This week’s free plugin is the new W495 Equalizer from Pulsar Audio - but it’s only free until 31st October.
An emulation of Neumann's time honoured 3 bands EQ, the W495 takes things a step further with added functionality that you’d expect from a modern plugin including an on-screen curve editor, Auto Gain, Mid/Side selection per band, comprehensive digital metering and more.
What Is W495?
W495 started out in the seventies as a mastering EQ in the purest sense; that is to make corrective tonal tweaks to audio before it hit the cutting lathe for vinyl masters. As well as its broad, resonance-free filters (traits often described as “musical” in engineering circles), W495 is notable for its switchable sum and difference processing per band. This made it an essential tool for keeping lateral stylus movements under control, by using (for example) low shelving cuts in the S channel.
For the DAW native its control can be used for creative treatments for improved spaciousness or tweaks to subjective balance across mixes, with stereo cut/boost available in the MS switch’s middle position. W495’s virtual transformer topology also promises a little mojo too. Pulsar Audio continue:
Neumann W495 EQ’s were used to master 90% of the vinyl records manufactured from the 1970s to the 1990s. But even after this golden age, many mastering engineers still love this EQ. Why? The W495 has wide equalization curves that can be pushed to ridiculous levels while remaining musical. W495 offers easy tone shaping and character for individual tracks, and elevates an entire mix with enhanced presence and depth.
Pulsar Audio W495 is AAX, AU, and VST compatible.
How Do I Get Pulsar Audio W495?
The plugin is only available for free until 31st October 2023, after which it will revert to its normal price of 49 Euros. Get it from the Pulsar Audio site via the link below.