Radiant Q
Key Features
- Pultec EQP-1A-inspired passive EQ with low boost, low attenuation, bandwidth, high boost, and high attenuation controls
- Simultaneous boost-and-attenuate trick on the low end creates the signature Pultec resonant shelf curve
- Broad, musical EQ curves designed for gentle tone shaping across the full frequency range
- Clean, linear signal path without added harmonic distortion for transparent tonal adjustment
- Hardware-style interface with familiar knob layout that mirrors the original Pultec EQP-1A
- Native Apple Silicon support with Universal binary for both Intel and ARM Macs
Description
Radiant Q by ViatorDSP is a Pultec EQP-1A-inspired equalizer plugin that brings the broad, musical tone-shaping curves of classic passive tube hardware into your DAW. It faithfully captures the familiar Pultec control layout with low boost, low attenuation, bandwidth, and high-frequency boost/attenuation knobs.
The plugin handles the signature Pultec trick effortlessly, letting you simultaneously boost and attenuate the low end at the same frequency to create that distinctive resonant shelf curve prized by mix engineers for decades. It excels at broad-stroke tonal shaping rather than surgical precision work.
Radiant Q delivers a clean, linear interpretation of the Pultec topology without added harmonic saturation or tube coloration. This makes it a transparent tone-sculpting tool that pairs well with separate saturation plugins when you want to add grit independently.
The interface mirrors the original hardware layout, making it immediately familiar to anyone who has used a Pultec emulation before. Controls respond musically across their range, from gentle low-end warmth on kick drums to airy high-frequency lifts on vocals and mix buses.
Available as VST3 and AU on both macOS (Intel and Apple Silicon native) and Windows, with a lightweight footprint suitable for use across multiple tracks in a session.
Video Preview
Tips
- Use the low boost and low attenuation controls to add depth and warmth to bass instruments.
- Apply the high boost and high attenuation to add air and clarity to vocals and high-frequency instruments.
- Experiment with the bandwidth selector to find the perfect balance between broad and narrow EQ adjustments.
- Utilize the intuitive interface to quickly make adjustments and fine-tune your mix.
- Combine Radiant Q with other plugins to create a rich, layered sound that captures the essence of vintage analog equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Pultec plugin is best?
The best Pultec plugin depends on your needs. Apogee's officially licensed EQP-1A is widely regarded as the most authentic emulation with full harmonic modeling. Radiant Q offers the Pultec EQ curve behavior in a lightweight, no-cost package, making it ideal for producers who want the tonal shaping without the price tag.
What is the alternative to Waves Pultec?
Radiant Q by ViatorDSP provides the core Pultec EQP-1A boost-and-attenuate functionality at no cost. For a paid option with deeper harmonic modeling, the Apogee Pultec EQP-1A ($99) is the only plugin officially endorsed by Pulse Techniques, the current Pultec hardware manufacturer.
Does Radiant Q add tube saturation to the signal?
No. Radiant Q focuses on replicating the Pultec's EQ curve behavior and frequency response without modeling the tube harmonics or saturation of the original hardware. This gives you a clean, transparent result that you can pair with a dedicated saturation plugin if you want added warmth.
Does Plugin Alliance have a Pultec EQ?
Yes. Plugin Alliance offers the Bettermaker EQ232P, which is a Pultec-inspired passive EQ with additional modern features like mid/side processing. The Lindell Audio PEX-500 is another Pultec-style option in the Plugin Alliance catalog.
