Manley Enhanced Pultec EQP-1A Equaliser

The Manley Enhanced Pultec EQP-1A is Manley’s modern take on the classic Pultec Equalizer originally produced by Pulse Techniques, Inc. Manley has been building these EQs since 1990, with Eugene Shenk’s blessing after tracking him down in New Jersey.

This version incorporates Manley’s clean all-tube make-up gain block to reamplify the signal after the passive EQ circuit, and it can be set to ‘flat’ or fully bypassed. All boost and cut controls use high-quality, continuously variable conductive plastic potentiometers for silent operation and longevity. The single rack unit design is more space-efficient than the original 3U chassis and includes additional frequency options.

The Manley Enhanced Pultec EQP-1A sounds true to the original but with enhancements. Unlike the vintage units, which had three transformers in the signal path, Manley’s version can be transformerless for added clarity. The improved B+ power supply is regulated and balanced, and the line amp is highly regarded for its rich sound.

Components used today surpass those available in the 1960s, so if you’re looking for the vintage quirks like carbon pots, wafer switches, or exposed tubes, the antique models remain an option at a premium.

The Manley Enhanced Pultec EQP-1A, available in mono or stereo versions, features a 12AX7WA and 6414 (or 5965) tube in its all-tube line amplifier, delivering unity gain with extra gain adjustable via a rear trimpot. Like Manley’s 40dB mic preamps, it offers both transformer-coupled balanced and direct capacitor-coupled unbalanced outputs for versatility in sound.

Ideal for applications like kick drums, the dual low-frequency boost and cut controls add depth, while the bell-shaped boost and bandwidth control provide midrange clarity. The HF shelf cut is perfect for taming harshness. The Manley Pultec EQ is unmatched for the unique power and sonic magic it brings to any project.

Manley began producing the Manley Enhanced Pultec EQP-1A in 1990 at the original Vacuum Tube Logic of America factory. Production continued there until 1993 when the MANLEY LABS factory was established. Early units from the 1990s typically have serial codes marked as hand-written “ENHPLT###”.

These older models were fitted with 5814 input tubes and 6350 output White Follower tubes, which must be retained unless the wiring is modified to swap pins 2 & 3 and 7 & 8. The early units also featured ElectroSwitch non-shorting switches, identifiable by their brass and black-and-white bodies, which made noise when changing positions and should have been ordered as shorting switches.

Modern units built at Manley Labs use shorting Grayhill switches, distinguished by their red bodies. Over the years, many improvements have been made. The first Manley Pultec built in 1990 was created for BOP Studios in South Africa.

The Manley Enhanced Pultec EQP-1A Equaliser is also available as a mono version, click image above for more details