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Summary of Contents for Pulsar Pulsar Massive
- Page 1 Pulsar Massive User Manual www.pulsar.audio Pulsar Massive - User Manual - page 1 / 35...
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Page 2: Table Of Contents
Band name field..........................26 Band bypass............................26 Band filter type...........................27 Gain knob............................27 Frequency............................27 Bandwidth............................28 HPF..............................28 LPF..............................28 Drive..............................29 Output Gain............................29 The curve display rack...........................30 Equalization using the curve display....................30 Spectrum visualization........................31 Level visualization..........................31 Pulsar Massive - User Manual - page 2 / 35... - Page 3 Table of contents Minimum Configuration..........................33 License agreement............................34 License..............................34 Updates..............................34 License transfer............................34 Activation..............................34 Trial................................34 Third-Party Software..........................34 Disclaimer..............................35 Pulsar Massive - User Manual - page 3 / 35...
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Page 4: Introduction
The information contained in this manual is believed to be correct at the time of publication. However, if an error has unfortunately crept into its contents, please let us know. IMPORTANT: The prolonged use of amplified instruments, speakers or headphones may cause permanent hearing loss. Ensure you monitor your exposure level, and take regular breaks. In case of tinnitus or suspected hearing loss, please consult an ENT specialist. Pulsar Massive - User Manual - page 4 / 35... -
Page 5: Welcome
Thank you for choosing Pulsar Audio quality! With more than 15 years’ experience in plugin development for the biggest names in the industry, we decided to create Pulsar Audio to push the quality requirements of our products even further. For each product, our quest for excellence requires us never to rest on our technical achievements, and to expand our knowledge ever further. -
Page 6: Passive Equalizers
Unique warmth and dynamic behavior (due to our emulation of the original circuit's inductors and tube amplifier stages) Very smooth and musical equalization curves An innovative workflow that allows you to tweak equalization directly on a graphical curve An organic analog sound paired with the advantages of digital (presets, automation of parameters, etc.) Pulsar Massive - User Manual - page 6 / 35... -
Page 7: Pulsar Massive's Filtering Forms
Pulsar Massive’s filtering forms Bell filters Pulsar Massive's bell filters differ from the classic constant-Q bell filters found in most of today's equalizers, in that the Bandwidth (ie, Q) also has an effect over gain: With a fixed Gain amount, adjusting the bandwidth setting will vary the effective gain of the filter. In other words, the actual gain amount of the bell filter can end up being different to the value shown on the Gain knob. When a band is modified from the curve, the vertical movements of the mouse are used to define the gain of the band. However, when the Gain parameter thus modified reaches its maximum (or minimum), and you continue to move the mouse vertically, it is the Bandwidth of the filter that is modified in order to achieve higher effective gain values. With a fixed Bandwidth amount, the Gain knob will not affect the width of a filter. Bell filter with fixed Gain (20 dB) and different Bandwidth values (from 0 to 10) Pulsar Massive - User Manual - page 7 / 35... - Page 8 For example, at the 82 Hz position, band 2 actually produces a resonant filter close to 100 Hz. We have chosen to keep these differences, which thanks to the curve display can be surprising, because they are part of the unique workflow of the original device that we want to reproduce in its digital emulation. Pulsar Massive - User Manual - page 8 / 35...
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Page 9: Shelving Filters
8.2 kHz, the shelf filter will also attenuate the frequency area around 8 kHz due to the added bell filter in the opposite direction. For this reason, you will often be surprised at your own frequency choices when using the Massive's shelf filters! The best frequency choices will often be higher than you would expect for low-shelves, and lower for high-shelves. The Pulsar display rack provides graphical feedback on the proposed EQ, and allows the user to better understand the filtering done by the plugin. Pulsar Massive - User Manual - page 9 / 35... -
Page 10: Special Modes
Indeed, as the frequencies approach the limits of human perception, the shape of the filter is reworked so that we don’t amplify frequencies too far from the usual 20Hz-20kHz range. These new shapes (described in the screenshots below) no longer have the classic shape of Pultec filters, instead providing you with a unique way of working with the extreme frequencies of the audio spectrum: Pulsar Massive - User Manual - page 10 / 35... - Page 11 The 22 Hz and 33 Hz low-shelf filters are quite similar to a bell filter. The subsonic frequencies are filtered in such a way that they do not overload the low end of the spectrum (which could be dangerous for the speakers, or affect dynamic processing carried out after Pulsar Massive in an undesired way). Special 22 Hz and 33 Hz low-shelf filter modes with minimum bandwidth. Pulsar Massive - User Manual - page 11 / 35...
