Bettermaker VSPE: A Stereo Pultec EQ with Digital Control
A mastering-grade Pultec-style EQ.
3,8 / 5,0 | 
The Bettermaker VSPE is a new Pultec-style EQ with tube and transformer circuitry, as well as a plug-in to control it inside your DAW.
As a manufacturer, Bettermaker produces high-end audio tools for recording, mixing, and mastering workflows. Because of the reliability and undeniable audio quality, there are very few mixing and mastering studios that don’t own at least one piece from the Polish company.
Bettermaker VSPE
The Valve Stereo Passive Equalizer (VSPE) is Bettermaker’s take on the legendary Pultec EQ. However, unlike it’s little brother, the Stereo Passive EQ, the VSPE uses tube topology and offers some cutting-edge features both mixing and mastering engineers will love.
The basic design consists of a low cut and boost section with selectable frequency bands at 20, 30, 60, and 100 Hz. In addition, the hi boost section provides variable Q-factor and selectable frequency bands at 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, and 28 kHz.
What’s more, the hi-cut control has selectable frequencies at 5, 10, and 20 kHz. There’s also a main gain control, and a set of digital high-pass and low-pass filters that you can access via the plug-in.
Meanwhile, the HEAT function introduces additional second-order harmonics by driving the Soviet military tubes slightly harder. When combined with the iron transformer circuitry, the VSPE becomes an EQ that is both colourful and precise at the same time.
In your DAW, the VSPE plug-in provides accurate digital control, automation, and recall, so you can quickly make your own templates for mixing and mastering. Overall, this is an exciting combination of new and old with a great design and amazing sonic potential.
Pricing and availability:
The VSPE is now available from Thomann.
More about the Bettermaker VSPE:
- Official Product Page
- Pultec Alternatives
- Shop Bettermaker on Thomann
- More from Bettermaker
- Bettermaker on YouTube
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