Description
User Guide - June 2026
Copyright 2024-2026 Babelson Audio. All rights reserved.
Table of Contents
Quick navigation for the PuTec user guide.
What is PuTec?
PuTec is Babelson Audio's modern, low-latency digital recreation of the legendary Pultec program equalizer — the venerable analog hardware that shaped the sound of decades of professional recordings. PuTec faithfully recreates the classic program equalizer workflow and is designed for musical tone shaping on individual tracks and buses. It combines broad tonal moves, a signature high-frequency boost bandwidth control, and simple gain staging in one view.
Low Frequency Section
Selectable low frequency points with independent Boost and Atten controls for the classic low-end shaping behavior.
High Frequency Section
Separate high Boost and high Atten controls with independent frequency selectors.
High Boost Bandwidth
Adjusts the width/character of the high boost curve to move from broad to more focused top-end shaping.
Output and Utility
Output trim, bypass, oversampling options, metering, and integrated preset handling.
Getting Started
Install PuTec using your platform installer, then activate with your license account when prompted.
General Install Steps
- Download the latest installer package for your platform.
- Run the installer and choose plug-in formats required by your DAW (AU, VST3, AAX, Standalone).
- Launch your DAW and rescan plug-ins if needed.
- Insert PuTec on an audio track or bus.
- Open the activation panel from the lock/settings icon if activation is required.
7-Day Trial Version
PuTec includes a fully-featured 7-day trial period — no credit card required. All features and processing capabilities are available during the trial with no restrictions or watermarking.
- Duration: 7 calendar days from first launch
- Features: Full access to all PuTec controls, presets, and processing
- No limitations: Works in all supported DAWs and plug-in formats (AU, VST3, AAX, Standalone)
- Upgrading: Purchase a license anytime before the trial expires to continue using PuTec beyond the 7-day period
Activation and Licensing
PuTec uses the Cynicos License Management system for trial tracking and license activation. On first launch, the plug-in will either begin the 7-day trial automatically or prompt you to enter an activation key if you already have a license.
Preset Folder Locations
PuTec stores user presets in your Documents folder. Based on current implementation, the path is:
~/Documents/Putec
User preset configuration file:
~/Documents/PuTec/UserPresets.txt
Interface Overview
The interface follows a single-panel hardware-inspired layout. All core EQ controls are always visible, with no hidden pages required for day-to-day operation.
Main Areas
- Low section: Low Freq selector, Low Boost, Low Atten.
- High section: High Boost Freq selector, High Boost, High Boost Q, High Atten Freq selector, High Atten.
- Output section: Output trim control.
- Global controls: bypass switch, oversampling selector, window size menu, presets panel.
- Visual feedback: metering and status indicators.
Control Behavior
- Knobs use vertical drag (up/down) for value changes.
- Double-click a knob to reset to its default parameter value.
- Most controls display popup values while editing.
- Window size menu supports 100%, 125%, 150%, and 200% scaling.
Signal Flow
Understanding the fixed processing order helps with gain staging and tonal decisions.
Controls and Parameters
The table below summarizes parameter ranges and defaults currently exposed by the plug-in.
| Control | Range / Options | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Freq | 20, 30, 60, 100 Hz | 20 Hz | Selects the low frequency target for low-end boost/atten shaping. |
| Low Boost | 0.0 to 10.0 | 0.0 | Increases low-frequency energy around the selected low frequency. |
| Low Atten | 0.0 to 10.0 | 0.0 | Attenuates low-frequency energy in the low section. |
| High Boost Freq | 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 12, 16 kHz | 8 kHz | Selects the center/target frequency for high boost. |
| High Boost | 0.0 to 10.0 | 0.0 | Applies high-frequency boost at the selected high boost frequency. |
| High Boost Q | 0.0 to 10.0 | 5.0 | Controls high boost bandwidth/shape character. |
| High Atten Freq | 5, 10, 20 kHz | 20 kHz | Selects the target frequency for high attenuation. |
| High Atten | 0.0 to 10.0 | 0.0 | Applies high-frequency attenuation at the selected high atten frequency. |
| Output | -20.0 to +20.0 dB | 0.0 dB | Final level trim after EQ processing. |
| Oversampling | x1, x2, x4, x8, x16 | x2 | Raises internal processing rate to reduce aliasing in non-linear stages. |
| Bypass | On / Off | Off | Disables plug-in processing and passes audio through. |
Classic Low-End Interaction
The low Boost and low Atten controls can be used together to create the well-known broad low-end contour. This is especially useful for adding weight while preserving clarity.
Workflow and Use Cases
Use these settings as starting points, then adjust by ear to match your source.
Vocal Air and Clarity
- High Boost Freq: 10-12 kHz
- High Boost: 1.5 to 3.5
- High Boost Q: 4.0 to 6.0
- Optional High Atten Freq: 20 kHz, High Atten: 0.5 to 1.5
Bass Weight Without Mud
- Low Freq: 30 or 60 Hz
- Low Boost: 2.0 to 4.0
- Low Atten: 1.0 to 2.5
- Adjust Output down to keep loudness matched
Mix Bus Tone Polish
- Low Boost: 0.5 to 1.5 (30 or 60 Hz)
- High Boost: 0.5 to 1.5 (10 or 12 kHz)
- High Boost Q around midpoint for smooth top-end lift
- Use bypass toggling frequently for objective A/B checks
Presets
PuTec includes 20 factory presets for common instruments and starting points.
User Presets
Save custom presets from the preset component and organize them in your user preset folder:
~/Documents/Putec
Metering and Gain Staging
PuTec provides input and output level tracking to help you maintain clean gain structure.
- Watch both input and output levels when pushing boost controls.
- If output level rises significantly, reduce Output trim before comparing bypass states.
- Use oversampling for cleaner behavior at stronger settings when CPU budget allows.
Technical Specifications
Updates and Support
PuTec offers multiple convenient pathways to check for updates, download new versions, and manage license activations through the Cynicos License Center (CLC) application and in-app menu options.
Cynicos License Center (CLC)
The dedicated Cynicos License Center application is your hub for license management, downloads, and updates:
- Check for Updates: See available versions and download latest installers for all formats.
- License Activation: Manage your product licenses and activation keys.
- Download History: Access previous versions and platform-specific builds.
- Account Management: View your Cynicos account details and subscription status.
Checking for Updates
You can also check for updates directly without leaving your DAW:
- Use the plug-in menu option: Check Update on website — opens your browser directly to the download page.
- Or visit your account area: https://cynicos.com/my-account/

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