Purely tonal EQ is legitimate, where analog colorations matter as much as the curve

Alongside corrective EQ there is a legitimate place for purely subjective tonal EQ — equalising to make a sound more attractive rather than to fit the balance. Here classic analog EQ designs come into their own because their processing by-products (saturation, phase, transformer colour) are often as much of the appeal as the frequency shaping, and boosts are fine since they alter a sound’s attitude more than cuts. Keep clear whether each band is for tone or balance.

Examples

A Pultec-style high-frequency boost adds air and sheen beyond simple HF content because the circuit’s saturation and phase colour the sound in a pleasing way.

Assessment

Distinguish corrective from tonal EQ and explain why analog colorations are valued as much as the frequency shaping.