- Page 12 In the 16 kHz and 27 kHz high-shelf filters, the inverse bell filter added by the Bandwidth control has a higher gain than in normal modes and is located for both around 8 kHz. This enables you to obtain optimal control between the very high end of the spectrum and the high-medium frequencies where you might experience sibilance. Special 16 kHz and 27 kHz high-shelf filter modes with Bandwidth set to minimum Pulsar Massive - User Manual - page 12 / 35...
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Page 13: Parallel Equalization
Here is a quick example of parallel equalization. Let's take two bell filters of about 20 dB of gain, placed at about 600 Hz and 1 kHz. You can see the frequency responses below: Two bell filters at close frequencies. Now, take a look at the combination of these two bell filters performed with a series equalizer (in yellow), and with a parallel equalizer (in blue). You can see that with filters of 20dB maximum gain, the series equalizer gives a response that can reach up to 40dB. With a parallel equalizer, on the other hand, the response never exceeds 20 dB in total. Difference between the combination of bell-shaped filters in series and in parallel. Pulsar Massive - User Manual - page 13 / 35... -
Page 14: Quick Start
Quick start Installation Pulsar Massive is available as a plugin in VST2, VST3, AU and AAX formats for use with all major DAW software such as Live, Cubase, Logic, Pro Tools, etc. Installation from the supplied installer is automatic. The installer takes care of copying the different plugins as well as presets, manual, etc. into the appropriate locations. Note: If you are using the VST2 format in Windows, you will be asked by the installer to specify the installation folders for the 32-bit and 64-bit VST2 plugins respectively. The paths that seem most appropriate for your computer will be recommended by default, but we advise you to check them before completing the installation. If the plugin is not installed in the same folder as your other possible plugins, your DAW software may not detect it. Activation All our plugins are protected by PACE's iLok system. For correct operation, we recommend you... - Page 15 Pulsar Massive - User Manual - page 15 / 35...
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Page 16: First Steps
First steps Load Pulsar Massive on a track of your choice in your DAW. A good starting point is to load a basic preset corresponding to the type of track (voice, guitar, bass, drums...). From there: Start playback and compare how the material sounds with and without Pulsar Massive, using the bypass button on the interface (the Power switch). You can activate the Auto- gain mode to compare at equivalent volumes. Adjust the gains of the different bands according to the desired result (the bands are... -
Page 17: The User Interface
The control panel, specific to the plug-in. This panel is made up of two racks: the EQ control rack on the bottom, and the curve display and metering rack on the top You can find a resizing control in the bottom right corner of the plugin interface. This is common to all Pulsar Audio plug-ins, and scales the interface to the exact size you want, from 67% to 200%, in increments of 1%. Pulsar Massive - User Manual - page 17 / 35... -
Page 18: Use Of Parameter Controls
It comes in the form of three lines, like a classic resizing handle: Resizing handle Note that in some DAWs, this resizing can be problematic, depending on how the DAW developer has designed its windowing. It is also possible, by clicking in the corner, to open a small popup window with buttons offering a choice of fixed size resizing (100% - 150%): Resizing window Pulsar Massive - User Manual - page 18 / 35... -
Page 19: The Toolbar
Set the current preset as the one that will be loaded by default when creating a new instance of the plugin (« Set This Preset As Default » option) Open the presets directory. This can be handy for making backups of your preset files and restoring them. Note that renaming and reorganizing presets must be done from the plugin menu, not by using your system's file explorer. Restore factory presets. This will also overwrite any changes you have made to your factory presets Quickly navigate between the presets to find inspiration, using the left and right arrows The preset selection area Pulsar Massive - User Manual - page 19 / 35... -
Page 20: Save / Save As
