Rare: Legendary Pultec Sound in Your Studio
Discover the magic of vintage tube equalization with the Rare plugin from Analog Obsession. Created based on meticulous modeling of the legendary Pultec EQ, this plugin brings the same unique character and warmth that have shaped the sound of countless hit records for decades to your digital audio workstation. If you’re looking to add a tight, musical low end and silky, airy highs to your tracks, Rare will become your indispensable tool.
True Emulation of a Classic
Analog Obsession is known for its approach to modeling vintage equipment, and Rare is no exception. The plugin implements True Component & Circuit Modeling technology, which means not just imitating, but reproducing the behavior of individual components and the entire circuit of the original device. This includes:
- Careful modeling of transformers, adding saturation and harmonic distortion to the signal.
- Detailed reproduction of the character of the tubes, which gives the sound its famous warmth and “glow.”
- Full emulation of the original Pultec program equalizer.
This level of attention to detail ensures that Rare conveys the true imprint of the original equipment, providing the same “rare” signature sound, especially when working with low frequencies.
Features and Controls
The Rare plugin provides intuitive controls that fully correspond to the logic of the classic Pultec. At your service:
- Low-Frequency Section: Select a frequency from 20 Hz to 100 Hz. Independent Boost and Cut controls are available, allowing you to apply the famous “Pultec Trick” – simultaneous boosting and cutting of low frequencies for unique control over the attack and sustain of the bass and kick drum.
- High-Frequency Section (Boost): Choose a frequency from 3 kHz to 16 kHz to add brilliance and presence. This section is perfect for bringing vocals forward or adding “air” to instruments.
- High-Frequency Filter (Cut): Cut off unwanted high frequencies, selecting the cutoff point from 5 kHz to 20 kHz. Helps to clean up the mix from unwanted harshness.
- Clean Output Gain: Adjust the overall signal level in the range from -12 dB to 12 dB. This control is located after the tube section and output transformer, but it does not add emulation by itself, keeping the equalization character untouched.
Rare is designed to be as “clean” as possible in terms of output emulation – it does not add unwanted artifacts, focusing solely on modeling the equalization and the character of the tubes/transformers.
Who Is Rare Suitable For?
This plugin will be a valuable addition to the arsenal of any musician, sound engineer, or producer who works with different genres. It is ideal for:
- Adding weight and density to bass parts, kick drum, and other low-frequency instruments.
- Highlighting vocals, acoustic guitars, and cymbals with musical highs.
- Processing the entire mix on the master bus to add overall warmth, cohesion, and vintage character.
- Experimenting with the unique Boost/Cut interaction at low frequencies.
Whether you need to “color” an individual track or add the final polish to the entire mix, Rare offers a classic sound with all the convenience of the digital format.
Technical Details
The Rare plugin is available in VST and AU formats, ensuring compatibility with most popular DAWs on Windows (64-bit) and MacOS operating systems.
Download Rare today and experience how easy it is to achieve a professional, warm, and musical sound, inspired by one of the most revered pieces of studio equipment in audio history.
