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An introduction to Pulsar Audio MP-EQ, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
Pulsar MP-EQ is an emulation of a legendary analog EQ found in almost every mastering studio worldwide.
— Pulsar Audio official site
What is MP-EQ?
MP-EQ is an emulation of an analog passive equalizer from Pulsar Audio. It was previously named Pulsar Massive; the official page says it has become MP-EQ and that Massive owners get a free update.
It is based on an analog EQ found in mastering studios worldwide. It is described as a synthesis of the best passive EQs of the past 70 years. Because of its parallel topology, bands interact and the frequency response differs from a digital EQ with the same settings.
It recreates a passive circuit with hand-wound inductors, tubes and transformers, and adds modern features such as a curve editor, spectrum analyzer, drive, auto-gain and an optional linear phase mode.
The maker presents it for both mixing and mastering. The regular price is USD 149, and a free trial is available. License protection uses PACE iLok.
Parallel topology
Band gains recombine instead of accumulating, which the maker says gives natural-sounding corrections. Low shelves are described as keeping a tight low end even at extreme boosts.
Curve editor and spectrum analyzer
You can adjust the curve visually and even rename filters. The interface is meant to make the unusual analog curve shape easy to handle.
Drive
Models of transformers, tubes and inductors create harmonics and non-linearity, tied to a program-dependent low-end compression. The amount can also be reduced.
Linear phase correction
An optional stage that realigns phase after the EQ so that it behaves as a linear-phase EQ. It may help with low-end clarity and M/S processing.
Mid/Side and auto-gain
Built-in M/S encoding and decoding lets you process mid and side separately. Auto-gain compensates level changes caused by the EQ using a C-weighting algorithm.
Transformer choice and oversampling
Three output transformer options are available: original, more colorful, or none. Oversampling goes up to 384 kHz, with a higher setting available for export.
Metering and resizable interface
It offers spectrum display (fast, slow, infinite) plus peak and RMS meters. The interface is resizable, and the CPU load is described as modest.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Analog passive (parallel) EQ emulation |
| Formats | AAX Native, Audio Unit, VST 2.4, VST 3 (all 64-bit) |
| System (Windows) | Windows 10/11 64-bit, Intel Core i3 or better or AMD quad-core, 4 GB RAM, 1 GB free disk, OpenGL 2.0 GPU |
| System (Mac) | macOS 10.11 or later, Intel Core i3 or better or Apple Silicon (M1 to M5), 4 GB RAM, 1 GB free disk |
| Display | 1024 x 768 minimum, 1920 x 1080 recommended |
| License | PACE iLok |
| Former name | Pulsar Massive |
What is included and system requirements
- MP-EQ plug-in
- Free trial available
- Formats: AAX Native, AU, VST 2.4, VST 3 (64-bit)
- Also part of bundles such as the Analog EQs Bundle and Mastering Bundle
- Free update for Pulsar Massive owners
How to use it
- Create a Pulsar Audio account and prepare an iLok account.
- Choose the free trial or purchase on the maker's site and get the installer.
- Insert MP-EQ on a track or the master bus in your DAW.
- Adjust the shelves and bands with the curve editor.
- Set the amount of analog coloring with Drive.
- Use auto-gain to match levels, and try linear phase correction and M/S if needed.
- Compare with the original sound to make sure you have not overdone it.
Shaping lows and highs in mastering
The maker suggests adding power at 47 or 68 Hz and air with a 16 kHz high shelf, and trying M/S mode.
Presence and warmth on vocals
Examples include the 3.3 kHz or 4.7 kHz bell for presence and the 220 Hz low shelf for warmth.
Adjusting a drum bus
Examples include a gentle cut around 180 Hz to reduce mud, a cut at 2.2 kHz on overheads, and a boost at 8.2 kHz.
Sculpting synths and bass
For electronic music, the maker suggests trying extreme curves and heavier drive on pads and synth bass.
Who it may suit
- People who want to try passive analog EQ character
- Those looking for an EQ for mastering or the master bus
- Users sensitive to phase and wanting a linear phase option
- Pulsar Massive owners, who get a free update
Good to know before you buy
- A PACE iLok account is required; on Windows the installer automatically installs the iLok License Manager.
- The official site currently shows a sale (Black Friday) and prices may change. The regular price is USD 149.
- Former Pulsar Massive owners can update for free.
- The system requirements call for an OpenGL 2.0 compatible GPU.
How it differs from similar products
We do not pick a winner; the official figures are placed side by side.
Pulsar Audio 8200 Analog Parallel Equalizer
MP-EQ recreates a passive EQ (inductors, tubes, transformers) as a color EQ, while the 8200 models the GML 8200 class-A design and is described as transparent. Both have a regular price of USD 149.
Price
$149 (Pulsar Audio official site, checked 2026-10-27). Prices can vary by region and promotion, so check the official page before buying.
Sources: pulsar.audio (checked 2026-10-27)
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