Klark Teknik EQP-KT

Okay, i probably should use this for longer than a couple of days before writing a review, but I am just so very impressed with this EQP-KT from Klark Teknik! Just running signal through the unit before switching the EQ 'on' adds character to the sound. I've only ever before played with EQ on plug-ins after the fact but now...i have seen the light!

Obviously, having large dials to turn is always going to be more fun than point-click-drag on plug-ins 'in the box'...but it's about more than the tactile stuff...the difference I have been able to make to guitar tones and my vocals going into my interface has been so impressive.

Having spent good money on v.good plugins over the years, often seeing noticeable but marginal gains relative to the price on my songs/workflow....but i can tell already that this may be the best investment i have made so far. I'm not gonna go full analog, as i haven't got the money/space/cables(!) but i can see that a few choice bits of quality outboard gear, especially on the way in, can make recordings sound better and the process a bit more hands-on and fun.

I have a small home recording studio where I and my friend produce our own music. In general, I have mostly used it for audio commercials and for mixing the sound for various video productions. I usually use various computer plugins, among them also the UAD 2 Pci-e series pugins. One of the most interesting and fun plugins to use was the Pultec EQ. A few years ago I produced several tracks for a local rock group. They insisted to use some English vintage mixing console (I don't remember the brand - so it obviously was not Neve or similar...). What stunned me was that the sound of individual tracks, but especially the sound of master outputb after summing the tracks was definitely very different from what I could achieve ITB. What hapenned could be described in three characteristics: more bass, tight and punchy sound and ... glue. After that session, I have started to buy different outboard. The latest addition to my studio are 2 pieces of Klark Teknik EQP-KT . The build quality seems very goo d and the look of device is appealing. The sound... definitely more than I have expected. Compared to the UAD Pultec plugin, I think the clarity is almost the same but there seems to be more warmth and things just seem sound better (or I imagine things - but then again - this means that all of my friends that have heard it in the action must imagine things as well...). I do not intend to change the tubes - the sound is totally pleasing with he originals. The simultaneous use of boost & cut offers endless combinations and very precise work on every source.
Final verdict: BUY! at least a pair!

This EQ is great. It definitely imparts a “sound”, but that sound is the stuff of legend. It’s noticeable strength is it’s handling of lows, and if used sparingly, the highs for sweetening as well.

Running two in stereo, I enjoyed sending my mix bus through them in bypass for more subtle coloration. So far they’ve worked incredibly well for a rock, a fusion, and even an acoustic project I’ve mixed.

It’s a classic for a reason - as simple or as versatile as you want to make it, and really has improved my mixes when it’s called for.

At this price it’s a no-brainer. Get two.

I purchased two Klark Teknik EQP-KT units to build a proper stereo setup for my guitar stereo rig. I also own two Klark Teknik 2A-KT compressors, which always work with my guitar. After that come two guitar heads and two guitar cabinets.
This is a great piece of gear for anyone searching for the perfect tone of their instrument.
Regarding the price, I wouldn’t call it cheap — but I do believe it’s very reasonable for this type of unit. If you compare it to Warm Audio, I honestly don’t think their products justify the extra cost. For the same money, you could buy two EQP-KTs and still have enough left for a quality guitar pedal.
After about two months of use, both of my units started producing random noise. The tubes became microphonic and began crackling. Don’t be afraid of this. The units come fitted with the cheapest and most unstable Chinese “Bugera” tubes, and they should be replaced immediately after purchase. That’s exactly what I did.
For those who complain about harsh high frequencies — it’s the “Bugera” tubes causing that. As soon as you replace them, the problem disappears. I didn’t overthink the choice and installed affordable Electro-Harmonix tubes. Immediately, the highs became smoother and less piercing, the unstable tube noise disappeared, and the overall sound became much cleaner, better, and warmer. If you install premium-grade tubes, I’m sure the result will be absolutely outstanding.
When pushing the gain hard during reamping, there is a slight white noise present — but it’s insignificant.
The Klark Teknik 2A-KT compressors also come with four “Bugera” tubes each. Even though the compressors weren’t noisy, I still replaced all the tubes.
Important to know: the EQP-KT uses one 12AX7 and one 12AU7 tube. I recommend ordering a set of quality replacement tubes from Thomann at the same time you purchase the unit, so you can swap them immediately and not waste time. Don’t expect miracles from “Bugera” tubes — they will let you down at the worst possible moment. Tubes are consumables anyway.
Don’t be afraid to open the unit and replace the tubes yourself — it’s very simple. Yes, you might void the Thomann warranty, but what matters more: perfect tone or warranty coverage?
The unit itself is excellent. Buy it and dial in the right sound. Plugins and digital gear will never deliver the same result.
Absolutely recommended.
Thank you, Thomann

I have 2 of these units in studio use, I've used plugin recreations of Pultec EQs for a long time, and also several other hardware versions. These are as good as any, and better than many. When one considers the price, it's a no brainer!

Build quality is very good. The knobs, switches and pots all feel reasurringly smooth and solid. They are very quiet in operation, negligible hiss or hum, and don't get too hot. The 2 units I have are fairly evenly matched and could be used as a stereo pair. Not only do they sound nice, but working with hardware units in the physical realm rather than with software is very pleasurable.

The Klark Teknik EQP-KTs are one of many "character" EQ units based on old classic Pultec units. As such they are perhaps more useful for broad tone shaping than precision surgical tasks. In use the sound of the EQP-KT is smooth and musical, it's easy to perform the classic low end "Pultec trick". the HF bands are clear, more forward than some similar units/plugins but not harsh. These KTs are perhaps not as "characterful" as some other Pultec clones and plugins, but that's not necessarily a bad thing, and one can always drive them a bit harder if you want to acheive that sound.

These might not be boutique recreations of a piece of classic gear, but they are well made, sound good, and can easily do all the jobs one expects of a Pultec style EQ. The immediacy of having physical control ia great, especially when tracking.

I'm considering buying some more!

There wasn't even one product from the behringer family before the midas. Those who sold the old T1951 know that I was one of the sellers years ago ... Midas has solved this noise fundamentally. The circuit is passive but the 12au7 lamp in the air path is 12ax7 separate lamp in the air area on this device. Hot - very quiet - I heard a sterile sound. I did measurements with bypass. Even in the active mode 1 db in active mode no noise even though the device has a double lamp. No better ones? but they go from 5 thousand to 45 thousand. Plugin gives boost / cut up to max 100 hz in and lamp doesn't give mamba sound, passive pultec sound doesn't give me any plug ... HF cut frequency selector switch from 3 khz to 20 khz stepped knob all pots -milim does not escape from left to right. The lamps can be further modified with the upper segment lamps (the gratification of the grief). Behringer Midas is a product that announces the difference between. Get- Up to a minimum of TL Audio, the middle level is as good as a Drawmer and successful. Midas after these 2 devices, I think I can start to trust in the category of cheap segment products ... that confidence.