The Mercury EQ-H1 Studio Programme Equaliser is a carefully engineered modern design based on the legendary vintage Pultec EQH. Utilising a passive EQ circuit with a single-ended valve make-up amplifier, the EQ-H1 achieves a musicality that cannot be matched by active or parametric equalisers. By avoiding negative feedback, it eliminates the phase and dynamic distortions associated with many other designs, resulting in a sound that is natural, warm and highly musical.
As with all Mercury products, the Mercury EQ-H1 is constructed to the very highest standard, featuring transformer-balanced XLR inputs and outputs, premium components and robust build quality. Modern refinements include a more powerful and stable power supply, DC-driven valve heaters, and an expanded frequency range with two additional settings for increased flexibility compared to the original.
The Mercury EQ-H1 belongs to Mercury’s family of equalisers inspired by the classic Pultec units, designed to restore the life, warmth and musicality often lost in modern digital recording. The combination of passive shelving boosts and cuts, valve amplification and transformers gives the Mercury EQ-H1 its distinctively rich character, one that continues to make this style of EQ indispensable for recording, mixing and mastering.
Engineers and producers have praised the Mercury EQ-H1 for its ability to deliver professional results across a broad range of applications, from adding silky brightness to vocals and acoustic instruments, to delivering weight and punch to bass guitars, kick drums and snares. While the Mercury EQ-P1 is known for its more open and silky tone, the EQ-H1 is renowned for being punchier and more robust, with an emphasis on thickness and presence in the low and low-mid frequencies. Together, the Mercury EQ-H1 and Mercury EQ-P1 offer complementary tonal palettes for the discerning studio.
The Mercury EQ-H1 is not a clone but a true homage to the spirit of the Pultec, delivering the unmistakable warmth, tone and power of the original design, refined for modern studio use with premium valves, transformers and uncompromising craftsmanship.
Features
- Passive EQ circuit with single-ended tube make-up amplifier
- Based on the classic Pultec EQH equaliser
- Transformer-balanced XLR input and output
- Expanded frequency range with two additional settings
- Stable modern power supply with DC heaters
- Adds musicality, warmth, and tone to digital recordings
- Punchy, robust low-end and smooth highs
- Ideal for vocals, bass, kick, snare, and acoustic guitar
- Distinct tonal character compared to Mercury EQ-P1
- Built with premium components and custom transformers