preamp

Meq-5

Pultec

The MEQ-5 — Pultec's midrange EQ. Three bands (low mid + peak + high mid) of all-passive Pultec circuitry, then a tube makeup-gain stage. Used on Sinatra, Beatles, Motown — and still tracking vocals and snares everywhere in 2026. The "boost + cut at the same frequency" Pultec trick works on the MEQ too — boost 500 Hz and cut 500 Hz creates a phase shift that fattens the body without muddying it.