, this is truely impressive, thanks to you i know already what will be my first Analog EQ, couldn't afford a pair of Pultec but this one sounds great for about fourth the price.

[@T.H.W.O.T.H]

What a lovely xmas pressie to yourself. 🎁🎁🎁

[@Meteotrance]

Perfect Afro beat tune for that kind of pulltech demo, very Nice clone more affordable than the lydkraft tube tech, i have the softube plug in but this gainlab empress realy help make a stereo bus shine !

[@ReedDNB]

Sweet sounding box!!

[@DynamicRangeStudios]

how are you sending the mix through a single channel eq?

[@peteralbert9805]

Empress is a dual channel eq.

[@lance134679]

I guess "affordable" is a relative term. Still wayyyy cheaper than 2 Pultecs and sounds good with a bit more versatility. Thanks.

[@lance134679]

If you ever get your hands on a Tegeler Audio Classic Equalizer EQP-1, it's very similar in that it's a passive tube EQ at around the same price as the GainLab. It would a good comparison.

[@Audesi]

I wish it was either completely mirrored or not mirrored. I’m always trying to turn the knob on one channel the opposite direction when I’m turning both since the knobs are not mirrored.

[@Whiteseastudio]

Yeap, my complaint as well 😅

[@ladanzza]

Hey try IGS mastering eq for 500 series... is soon good

[@rakhabaguspratama854]

i dunno im crazy or what, but the boost sounds like literally boosting the sides much more so it gives so much room n separate frequencies over the inst

[@DICARLOPRODUCTIONS]

WHAT ABOUT THE PULTEC EQ IN THE TEGLER CREME????

[@schmuckeprinz]

It has a Pentode not a Triode or am i wrong?

[@nickskywalker2568]

Merry Christmas 🎅

[@codgerfiasco]

Hmm dunno man. Seems like a smile eq and a few dbs of loudness is the "magic" here. If you matched the curve on Pro-Q and matched the gain in the DAW I would put money on there not being any substantial difference.

[@Whiteseastudio]

Challenge accepted

[@codgerfiasco]

@@Whiteseastudio This makes me incredibly happy.

[@adsertheblade]

Let's start with the obvious: it sounds amazing. When you turn it off, it's like the track dies. However Based on the rather steep price of this thing and the obvious un-affordability for many people, how different is this from a good plugin version? Yes, it sounded amazing, but will it not with a plugin? Any chance to get comparison?

[@torino1138]

Great seeing you review hardware!

[@davidpedroso2160]

Best video you have ever done! Great job

[@drakewatkins2624]

Been soul searching for a good analog sound for vocal recording I like the pultecs but very pricey this one here is well rounded and pleasant it’s groovy and in diggin the vibe 🔥

[@AshleySlater247]

Wow! Smooth and musical! Nice.

[@DYSTONIA_nl]

Lazer things?

[@danielclifton3319]

The mid range sounds amazing!

[@ramspencer5492]

Damn. What's the price of one of these? Stereo buss heaven. Looked it up. Around $2,000 in the US. That's not an unreasonable cost for the benefit. If you're making enough to reinvest in your studio... Can get a lot of use out of one piece of gear.... if you have an outboard preamp or two, can use it in the front end during tracking..... As an outboard send for virtual instruments...... Then slap it on the master bus during midtown.... Also useful for mastering. Even without using it for any serious EQ moves.... It could be one hell of a saturator. Could use it on pretty much every track of you wanted. What a difference maker.

[@manugross9572]

guys what do u think sounds better.. a cheap analog pulteq style eq like from warm audio .. or the emulation from ua for example? should i invest in cheap analog hardware or stay with plugin?

[@sandwich-breath]

I’m happy with the plug-in… but this box does sound amazing. It would be a nice luxury purchase if it came guilt free (as in I wouldn’t be forced to eat the box it came in for months)

[@Whiteseastudio]

Never buy cheap

[@manugross9572]

@@Whiteseastudio like never ever? :p

[@uncleted3961]

What is it about Sandstorm??

[@RealHomeRecording]

I love how this dude will look at a user manual for a hardware product, but not software. Comedy gold!

[@CristianCifuentes61]

This is way out of my budget but really cool, thanks !

[@drajvimo4186]

I'm in a stroopkroken and stroopwaffels parade now! Great video!

[@sandwich-breath]

It had my panikooken in a flutter!

[@32herz]

dämn! Now this is one smooth sounding piece of kit.

[@Left2See]

Instant magic out of a box. Someday I will have some of those units. I just need to play lotto and dream... on.

[@YuvProd]

you should try he warm audio version

[@lillightstruck5378]

im about to buy

[@raaszmelodicBB77]

The 1st song is all that!!! Who is it???

[@PRIDEATH]

what's the first song instrumental not sandstorm...

[@Funkybassuk]

I don’t know man, overdoing it sounded awesome!

[@JENewJazzPerspective1]

Sandstorm sounded a lot like fela kuti this time great demo!! Hope you use more versions of sandstorm like this!!!

[@shadownet_nft]

I love your Pultec face, said it all really.