What is OverTone PTC-2A?
This was OverTone DSP’s debut plugin and is positioned as an affordable entry point for producers wanting Pultec-style EQ processing, without the expense of hardware units or more expensive emulations. In this OverTone PTC-2A Review, we’ll see why it’s particularly valued for its efficiency and straightforward workflow.
What It Does:
- Emulates the distinctive “program” style equalization of vintage Pultec hardware EQs
- Offers the characteristic low-frequency boost/high-frequency attenuation (and vice versa) in a single plugin
- Known for the unique Pultec “magic” where you can simultaneously boost and cut at the same frequency for a warm, musical sound
Key Features:
- Very low CPU usage
- Cost-effective pricing (typically around $60)
- Originally released as a Mac-only plugin, later expanded to Windows
- Available for both MAC and PC (Au, AAX, VST, and VST3)
Introducing OverTone’s PTC-2A:
Let me briefly give you a run down on one of my very best-est, most favorite-est, ‘secret ingredient’ EQ plugins. I really dig this Pulteq style EQ. It’s extremely light on system resources and is just plumb attractive (in an ol’ skool, knobby hardware kinda way, that is).
I love the rich, dark blue color. The knobs match the period that the real Pultec EQP-1A originates from, authentically. It sounds GREAT too!
Smooth controls — very smooth. Nicely sized. Sounds great. I honestly do get a strong perception of authentic, analogue quality from this plugin. OverTone have indeed developed a GREAT Pultec emulation with this little jobbie.
I’ve been in the habit of adding this EQ to kick drum tracks lately.
Have you ever heard of the “Kick trick”?
Some folks call it the “Low end trick”. In a nutshell, you simply dial in a moderate low end bandwidth (I typically use a value of 2), set the frequency to 60hz, set the boost knob at 11:00 or 12:00. Set the low cut to 11:00 or 12:00. On the high end side, set HF at 3Khz or 4Khz. Boost by 3 or 4 dB. Attenuate by equal number of decibels with the attenuation selector set at 5Khz.
Now listen to that kick drum. Whomp!
I often follow the PTC-2A with my trusty DDMF IIEQPro, and add a narrow, negative 3dB decrement at 120hz. This is a nice “Nashville” technique to keep a bass guitar better defined in a mix.
I’ve also been using this plugin on certain piano tracks. In particular, Native-Instruments’ Upright Piano samples. By using some creative push/pull on the upper frequencies, the piano begins to hop vibrantly in the mix.
I don’t touch the piano’s low end too much. Especially on this type of instrument, the PTC-2A adds very pleasant EQ; full of analogue-like character. Honest, kids – My ears really are tricked into thinking that there are tubes in my computer.
I also own IKM’s Pultec emulator, and while I like it very much, I tend to reach for the OverTone just as often. These funny, Linux-based bunch of programming laddios from England, have captured something – the essence, if you will – with the sound of this nice little pluggie that just seems to massage my eardrums better than many of the other more costly Pultec clones currently available.
A faithful, to-be-had emulation of the legendary Pultec EQP-1A.
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Available in 32bit & 64bit for both MAC and PC.
Priced fairly at £25
Visit the website and find this, and lots more OverTone goodies. OverToneDSP Website
Intellectual Copyright – 2013 – All rights Reserved. This review may not be copied or reproduced in whole, nor in part, without express written permission from the author.
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