Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $84
Standard/Professional
$49
$150+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Pulsar Audio W495". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Step into the world of vintage audio excellence with the Pulsar Audio W495, a faithful emulation of the iconic Neumann W495 EQ that dominated the vinyl mastering scene for decades. Whether you're a seasoned audio engineer or just starting your mixing journey, this plugin offers an intuitive blend of both historical charm and cutting-edge technology.
The W495 is renowned for its wide equalization curves, allowing you to push your EQ settings to the extreme while maintaining a musical tone. With its versatile Mid/Side processing, you can sculpt your mix with precision, enhancing clarity without harshness on high shelves and adding weight without muddiness on low shelves. The plugin’s component-accurate modeling retains the unique sound of the original unit, from the subtle band saturations to the distinctive output transformers.
Experience a seamless workflow with the on-screen curve editor and spectrum analyzer, giving you a clear view of your EQ modifications. The Pulsar Audio W495 is designed for flexibility, featuring a resizable interface and comprehensive metering to keep you informed about your signal's dynamics. Whether you’re looking to broaden your soundstage or refine individual tracks, this plugin stands as a powerful and lightweight tool in your digital audio workstation.
Key Features:
- Faithful emulation of the classic Neumann W495 EQ.
- Three-band EQ with low-shelf, parametric bell, and high-shelf filters.
- Visual curve editing for precise tonal shaping.
- Mid/Side processing for targeted stereo manipulation.
- Advanced metering and spectrum analyzer for detailed audio insights.
- Auto-gain function to maintain balanced output levels.
- Presets from renowned producers for quick-start mixing and mastering.
- Resizable interface for optimal workflow customization.
- Compatible with Mac and PC, supporting VST3, AU, and AAX formats.
Product specs
| Available since | December 2023 |
| Los artikel / bundelartikel | Los artikel |
| Delay | No |
| Dynamics | No |
| Effect Filter | No |
| Encoder/Decoder | No |
| Equalizer | Yes |
| Guitar amps/-effects | No |
| Channel Strip | No |
| Metering / Analysis / Correction | No |
| Modulation Effects | No |
| Multieffect / Plugin-Host | No |
| Overdrive/Distortion | No |
| Preamp / Saturation | No |
| Psychoacoustic tool / Enhancer / Exciter | No |
| Restauration | No |
| Reverb | No |
| Special FX | No |
| Summer / Mixing Consoles | No |
| Tape Simulation | No |
| Pitch Shifter / Harmonizer / Timestretching | No |
| Transient Processing | No |
| Vocoder / Vocal effect | No |
| Mastering Tools | Yes |
| Hardware Controller | No |
| Download | 1 |
Videos
Dom Sigalas
3 PRO Mastering EQ Techniques you SHOULD know+ FREE new mastering EQ! #mastering #w495
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Pulsar Audio W495.
Comparisons
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Pulsar W495 offers a smoother boost in the highs compared to FabFilter Pro-Q3, allowing for larger boosts and cuts without losing sound quality.
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Features and functionality
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The Pulsar W495 is noted for its simplicity with fewer knobs, which can lead to more straightforward decision-making during mixing.
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Use cases and applications
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Pulsar W495 is more about providing vibe, as opposed to the Pro-Q3, which is a versatile workhorse EQ.
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Software and compatibility
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Some users pair Pro-Q3 with saturation plugins like Kazrog True Iron or Tone Projects Kelvin for similar effects to Pulsar W495.
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Some users experience crashes when trying to delete or deactivate the W495 plugin, requiring immediate uninstallation for stability.
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The W495 requires iLok for activation, which some users avoid due to past issues with PACE software, including system instability.
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Users have noted the free availability of the W495 on Plugin Boutique, though some experienced issues downloading bundled offers.
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Value and pricing
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Several users obtained the Pulsar W495 for free through promotional offers, questioning its standalone purchase value.
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User experience
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Despite being free, acquiring the W495 involves a registration process, which some users find cumbersome compared to pirated versions.
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Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Genre Usage
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