PSP NobleQ $69

NobleQ is a real Pultec Plus, adding wellthought-out features that enable a more modern, slightly more clinical take on the original design. First of all, there’s a high-pass filter added into the control set. Next, the low shelves now have a whopping 13 frequency settings, helping you fine-tune the scoop when performing the low-end trick – a great idea, and one that we miss when moving back onto other designs.

The high bell filter can now cut as well as boost, as the high shelving filter can boost as well as cut – again at 13 frequency settings, this time from 5kHz all the way to 40kHz. The boost setting on the high shelf provides less gain, and when mixed with the highest frequencies, this introduces a lovely musical sheen, adding extra air where you need it. Lastly, you can switch from Valve to Clear mode, or just leave these characterful circuits out altogether.

These perfect Pultec tweaks really update the unit for today’s producers. www.pspaudioware.com VERDICT 9.6