Pulsar Audio releases MP-EQ & VM-COMP (replacing Massive & Mu)

Pulsar Audio has released major updates to two of its flagship products - both products have been renamed and upgraded:

• Pulsar Massive has become MP-EQ.
• Pulsar Mu has become VM-COMP.

These are free upgrades for existing owners of Massive and Mu.

MP-EQ (formerly Massive)

MP-EQ is a detailed emulation of a world-renowned analog mastering equalizer, redesigned for modern workflows.

MP-EQ reproduces the original passive circuitry, inductors, and tube/transformer stages while introducing an optional Linear Phase Correction mode ensuring precise phase alignment across the spectrum.

Key Features

Linear Phase Correction (New)

In traditional analog and emulated EQs, different frequencies are shifted in time due to the natural phase behavior of the circuit. MP-EQ adds a unique process that can realign all frequencies after equalization, transforming an analog-style EQ into a true linear-phase processor:

• Preserves transient accuracy with no temporal smearing.
• Restores clarity and punch in the low end by maintaining harmonic alignment.
• Ideal for EDM, mastering, and any material where waveform integrity and phase coherence are critical.
• Prevents asymmetrical artifacts in Mid/Side mode by maintaining proper alignment between channels.

Analog-Modeled Passive Equalizer

MP-EQ accurately models every component of the original hardware:

• Passive parallel topology — bands interact naturally rather than stacking, resulting in smooth, musical corrections.
• Inductor-based filters — provide organic saturation and subtle low-end compression due to magnetic behavior.
• Tube and transformer gain stages — add gentle harmonic coloration and warmth.

This design produces an intuitive response and a natural tonal balance even at extreme boost or cut settings.

Interface and Controls

• Curve Editor and Spectrum Analyzer – Edit the EQ response graphically and visualize the spectrum in real time.
• Drive Control – Adjust internal level to increase or decrease tube and transformer saturation.
• Mid/Side Processing – Independently shape mono and stereo information, with solo and visual monitoring for each channel.
• Auto-Gain – Compensates loudness changes introduced by EQ using an intelligent, curve-based algorithm.
• Transformer Selection – Choose between three output transformer modes:
  • Original – faithful to the hardware circuit.
  • Colorful – enhanced low-end warmth.
  • Clean – transformer stage bypassed.
• Oversampling – Switchable processing rates up to 384 kHz for higher-precision rendering.
• Resizable Interface – Scales smoothly from compact to large-format display.

Typical Applications

• Mastering: Add depth, clarity, and smooth top end with precise phase alignment.
• Mix Bus: Shape overall tone without introducing unwanted phase shifts.
• Vocals and Instruments: Use the bandwidth control for focused midrange or warm low-end tone.
• Electronic Music: Maintain punch and waveform integrity in bass and synth material.

{PRODUCT-HEADER-23669-mpeq}.

VM-COMP (formerly Mu)

VM-COMP is a detailed emulation of the classic variable-bias tube compressor found in top studios worldwide.

Known for its ability to deliver smooth, transparent compression and mix "glue," it faithfully reproduces the behavior of the original hardware while adding new features for modern workflows.

Key Features

Extended Timings (New)

VM-COMP introduces extended attack and release ranges beyond those available in the original hardware:

• Faster settings allow for more aggressive and mid-forward compression styles.
• Slower timings preserve the natural, program-dependent envelope behavior ideal for bus and mastering work. This expanded control makes VM-COMP suitable for both subtle leveling and precise transient shaping.

Complete Sidechain EQ (New)

VM-COMP includes a fully featured sidechain equalizer with a visual curve editor:

• Precisely define how each frequency band influences gain reduction.
• Prevent low frequencies from triggering compression or emphasize particular tonal areas.
• Tailor the detector response to suit complex material such as drum buses, vocals, or full mixes. This level of control allows exact shaping of the compressor's behavior according to the source.

Analog-Modeled Tube Compression

VM-COMP models every stage of the original circuit in detail:

• Tube and transformer stages reproduce the magnetic and harmonic behavior responsible for its smooth tone.
• Variable-mu gain reduction provides soft, musical compression even at high ratios.
• Topology Preservation Technology ensures all interactions between tubes, transformers, and control circuits behave exactly as in the analog unit.

The result is a compressor that can operate transparently, add gentle warmth, or provide dynamic movement while maintaining phase integrity and tonal balance.

Sidechain and Control Options

• External Sidechain Input – Use an independent signal to control gain reduction for ducking or de-essing.
• Mid/Side Mode – Process mono and stereo information separately for precise stereo imaging control.
• Look-Ahead / Look-Behind – Shift the detector timing to anticipate or delay response to transients.
• High-Pass, Bell, and Shelf Filters – Shape detector sensitivity directly within the sidechain.
• On-Screen Visualization – Real-time waveform and gain-reduction displays for detailed feedback.
• Low CPU Usage – Optimized algorithms allow multiple instances even in large sessions.
• Oversampling – Optional processing up to 384 kHz for higher accuracy when required.

Typical Applications

• Mastering: Add cohesive "glue" and subtle harmonic warmth without altering transients.
• Mix Bus: Smooth and unify elements while retaining low-end impact.
• Drum Bus: Create consistent punch and room ambience with adjustable timing.
• Vocals and Instruments: Add dynamic control with natural saturation and tone.

{PRODUCT-HEADER-17496-vmcomp}.

Blue Bundle

The Blue Bundle combines Pulsar's updated passive equalizer MP-EQ and variable-mu compressor VM-COMP into a complete mastering and mix-bus toolkit.

Together they deliver precise tonal shaping, transparent dynamic control, and the analog character of the original hardware designs.

{PRODUCT-HEADER-23681-bluebundlempeqampvmcomp}.

Pulsar Audio – Cyber / Holiday Promotions

From October 28 through December 8, 2025, all Pulsar Audio products will be offered at Cyber Promotional Prices. This includes the newly updated MP-EQ and VM-COMP, the recently released IPA 25, and popular classics such as 1178, Poseidon, Echorec, and Primavera.

{PRODUCT-HEADER-32804-ipa25multivcadynamicsprocess}.