For example, when state A is active, you can load a preset and/or make settings from the interface, then click on button B; then load another preset and/or make other settings; buttons A and B now allow you to quickly switch between the two states and easily compare the 2 presets or sets of settings. It is also possible to copy the state A to B or vice versa using the > or < buttons located between A and B. A, B and Copy buttons Rack visibility button This button allows you to hide some parts of the plugin interface. Using the rack visibility button, you can toggle between displaying both sections of the interface, displaying only the bottom rack (without curve editing and visualization), and displaying only the top rack. The rack visibility button Menu Button The button located on the far right of the bar encompasses various options. The Menu button Pulsar Massive - User Manual - page 20 / 35... -
Page 21: Oversampling Settings
Oversampling is disabled by default, as all Pulsar Audio products use advanced technologies that allow in most cases to process the sound without oversampling, with no compromise on quality. This makes oversampling useful mainly when you saturate a lot. The maximum available oversampling rate is not the same in all Pulsar Audio plug-ins and depends on a trade-off between the need for oversampling and the CPU consumption induced by oversampling in this plug-in. -
Page 22: Other Options
For bands 1-4, the added frequency values correspond to the frequencies of the neighbouring bands. Note: when controls are stepped, it is still possible to access intermediate values by using the fine editing mode when using the control. Just down the Ctrl key while dragging, or use the right mouse button to drag. Other options Other functions accessible through this menu are: Enabling / disabling the help balloons Access to the website Access to social media Access to communication with technical support Link to this user manual Pulsar Massive - User Manual - page 22 / 35... -
Page 23: The Control Panel
The control panel The Pulsar Massive control panel Pulsar Massive's control panel is inspired by the famous hardware unit. For the plugin, some liberties have been taken to increase the sonic possibilities and to allow better navigation and user experience. This panel consists of two racks: The EQ control rack The curve display rack The control rack This rack contains the main controls (switches and knobs) useful for setting up the equalizer. -
Page 24: Power
This helps you keep a constant sound level while adjusting the EQ controls, helping you to judge your changes without needing to remember that "louder sounds better". Note: the algorithm used does not perform actual real-time level measurements – it derives an estimate based on EQ settings only. This enables it to work on a wide variety of musical sources. Depending on the source, you will sometimes still need to make small adjustments with the Output Gain knob. Pulsar Massive - User Manual - page 24 / 35... -
Page 25: Transformer
This switch selects the stereo management mode, and what signal each bank of four filters is actually processing. L/R corresponds to the traditional stereo mode (left / right channels). M/S stands for Mid / Side mode. In this mode, the two channels of the equalizer contain respectively the sound common between both left and right channels (Mid) and the difference between left and right channels (Side). The M/S mode allows you to employ different equalization curves for material in the very center of a signal and the elements panned more to the sides. It is therefore recommended to disable the "Link" switch when working in M/S. L-R / M-S switch Pulsar Massive - User Manual - page 25 / 35... -
Page 26: Link
Listen These headphone-shaped buttons allow you to solo a single channel and hear only the signal passing through the left or right filter bank. This parameter is particularly useful in M/S mode to fine-tune the equalization of each of these channels. Listen switch Channel bypass Bypass processing in either channel (left or right, mid or side) by clicking the relevant light. When the plugin is placed on a mono channel, these lights will not function. Channel L (left channel) bypass switch Band name field An editable text field above each band lets you name it. The default names are Low, Warmth, Presence and Air. Editable band name field Band bypass Updating the original unit's Boost/Cut/Out switch, on Pulsar Massive this switch simply activates or deactivated the band. Pulsar Massive - User Manual - page 26 / 35... -
Page 27: Band Filter Type
Shelf : the adjusted frequency will be the corner frequency of the filter, halfway to the filter's maximum gain output. Note: it is possible that the actual frequency is slightly different from the frequency displayed. Indeed, on the original machine, small errors in the component values generate slight biases. Pulsar Massive - User Manual - page 27 / 35... -
