Price: $149 (Currently on sale for $34.99)
Formats: VST, AU, AAX | Mac & Windows Compatible
Overview
Few plugin bundles manage to bottle up true analog character quite like Waves’ PuigTec EQs. Modeled in meticulous detail from Grammy-winning producer Jack Joseph Puig’s hand-selected vintage Pultec units, this plugin duo—EQP-1A and MEQ-5—delivers classic tube EQ tone with a modern DAW workflow. Whether you’re looking to add weight to a kick, sheen to vocals, or vibe to your mix bus, the PuigTec pair offers a time-tested sonic signature that continues to be a favorite among top-tier engineers and producers alike.
What You Get
This suite includes:
- EQP-1A – A low and high frequency passive EQ with the ability to boost and cut simultaneously, famously known for the “Pultec Trick” on low-end sources.
- MEQ-5 – A midrange sculptor that excels at shaping the body and presence of vocals, guitars, and keyboards.
Each plugin replicates the subtle yet powerful curves of the original hardware, known for their transparency and musicality rather than surgical precision.
In Use: A Sonic Sculptor’s Dream
EQP-1A makes quick work of muddy bass and flat drums. Its ability to boost and attenuate the same frequency—typically around 60Hz or 100Hz—yields that classic low-end “lift” found on countless records. The high-frequency section offers musical control, never becoming brittle even when pushed. Use it on kicks, synth basses, or full mix buses and you’ll immediately hear why it’s a staple in mastering chains.
Over in the MEQ-5, three interactive bands give you precise midrange contouring. It shines on vocals—bringing out throatiness or air, depending on how you dial it in—and is equally effective for pulling honk out of electric guitars or adding texture to synths. The overlapping mid dip and boost bands allow you to create space and definition without flattening out the tone.
Faithful Modeling, Modern Convenience
Waves didn’t just recreate Pultec EQ curves—they emulated Jack Joseph Puig’s actual hardware, ensuring every nuance of his personal collection was preserved. The result is a warm, responsive, and intuitive plugin that brings the richness of analog circuitry to your DAW. For fans of the original hardware or those simply chasing “that sound,” this is one of the most faithful recreations available—without the hefty vintage hardware price tag.
Performance & Workflow
The PuigTec plugins are surprisingly light on CPU and integrate seamlessly with all major DAWs. Presets like “Kick 101,” recommended by producer Iman Omari (Mac Miller, Kendrick Lamar, Kaytranada), provide excellent starting points for fast results. The interface is clean, true to the original, and easy to use—even for those unfamiliar with the Pultec layout.
Verdict
The Waves PuigTec EQs are more than just a vintage emulation—they’re a mastering-grade tone-shaping toolkit that blends analog warmth with digital precision. At full price, they’re a worthwhile investment. At the current sale price of $34.99, they’re a no-brainer. Whether you’re producing Hip-Hop, Pop, Rock, or Electronic, the PuigTecs can bring an unmistakable sense of polish and depth to your mixes.
Pros:
- Rich, musical EQ curves true to original Pultecs
- Faithfully modeled from JJP’s handpicked units
- Excellent for mixing and mastering
- Adds weight and presence without harshness
- CPU-efficient, easy-to-use interface
Cons:
- No wet/dry mix knob for parallel use
- Not ideal for surgical EQ tasks
Rating: 4.8/5
A must-have for producers seeking classic analog tone in a modern digital workflow.
