Exploring the Vintage EQ Collection in Logic Pro
Hello, Logic fans, and welcome back to another installment in our ongoing series on Logic Pro plugins. Today, we're delving into the Vintage EQ Collection, a set of plugins that will add that extra bit of vintage color to your music. In this post, I'll be exploring all three vintage EQ plugins in this collection - the Console EQ, Graphic EQ, and Tube EQ. So, if you're as excited as I am, let’s dive into the world of Logic’s vintage-style EQs.
Console EQ: The “Neve” Sound
We'll start our journey with the Console EQ. This plugin is reminiscent of the classic Neve-style EQ units, and it's designed to add that iconic vintage touch to your audio while staying easy to use. The interface looks like the real deal, and it provides you with all the essential controls.
Low Cut: You can toggle it on and off as well as choose the frequency at which the cutoff occurs. It's important to note that all the frequency controls in this plugin can be either stepped (for precise settings) or freeform (for fine-tuning to your taste).
Low Shelf: Here, you can control the low-shelf. It boosts or cuts frequencies at and below the chosen frequency. Combining this with the low-cut filter can lead to some creative results, as you can selectively boost and cut different areas.
Mid Bell: The mid-frequency section allows you to select a frequency between 360 Hz and 7.2 kHz and apply boost or cut as needed.
High Gain: The high-shelf section doesn't provide frequency selection. It simply boosts or cuts in the higher frequency range, making it perfect for adding some silky, airy top-end to your audio.
Output Section: The output section adds the color characteristic to this vintage EQ. You can adjust the "Drive" to add more or less saturation. It defaults to the "Smooth" preamp model but can be adjusted to mimic the output of other EQ preamps like "Punchy" or "Silky." You can choose between natural or linear phase and also control the output volume.
Graphic EQ: API-Style Precision
The Graphic EQ in the Vintage EQ Collection is a throwback to the classic API 560 EQ model. It's designed for precision and offers 10 fixed bands, each with specific frequencies, to shape your audio to perfection.
Frequency Bands: The plugin offers 10 fixed bands with frequencies ranging from 31 Hz to 16 kHz, making it a versatile tool for fine-tuning your audio, simply decide between cutting or boosting at each frequency.
Tune: You can use the "Tune" control to proportionally adjust all bands together, which is especially useful after you’ve already dialed in a curve that sounds good, you can adjust all the frequencies up or down at the same time.
Output Section: Similar to the Console EQ, this section allows you to drive the plugin for added vintage warmth, selecting preamp model, phase, and volume settings.
Tube EQ: The coveted Pultec EQ
The Tube EQ in Logic Pro's Vintage EQ Collection is the most complex of the three. It's modeled after the iconic Pultec EQP-1A equalizer, known for its unique characteristics and warm curves.
Low Boost & Attenuate: These three knobs control your low end. Choose a frequency and then you can boost it, attenuate it, or do both at the same time which provides a response not common in other EQs, this is the classic low-end magic of the Pultec.
High Boost & Attenuate: Here, you can boost a specific high frequency with adjustable bandwidth, providing anyt sive curves needed. The attenuate function allows you to cut high frequencies above a chosen point, great for warming up a source or, my personal favorite, calming the brittle top of acoustic guitars.
Low Peak: This section lets you adjust low-mid frequencies, with frequencies ranging from 200 Hz to 1 kHz, allowing you to boost a specific frequency area.
Mid Dip: Use this one to pull out some mud or harshness from the middle frequencies of the source. You only get one dip so choose wisely.
High Peak: Similar to the Low Peak, this section lets you adjust high-mid frequencies, with frequencies ranging from 1.5 kHz to 5 kHz.
Output Section: As with the other EQs in this collection, you have the drive control, output models, phase settings, and volume control.
Conclusion
The Vintage EQ Collection in Logic Pro is a treasure trove of vintage-style EQ plugins. With the Console EQ, Graphic EQ, and Tube EQ, you have a wide array of vintage colors and tones at your disposal. Whether you're looking to add warmth, precision, or uniqueness to your audio, these plugins have you covered.
If you have any questions or would like to share your favorite vintage EQ from this collection, don't hesitate to leave a comment on the YouTube Video, linked below. And remember, liking and subscribing are the best ways to stay updated on all our future tutorials and insights. Happy mixing and thanks for reading!
