While I expect that 2012 will turn out to be a busy year, just keeping up with the ever changing nature of linux audio (and linux in general) I wanted to share at least one of the planned software releases - due out early this year.
The PEQ-2A is a Vintage EQ based on the famous Pultec designs, and while it cannot claim to be an exact replica (mainly for legal reasons) I think it’s fair to say it has been designed with all the best features of the original in mind. A screenshot is available here:
http://www.linuxdsp.co.uk/screenshots/peq-2a-screenshot.png
Key features:
- Passive filter emulation, including separate LF Boost and Attenuate controls. This allows you to boost and cut the LF at the same time this is one of the most desirable aspects of the original Pultec designs, and is commonly refered to as the Pultec ‘low-end trick’ - boosting the bass but at the same time creating a slight dip in the low-mid which stops things getting ‘muddy’
(It’s interesting to note that the manufacturer specifically warned users not to do this, in the original manual)
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Transformer-coupled tube circuitry, the original EQs had passive filters followed by a valve amplifier stage. This is emulated in the plugin and like the original, remains in circuit even with the EQ bypassed so you always get some slight extra valve ‘warmth’.
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De-cramped mid-range peak filter - unlike conventional digital filters, the peak filter used here provides a more analogue style response, which is critical to obtaining an accurate simulation of the way real hardware behaves.
So, yes, it is ‘yet another’ EQ - but this is certainly different from most - certainly most currently available for linux. Check the linuxDSP website for announcements soon: