How to Do the Pultec Trick for Bigger, Tighter Low-End

Engineers have been swearing by the Pultec Trick for decades. It's a deceptively simple EQ move that creates rich, full low-end while carving out muddiness—perfect for kick drums, bass guitars, vocals, and even the mix bus. The trick? Boosting and cutting the same frequency—most commonly at 60Hz or 100Hz—using a classic Pultec-style EQ like the EM-PEQ 500-series or the EM-EQ2 rackmount EQ.

Why Does the Pultec Trick Work?

The “trick” works because the boost and attenuation circuits on a Pultec-style EQ aren’t exact opposites. Boosting adds a low-frequency shelf, while the attenuation occurs at a slightly higher frequency with a broader curve. The result? A punchy, focused low end with a gentle scoop just above it—clearing out low-mid mud without killing warmth.

What It Looks Like

Here's a visualization of the Pultec Trick in action—boost and cut both set at 100Hz. Notice the rise in sub-lows and the subtle dip in the 200–400Hz range. This is how you get that “tight but fat” low end.

Where to Use the Pultec Trick

You can apply the Pultec Trick on:

• Kick Drum: Add punch and clarity without boom.
• Bass Guitar: Enhance body while tightening low mids.
• Drum Bus: Add weight without cluttering the kit.
• Vocals: Give male vocals more depth and presence.
• Mix Bus: Subtle use can add that finished low-end glue.

How to Dial It In with the EM-PEQ or EM-EQ2

Both of these A-Designs EQs faithfully recreate the Pultec circuit—but in modern, solid-state formats for reliability, low noise, and extended clarity.

• Set both Boost and Attenuation knobs to the same frequency (typically 60Hz or 100Hz).
• Use the Boost knob to add desired weight. Start modest—2 to 4 dB is plenty.
• Adjust Attenuation to dial in how much “mud” you want to scoop out.

Why Go Solid-State?

While the original Pultec EQP-1A was tube-based, the EM-PEQ and EM-EQ2 bring the magic of the design into solid-state territory—without sacrificing warmth.

The benefits:

• More precision in the low end—great for modern mixing styles.
• Clean upper frequency response for crisp top-end work.
• No tubes to replace or maintain.
• Lower cost without compromising tone or musicality.

Final Thoughts

The Pultec Trick isn’t just a myth—it’s a real-world, engineer-approved technique that can transform your low end. And with tools like the EM-PEQ and EM-EQ2 from A-Designs Audio, it’s never been easier to get there.

Whether you're tightening a kick drum or sculpting the master bus, these EQs deliver rich, musical curves that flatter everything they touch.