We're putting the Warm Audio EQP through its paces. It's a recreation of the Pultec EQP-1A tube equalizer, one of the most legendary in history. Warm Audio's approach with this type of design (as with other products such as the WA-251 mic we recently covered in this review) is to build high-end tools, making replicas of products that are legendary in the history of recording studios, but at prices more affordable for most mortals.
| "A product aimed at advanced home studio users and recording and mixing professionals. Warmer, more authentic tracks, full of organic nuances" |
In its rugged build, its appearance and its internal design alike, a reference pattern based on the classic Pultec has been carefully followed. To that end, CineMag transformers and premium Tung-Sol 12AX7 and 12AU7 tubes were used. As for the tubes, Warm Audio says it chose this brand for its sonic richness and the "open" sound it's able to deliver.
CineMag Transformers
As for the transformers: CineMag is a company with more than 60 years behind it. It specializes in professional audio transformers. Its manufacturing processes use computer-controlled winding machines to give each unit perfect magnetism. The company was founded in 1979 in North Hollywood, California. Among its first products were film tape heads. Hence the name “Cinema Magnetics,” which was eventually shortened to CineMag.
Its history goes back to the 1940s with Ed Reichenbach, who later founded Reichenbach Engineering. Edward Reichenbach's experience in the audio transformer business dates back to Altec Lansing during World War II. In 1979, CineMag was formed as part of Reichenbach Engineering and was run by Ed's son, Tom. All manufacturing is done at its own facilities in Simi Valley, California.
Tung-Sol Tubes
An American company that takes pride in presenting itself as the best tube manufacturer in the world. The installed tubes are placed so they're accessible and can be replaced when the time comes. The EQP WA uses one 12AX7 and one 12AU7. They deliver a big, warm, musical sound. They have high gain and excellent linearity, with a dynamic 3-D sound.
The Sound and Its Possibilities
We set up the WARM EQP for testing in Pro Tools through a Focusrite 8Pre USB interface. To give an illustrative tour, we used a variety of individual tracks, running the EQ to check the different changes, nuances and possibilities, on vocals, guitars, bass, kick drums, brass and more.
As you'd expect, the tubes enlarge the sound and make it warmer. More open overall. There's a main switch to engage or bypass the EQ, along with generously sized, vintage-style knobs and switches to play with the boost, cut, frequency band and output gain.
On one hand, we gain the organic consistency of tubes. On the other, for those who are burned out on software, we have clear, tactile controls that let us make quick changes to hear the exact nuances we want to apply to each track. Perhaps the best way to judge for yourself is to take a look at this video.
Although the beginning is in English, you can jump straight to the part where tracks are run through (guitars, bass, brass, percussion) and various adjustments are made in real time. That way you can hear (especially on good monitors) how it "brings out the shine" or finds nuances that give our recordings a powerful texture and richness.
Conclusions
A well-built analog product that replicates the legendary Pultec EQP-1A for no more than 699 €. American transformers and tubes, "pure" vintage style for your rack, and a real hands-on feel to give your hands a break from mice and clicks. A product aimed at advanced home studio users and recording and mixing professionals. An ideal tool for getting warmer, more authentic tracks, full of organic nuances.
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