Page 28: Bandwidth
Pultec EQs. With the bandwidth set to minimum, the filter behaves like a classic shelving filter. The more you increase the bandwidth, the more you deepen the effect of the reciprocal bell close to the shelving filter. The curves of these filters are shown in the section "Pulsar Massive's filtering forms". Bandwidth adjustment knob This knob allows you to activate the high-pass filter and to adjust its frequency. HPF frequency knob This knob allows you to activate the low-pass filter and to adjust its frequency. Pulsar Massive - User Manual - page 28 / 35... -
Page 29: Drive
In the original machine, this knob is used to adjust the output gain, and thus possibly compensate for the gain lost or gained after filtering. However, this gain is applied before the output block, which includes an amplifier stage and a transformer. A large value of this output gain may therefore lead to the generation of harmonics, or even saturation for extreme settings. Output Gain knob Pulsar Massive - User Manual - page 29 / 35... -
Page 30: The Curve Display Rack
Visualize the input and output levels, as well as the level difference between input and output. Equalization using the curve display Here you can see the frequency response curve of the channel selected at the bottom of this rack (L or R, M or S), as well as the frequency responses of the individual bands. Different actions can be performed with the mouse: In the same way as for all other controls, hold down the Ctrl key or use the right mouse button to make fine adjustments. Hold down the Shift key on your keyboard while moving a band to activate the Band Solo function, which allows you to listen to the effect of that band alone on the input signal. Use the mouse wheel when hovering your cursor over a band to change its bandwidth. Parameter window of an EQ band The band parameters window appears when a band is hovered over with the mouse cursor. Pulsar Massive - User Manual - page 30 / 35... -
Page 31: Spectrum Visualization
It should be noted that the human ear does not have a uniform sensitivity curve, so even with a level close to 0 dB displayed, there may be a slight difference in perceived volume. Pulsar Massive - User Manual - page 31 / 35... - Page 32 Level visualization section Pulsar Massive - User Manual - page 32 / 35...
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Page 33: Minimum Configuration
Logic Pro, FL Studio, Ableton Live, Bitwig, Digital Performer, Studio One, Reaper, Adobe Audition...) Available formats: VST 2.4 (Windows: 32/64-bit, Mac: 64-bit only) VST 3 (Windows: 32/64-bit, Mac: 64-bit only) AAX (Windows: 32/64-bit, Mac: 64-bit only) Audio Unit (64-bit). Windows CPU: Intel Core i3 / i5 / i7 / Xeon Memory: 4 GB RAM / 1 GB free disk space Operating system: Windows 7 and higher GPU: OpenGL 2.0 compatible GPU with up-to-date drivers Screen resolution: minimum 1024×768 / recommended 1280×1024 or 1600×1024 MacOS CPU: Intel Core i3 / i5 / i7 / Xeon / Apple Silicon (M1) Memory: 4 GB RAM / 1 GB free disk space Operating system: 10.9 and higher GPU: OpenGL 2.0 compatible GPU with up-to-date drivers Screen resolution: minimum 1024×768 / recommended 1280×1024 or 1600×1024 Pulsar Massive - User Manual - page 33 / 35... -
Page 34: License Agreement
You may transfer all your rights to use the Software to another person provided that you transfer this Agreement and the Software to that other person; and that the recipient accepts the terms and conditions of this Agreement and any other provisions pursuant to which you have acquired a valid license to use this Software. Activation Pulsar Audio will not be held responsible for any failure to activate PACE's iLok protection system / license. Trial Pulsar Audio offers a 14-day trial license, starting at the time of transfer of the license to an iLok key. After expiration, the plugin can no longer be used, and in the event that no permanent license is acquired, it must be deleted. -
Page 35: Disclaimer
Disclaimer Neither Pulsar Audio nor anyone else who has been involved in the creation, production, or delivery of this product shall be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages arising out of the use or inability to use this product (including, without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information and the like) even if Pulsar Audio has previously been advised of the possibility of such damages. Some...
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