Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $84

Standard/Professional

$49

$150+

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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
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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
Dom Sigalas

Dom Sigalas

3 PRO Mastering EQ Techniques you SHOULD know+ FREE new mastering EQ! #mastering #w495

Video thumbnail for 3 PRO Mastering EQ Techniques you SHOULD know+ FREE new mastering EQ! #mastering #w495 by Dom Sigalas

3 PRO Mastering EQ Techniques you SHOULD know+ FREE new mastering EQ! #mastering #w495

Dom Sigalas

Dom Sigalas

Video thumbnail for Pulsar w495, an accurate emulation of the Neumann w495 3-band EQ. by Pulsar Audio

Pulsar w495, an accurate emulation of the Neumann w495 3-band EQ.

Pulsar Audio

Pulsar Audio

Video thumbnail for The legendary Neumann W495 EQ by Pulsar Audio by White Noise Studio

The legendary Neumann W495 EQ by Pulsar Audio

White Noise Studio

White Noise Studio

Video thumbnail for PULSAR W495  - WYTSE'S FAVOURITE EQ?? by Studio Life

PULSAR W495 - WYTSE'S FAVOURITE EQ??

Studio Life

Studio Life

Video thumbnail for FREE PLUGIN ALERT 🚨 PULSAR W495 EQ (MID/SIDE) by BenoniStudio

FREE PLUGIN ALERT 🚨 PULSAR W495 EQ (MID/SIDE)

BenoniStudio

BenoniStudio

Video thumbnail for Could This Be The Best EQ Ever? Unveiling the Pulsar W495's Sonic Mastery by Home Studio Simplified

Could This Be The Best EQ Ever? Unveiling the Pulsar W495's Sonic Mastery

Home Studio Simplified

Home Studio Simplified

Video thumbnail for Pulsar Audio W495 by Frankie Tedesco

Pulsar Audio W495

Frankie Tedesco

Frankie Tedesco

Video thumbnail for Pulsar Audio W495 - First Look by Production Expert

Pulsar Audio W495 - First Look

Production Expert

Production Expert

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

  • Pulsar W495 offers a smoother boost in the highs compared to FabFilter Pro-Q3, allowing for larger boosts and cuts without losing sound quality.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Pulsar W495 is noted for its simplicity with fewer knobs, which can lead to more straightforward decision-making during mixing.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Pulsar W495 is more about providing vibe, as opposed to the Pro-Q3, which is a versatile workhorse EQ.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Some users pair Pro-Q3 with saturation plugins like Kazrog True Iron or Tone Projects Kelvin for similar effects to Pulsar W495.

    Source
  • Some users experience crashes when trying to delete or deactivate the W495 plugin, requiring immediate uninstallation for stability.

    Source
  • The W495 requires iLok for activation, which some users avoid due to past issues with PACE software, including system instability.

    Source
  • Users have noted the free availability of the W495 on Plugin Boutique, though some experienced issues downloading bundled offers.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Several users obtained the Pulsar W495 for free through promotional offers, questioning its standalone purchase value.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite being free, acquiring the W495 involves a registration process, which some users find cumbersome compared to pirated versions.

    Source

Other

  • Pulsar Audio's customer support is responsive, assisting users quickly with issues like purchase errors and providing beta versions for known bugs.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Review: Pulsar Audio w495 | Audio Plugin Guy

audiopluginguy.com

The Pulsar Audio W495 EQ plugin delivers a refreshing blend of classic simplicity and modern functionality. Praised for its transparency and musicality, it excels in enhancing mixes and individual tracks alike, showcasing an intuitive design that makes it a joy to use. While it offers clever features like Mid/Side switching and flexible frequency choices, some may find its three-band setup limiting. Nevertheless, for those valuing straightforward tone shaping, the W495 shines brilliantly on various instruments, particularly drums. Overall, it's a must-try for engineers, especially newcomers eager to grasp the essence of quality EQ without overwhelming complexity.

positive

Pulsar Audio W495 -Tested | Production Expert

production-expert.com

Pulsar Audio's W495 delivers a compelling homage to classic mastering EQs, replete with smooth, musical adjustments tailored for both vinyl and digital formats. Its MS processing shines, allowing for precise control over stereo images while maintaining a natural sound even with significant boosts. However, the reliance on vintage aesthetics might alienate those seeking modern sharpness. Overall, W495 is a powerful tool for engineers who appreciate the nuances of vinyl mastering, yet it may not fully satisfy those with a penchant for digital precision.

positive

Review: Pulsar W495 EQ Plugin - When Analog Meets Digital - Song Mix Master

songmixmaster.com

The Pulsar Audio W495 Equalizer Plugin delivers a compelling fusion of vintage warmth and modern precision, standing out with its authentic emulation of the Neumann W495. With a user-friendly interface and robust features like mid-side processing and auto-gain, it caters to both novice and professional users. The rich preset collection offers invaluable starting points for mixing and mastering. However, its high oversampling settings might strain less powerful systems, which could be a hindrance for some. Overall, the W495 impresses as a versatile tool for achieving professional-grade results, making it a worthwhile addition to any audio production setup.

positive

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Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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