Waves MEQ-5 User Manual

Waves PuigTec

MEQ-5

User Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................................3

1.1 WELCOME ..........................................................................................................................................................................3

1.2 PRODUCT OVERVIEW .........................................................................................................................................................4

1.3 ABOUT THE MODELING ......................................................................................................................................................4

1.3 COMPONENTS.....................................................................................................................................................................7

CHAPTER 2 – QUICKSTART GUIDE..................................................................................................................................8

CHAPTER 3 – INTERFACE AND CONTROLS...................................................................................................................9

3.1 PUIGTEC MEQ-5 INTERFACE .............................................................................................................................................9

3.2 PUIGTEC MEQ-5 CONTROLS..............................................................................................................................................9

CHAPTER 4 – THE WAVESYSTEM...................................................................................................................................12

4.1 THE WAVESYSTEM TOOLBAR ..........................................................................................................................................12

Toolbar Functions.............................................................................................................................................................12

4.2 PRESET HANDLING...........................................................................................................................................................12

Preset Types......................................................................................................................................................................12

Loading Presets and Setups..............................................................................................................................................13

Saving Presets and Setups.................................................................................................................................................13

Deleting Presets................................................................................................................................................................14

A/B Comparison and Copying ..........................................................................................................................................14

4.3 INTERFACE CONTROLS .....................................................................................................................................................14

Toggle Buttons..................................................................................................................................................................14

Value Window Buttons......................................................................................................................................................15

Sliders ...............................................................................................................................................................................15

Hover Box.........................................................................................................................................................................15

Multiple Selection of Controls ..........................................................................................................................................15

TAB Functions ..................................................................................................................................................................16

APPENDIX A – PUIGTEC MEQ-5 CONTROLS................................................................................................................16

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Chapter 1 – Introduction

1.1 Welcome

Thank you for choosing Waves! In order to get the most out of your Waves processor, please take the
time to read through this manual.

In conjunction, we also suggest that you become familiar with
an extensive

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Answer Base, the latest Tech Specs, detailed Installation guides, new Software

, and current information on Authorization and Registration.

www.wavesupport.net, you will receive personalized information on your registered

www.wavesupport.net. There you will find

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1.2 Product Overview

ABOUT PULTEC

Custom-engineered and built by hand, the original Pultecs have long been a top choice of leading
recording and mastering engineers. Pultecs are known for their ability to bring out individual frequency
ranges without significantly altering other frequencies.

In 1951, Gene Shenk and Ollie Summerland of Pulse Techniques Inc. introduced the first passive
program equalizer, the EQP-1. Using equalization circuit designs licensed from Western Electric, the
initial Pultecs suffered the gain insertion losses typical of passive filters. So, they added a gain makeup
stage, using a push-pull design with multiple vacuum tubes. The result is the classic we’ve come to know
as the EQP-1A.

Subsequent Pultec units included the EQ-H2, the EQP-1A3, and, of course, the MEQ-5.

1.3 About the Modeling

Many different elements contribute to the unique sonic characteristics of analog gear such as the Pultec
MEQ-5. Waves painstakingly modeled and incorporated these elements into the PuigTec MEQ-5 in
order to fully capture and replicate the sound and performance of the original equipment.

These are some of the most important elements of analog behavior:

• Total Harmonic Distortion
Perhaps the most important analog behavior is Total Harmonic Distortion or THD, which is
defined as the ratio of the sum of the powers of all harmonic components to the power of the
fundamental frequency. THD is usually caused by amplification, and changes signal shape and
content by adding odd and even harmonics of the fundamental frequencies, which can change
the overall tonal balance. THD can also change peak output gain, usually by no more than
+/- 0.2-0.3 dB.

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•

Hum

Waves modeled both 50Hz power current and 60Hz power current. If you listen closely, you will
hear that there is a difference in hum level between 50Hz and 60Hz. Since hum is unique to
each region and dependent upon the local electrical conditions, you may find that the modeled
hum is different than the hum already present in your studio, and may not be suitable for your
particular use.

• Transformers

Some hardware uses transformers to stabilize or change Input/Output loads and signal levels.

In earlier days, transformers did not have a flat frequency response, and often introduced low
and super-high frequency roll offs. The original Pultec MEQ-5 has transformers which cause
high frequency roll off, so if you encounter loss above 10kHz, this is due to the modeled
transformers.

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