Year/Release Date : 2025
Version : 1.4.7
Developer : Pulsar Audio
Developer’s website : https://pulsar.audio/massive
Format : VST, VST3, AAX Bit
depth : 64bit
Tablet : cured
System requirements : Windows 7+
- 277.4Β MB
Description : Pulsar Massive is an emulation of the legendary analog equalizer found in almost every mastering studio in the world. This device was developed as a synthesis of the best passive equalizers of the last 70 years, and several distinctive design features give it a completely unique sound.
Firstly, the fully parallel equalizer topology provides a completely different response compared to a digital equalizer with the same settings. The tonal corrections of a parallel equalizer are not summed but, as a rule, interact with each other, which provides a more intuitive and flexible way to shape the frequency spectrum.
Furthermore, the entire equalizer circuit in the original equipment is passive and therefore contains several inductors. These coils, specially treated and wound by the manufacturer, are responsible for the soft, nonlinear, and organic sound due to the magnetic saturation they create.
About the program
An improved version of the classic
Pulsar Massive comes with a full-screen curve editor and spectrum analyzer. This world-leading approach provides a precise overview of your EQ changes, while highlighting the original device’s behavior. The easy-to-use graphical interface ensures a fast and streamlined workflow for mixing applications.
The Drive control allows the plugin to be used at internal levels, where the analog sound of the original device seems unique and musical. Precise models of transformers, tubes, and inductors create a wealth of harmonics and nonlinear distortion. All of this combines to produce a subtle, dynamic, and program-dependent low-frequency compression that has endeared it to generations of sound engineers.
The Pulsar Massive is a component-accurate model of the original device, perfectly reproducing its parallel equalizer design and unique sound processing feel. With a parallel equalizer, the band gains aren’t summed, as in most other equalizers, but rather recombined to produce natural adjustments. Pultec-like low-pass filters deliver rich, tight lows, even at extreme gain settings. High-quality filters ensure a clean, airy sound without harsh odors.
Pulsar Massive takes full advantage of modern processors to do more with less. Despite the immense complexity of its audio algorithms, you can use multiple instances. A resizable interface and a well-thought-out selection of modern features make Pulsar Massive your indispensable equalizer.
How does it sound?
Smooth and musical.
Just ask any experienced engineer, and they’ll readily explain the benefits of a passive equalizer and its applications! The Pulsar Massive’s sound can be described as creamy, with high frequencies, well-balanced midrange, and powerful lows. Whether you use subtle or extreme settings, the sound will never be overloaded by the equalizer, but will be vibrant and natural, true to the character of the source material.
For mastering, the Pulsar Massive is the perfect tool for adding sparkle and richness to a mix. For example, it’s often used to boost low frequencies (47 or 68 Hz) while maintaining dynamic separation and balance between bass and drums, as well as to add air (high shelf 16 kHz) without any harshness. The Pulsar Massive also excels in Mid/Side mode, allowing for perfect control of the stereo image.
On vocals,
Pulsar Massive is a creative and musical tool for lead vocals. It’s great for adding richness (using the 3.3 kHz or 4.7 kHz bell filters) and warmth to the low end without muddiness (for example, using the 220 Hz low-pass filter) thanks to the Bandwidth parameter. The 1.6 kHz bell filter magically adds or removes density, helping the vocals fit into the mix. Feel free to use the drive for a creamy richness!
Mixing Electric Guitar
Rich electric guitars are very active in the midrange, especially in extreme musical styles, and this can make them challenging to mix. Since the human ear is very sensitive to spectral and phase manipulation in these areas, the Pulsar Massive, with its smooth parallel EQ curves and naturally softer phase shift, is the ideal tool for shaping tone without altering phase.
Working the Drum Bus
Whether used to clean up the sound (soft cut at 180 Hz), soften high-end harshness (soft cut at 2.2 kHz), or add sparkle (soft high-end boost at 8.2 kHz), Pulsar Massive will add polish and take your drums to the next level. You can also adjust Pulsar Massive’s response to bass drum and snare transients using the Drive knob to achieve a customized dynamic response.
Electronic music’s
Pulsar Massive can be used as a tool for processing very rich sources, such as synth pads or synth basses. Use it creatively, experimenting with extreme curves and pushing it to its full potentialβyou won’t have to exert much effort to achieve excellent results. Furthermore, on a mixing console, choosing the right transformer will allow you to boost the bass drum or add more body.
