Origin Effects Unveils the EQ Deluxe: Legendary 1950s Pultec Studio Magic in a Stompbox
Origin Effects EQ Deluxe brings 1956 Pultec studio EQ magic to pedalboards. All-analog inductive EQ with drive, £349.
Origin Effects has officially introduced the EQ Deluxe Studio Equalizer & Drive, an all-analog pedal designed to bring the revered tone-shaping power of the 1956 Pultec EQP-1a studio rack equalizer to pedalboards and studio desktops.
Priced at $449.00/£349.00 (inc. VAT) / £290.83 (ex. VAT), this UK-crafted pedal goes well beyond typical utility equalizers.
By pairing custom inductive EQ curves with a push-pull drive circuit, the EQ Deluxe delivers the unmistakable low-end weight, musical clarity, and subtle harmonic saturation that made vintage Pultec units staples at Abbey Road, Capitol, and Olympic Studios.
Unlocking the Famous "Pultec Low-End Trick"
What makes vintage Pultec equalizers legendary among audio engineers is a famous design quirk known as the "Pultec Trick." Although the original manual advised against it, engineers discovered that simultaneously engaging both the BOOST and CUT controls on the low-frequency band creates a unique, highly musical EQ curve.
The EQ Deluxe replicates this exact response:
- Adds deep body & weight to bass guitars and low-tuned electric guitars without getting muddy.
- Scoops out boxy resonances right above the boost frequency, dramatically expanding midrange clarity.
Studio Saturation & All-Analogue Inductive EQ
In addition to frequency manipulation, the EQ Deluxe captures the natural warmth and harmonic "mojo" of classic studio gear.
- Push-Pull Drive Circuitry: The original Pultec relied on a tube-driven output stage to restore signal gain. Origin Effects recreated this behavior using a bespoke solid-state push-pull circuit that imparts studio-grade tube saturation—from delicate polish to warm drive.
- Tailored Inductive Mid & High Bands: Utilizing all-analog inductive EQ (circuitry using inductors for smooth, phase-coherent frequency curves), the mid band offers tailored boosts fine-tuned for guitar and bass presence. Meanwhile, the high-frequency band provides smooth attenuation to tame harsh highs without losing detail.
High-Headroom Design Built for Stage and Studio
Designed and built in England using premium components, the EQ Deluxe easily integrates into live pedalboards, recording rigs, and outboard console setups.
It features an internal voltage-doubling circuit running off a standard 9V DC supply. This boosts internal headroom, allowing the pedal to comfortably process line-level signals from audio interfaces and mixing consoles without harsh clipping.
Key Product Specifications
| Feature | Details |
| Price | £349.00 inc. VAT (£290.83 ex. VAT) |
| Circuit Topology | All-analog inductive EQ with push-pull drive stage |
| Power Requirements | 9V DC (center-negative), 65 mA current draw (mains adapter only) |
| Internal Processing | Integrated voltage doubling for maximum headroom |
| Bypass Type | High-quality buffered bypass |
| Input / Output Impedance | 1MΩ Input / 1.5kΩ Output |
| Dimensions & Weight | 146 × 93 × 64 mm (7.7 × 3.6 × 2.5 in.) / 846g (30 oz) |
| Origin | Designed and built in England |
- +Authentic Pultec EQ curves with the famous "Pultec Trick" low-end technique
- +All-analog inductive EQ for smooth, phase-coherent frequency shaping
- +Push-pull drive circuitry delivers studio-grade tube saturation
- +High internal headroom handles line-level signals without clipping
- +Compact pedalboard-friendly form factor
- +Premium UK-built construction
What is the Pultec Trick and how does the EQ Deluxe recreate it?
The Pultec Trick simultaneously engages BOOST and CUT on the low-frequency band, creating a unique EQ curve that adds deep bass weight while scooping out boxy midrange resonances. The EQ Deluxe replicates this exact response using all-analog inductive circuitry.
Can the EQ Deluxe handle line-level signals from audio interfaces?
Yes. The pedal features an internal voltage-doubling circuit running off 9V DC that boosts headroom, allowing it to comfortably process line-level signals from audio interfaces and mixing consoles without harsh clipping.
What type of bypass does the EQ Deluxe use?
The EQ Deluxe uses high-quality buffered bypass, designed to maintain signal integrity and integrate smoothly into both pedalboards and studio outboard setups.
