Klark Teknik EQP-KT

Okay, i probably should use this for longer than a couple of days before writing a review, but I am just so very impressed with this EQP-KT from Klark Teknik! Just running signal through the unit before switching the EQ 'on' adds character to the sound. I've only ever before played with EQ on plug-ins after the fact but now...i have seen the light!

Obviously, having large dials to turn is always going to be more fun than point-click-drag on plug-ins 'in the box'...but it's about more than the tactile stuff...the difference I have been able to make to guitar tones and my vocals going into my interface has been so impressive.

Having spent good money on v.good plugins over the years, often seeing noticeable but marginal gains relative to the price on my songs/workflow....but i can tell already that this may be the best investment i have made so far. I'm not gonna go full analog, as i haven't got the money/space/cables(!) but i can see that a few choice bits of quality outboard gear, especially on the way in, can make recordings sound better and the process a bit more hands-on and fun.

I have a small home recording studio where I and my friend produce our own music. In general, I have mostly used it for audio commercials and for mixing the sound for various video productions. I usually use various computer plugins, among them also the UAD 2 Pci-e series pugins. One of the most interesting and fun plugins to use was the Pultec EQ. A few years ago I produced several tracks for a local rock group. They insisted to use some English vintage mixing console (I don't remember the brand - so it obviously was not Neve or similar...). What stunned me was that the sound of individual tracks, but especially the sound of master outputb after summing the tracks was definitely very different from what I could achieve ITB. What hapenned could be described in three characteristics: more bass, tight and punchy sound and ... glue. After that session, I have started to buy different outboard. The latest addition to my studio are 2 pieces of Klark Teknik EQP-KT . The build quality seems very goo d and the look of device is appealing. The sound... definitely more than I have expected. Compared to the UAD Pultec plugin, I think the clarity is almost the same but there seems to be more warmth and things just seem sound better (or I imagine things - but then again - this means that all of my friends that have heard it in the action must imagine things as well...). I do not intend to change the tubes - the sound is totally pleasing with he originals. The simultaneous use of boost & cut offers endless combinations and very precise work on every source.
Final verdict: BUY! at least a pair!

I picked this one because it offers more frequency options than most Pulteq clones.

It's certainly not breathtaking, but it does the job. What more could you expect for the price?

Don't expect mastering quality. But if you want to quickly equalize an instrument before recording it, this inexpensive hardware option is worth considering. It's still better than a plugin, especially in the bass.

The knobs feel light and plasticky compared to other gear with similar knobs, but not to the point where I'd be afraid to break them. Let's just see how they age...

All in all, I'm rather happy with this purchase.

EDIT: now I'm even more happy with it, because I've replaced the tubes, which is an inexpensive way of improving the sound.

This EQ is great. It definitely imparts a “sound”, but that sound is the stuff of legend. It’s noticeable strength is it’s handling of lows, and if used sparingly, the highs for sweetening as well.

Running two in stereo, I enjoyed sending my mix bus through them in bypass for more subtle coloration. So far they’ve worked incredibly well for a rock, a fusion, and even an acoustic project I’ve mixed.

It’s a classic for a reason - as simple or as versatile as you want to make it, and really has improved my mixes when it’s called for.

At this price it’s a no-brainer. Get two.

Pros:
- great way to add shape, color and depth to tracks, very transparent sound.
- the low end is another world compared to any plugin.
- running anything through it even on bypass gets a subtle lovely touch.

Cons:
- not quite impressed with the high frequencies, the SSL plugin sounds better imo.
- not impressed with the build quality, on the second day of use some cracks appeared when changing LF paramentes, luckily it doesnt appear on the recordings, but still, its annoying.

I am using it frequently and for the price you cant get anything better, sounds waaaaay better than plugins on the low end and very close to ssl plugins on the highs, but still, plugins cant give that subtle analog flavour to your sounds.

I have 2 of these units in studio use, I've used plugin recreations of Pultec EQs for a long time, and also several other hardware versions. These are as good as any, and better than many. When one considers the price, it's a no brainer!

Build quality is very good. The knobs, switches and pots all feel reasurringly smooth and solid. They are very quiet in operation, negligible hiss or hum, and don't get too hot. The 2 units I have are very evenly matched and there is no problem using them as a stereo pair. Not only do they sound nice, but working with hardware units in the physical realm rather than with software is very pleasurable.

The Klark Teknik EQP-KTs are one of many "character" EQ units based on old classic Pultec units. As such they are perhaps more useful for broad tone shaping than precision surgical tasks. In use the sound of the EQP-KT is smooth and musical, it's easy to perform the classic low end "Pultec trick". the HF bands are clear and not in any way harsh. The KTs are perhaps not as "characterful" as some other Pultec clones and plugins, but that's not necessarily a bad thing, and one can always drive them a bit harder if you want to acheive that sound.

These might not be boutique recreations of a piece of classic gear, but they are well made, sound good, and can easily do all the jobs one expects of a Pultec style EQ.

I'm considering buying some more!