Best EQ Plugin Reviews

Music creation is a complex process, and in the past, you had to use many hardware instruments, music mastering tools, units, etc. But now, thanks to computers and modern technologies, all these tools are available on almost any device. Such software, as equalizers, is important for making your music more lively, juicier, and deeper; that’s why you need the best EQ plugins. At first, they were developed after an analog EQ plugin by completely copying its functionality, and in time more and more features and possibilities were added. Now, the EQ VST can contain so many features that even after using it for a year you wouldn’t know about all of them. Next, we will review EQ plugins in more detail.

EQ plugin types: digital and analog

Equalizers can be divided into 2 groups, digital and analog. Digital EQ plugins are the most common nowadays because they are much more comfortable and efficient for us. In these equalizers, you can find a frequency spectrum, change a frequency, and start carving away. With user-friendly interfaces, pleasant graphics, and accuracy of a computer, they are a must-have for high-quality music mastering. The only disadvantage here is that they don’t have that analog sound vibe.

On the other hand, analog equalizers are predecessors of digital ones. Therefore, they are used only by old-school music producers. They are not as accurate and flexible as digital plugins, but they have that warmth, character, and musicality. So, thanks to technological progress, you can utilize these old analog equalizers by using plugins that emulate analog equalizers.

Best EQ plugins review

FabFilter Pro-Q 3 – best overall

This is a detailed FabFilter Pro-Q 3 review. Here you will find out its advantages and disadvantages if there are such, and how it will help in creating magnificent music. This 24-band dynamic equalizer can make snare drums crack, add drive to vocals, and coordinate the EQ curve of one track to another.

Main features

This plugin has a comprehensive collection of features that make it popular among music producers. For instance, it has a Brickwall LP/HP filter that will take care of unnecessary frequencies. On top of that, it has some other filter types, like High/Low Shelf, Bell, Band Pass, Flat Tilt, etc. These filters have a maximum slope limit of 96dB per octave. The Dolby Atmos support it presents comes with an intelligent per-band speaker choice.

Pro-Q FabFilter plugin EQ Match feature will match a post spectrum of different instances within your session. You will also find here two modes, Mid-Side and Left-Right, to make even more accurate adjustments. With frequency collision indication, you can easily carve out sonic space. Thanks to the Auto Gain function, channel weighting, and an estimated dynamic gain correction are possible.

You can locate critical peaks by using a Spectrum Grab feature. This plugin can be used for live recording or tracking thanks to the Zero Latency mode. In addition, it has two other modes, Linear Phase for transparent operation and Natural Phase if you want to get analog sound. In addition, you can use the Piano Roll view function to choose frequencies based on musical note values.

How does It sound?

With its vast features, I was overwhelmed when I used it the first time. And once I figured everything out, I saw how much easier it can be to process the sound. This equalizer is of great help to me, and the feature I like the most now is the dynamic option. After I process the sound with Pro-Q 3, my music is almost perfect, with no digital harshness, no artifacts; everything is just how it is supposed to be. It is a pleasure to work with such professional software, though the sheer number of features is frightening at the start.

Summary

We can say that this is an incredibly flexible plugin with 24 customizable brands. Sidechaining, frequency spectrum, low latency, and other features were specifically designed to be a versatile tool for creating incredible music. The only significant disadvantage is that it might be hard for inexperienced users to figure out since there are no comprehensive instructions.

Tech specifications

iZotope Ozone 9 Standard – also a great choice

Welcome to our new paper, where we take a look at the iZotope Ozone 9 Standard review. This piece of software is a great tool to achieve studio-quality sound with your PC. The impressive mastering software suite, several modules for different sounding, improved Match EQ, and many other features will ensure that.

Main features

As each modern plugin must be, the Ozone 9 Standard plugin has a customizable interface with an eye-pleasing and convenient design. Going deeper, within this plugin, comprehensive mastering tools collection is gathered so that you can change and shape the sound in many ways. For instance, you can pick from various vintage modules that will bring warmth, the vibe of the past, and grit. With loudness targets, you can decide the style of sound you want: modern or retro. Master Assistant can get you a logical starting point after analyzing the sonic profile of your audio.

In iZotope Ozone 9 Standard, Match EQ feature was redesigned and improved. Now, users get a much smoother preset workflow, reference track matching works faster, and many other functions are refreshed and overhauled. Among its modules, you can use Imager to get access to powerful multiband controls that allow precise adjustment of your sound and Stereoize mode, which was reworked and refined to suit modern demands. Also, this plugin can work as a single plug-in and a standalone unit, depending on what you need to do and your working space. On top of that, this plugin supports native instruments NKS, which makes the process of mastering sound very simple.

How does It sound?

Thanks to various improved modes, modules, Master Assistant, and other features, it is incredibly easy to master piano, drum, or any other kind of track. The track is properly displayed, all features work in tandem, and the final result sounds as if it was made in some professional studio. It also automatically levels the volume of all songs currently in work, which saves a lot of time. The precision of sound adjusting is so great due to the comprehensive set of controls and settings. Totally recommend this plugin if you want to master your audio tracks just like a professional.

Summary

A music mastering plugin with a vast library of presets, modules, and modes that improve your music. With simple design and automation of some features, it is possible to learn how to work with it in no time. However, it may be slow since it can be too demanding in terms of hardware in some cases.

Tech specifications

TDR VOS SlickEQ GE – budget solution

This is our TDR VOS SlickEQ GE review, where you will find out more about this audio plugin. We will explore its various processing options, output stages, filters, models, and many other features that you may find useful for processing your audio tracks. With this software at your disposal, you can get your music to the studio level.

Main features

This software is built on a 64bit “delta” multi-rate structure, which ensures the fast and efficient work of this plugin. At the TDR VOS SlickEQ GE plugin, you get a display that helps to monitor frequency magnitude response in real-time. Loudness compensated auto gain control feature ensures high-quality sound at any volume. Also, here you will find various smart functions, like Match Pink, De-resonate Auto HP/LP, Match reference, and many others. On top of that, you will get access to several processing options, like stereo/mono, left/right, and sum/difference. Randomized tolerances can be imposed if you use the one-of-a-kind Dual Mono mode.

The library of EQ models in this software consists of 5 distinctive variations: American, Soviet, Japanese, German, and British. Aside from that, it has 8 different output stages for you to choose from Silky, Mellow, Excited, Deep, Linear, Seven, Funky, and Toasted. Also, a great collection of filters is available for you here, starting with the High Pass filter, which has an additional Bump mode, and the Low Pass filter, which has 2 different slopes, namely 6dB/Oct and 12dB/Oct. The next filter is Parametric Tilt one, with a unique V mode as its addition. Besides that, you will get 3 semi-parametric filter bands, where each of them has 2 shape options.

How does It sound?

It is a great old-school knob-workflow-oriented plugin. With the help of its distinctive models and modes, my music got more depth and individuality. A comprehensive collection of options allows me to get my audio track sound just like I want it. Thanks to the low band that grants access to an optional phase lag, I could delay low frequencies relative to higher frequencies and got amazing results. It was a real pleasure to work with the sound in the TDR VOS SlickEQ GE plugin.

Summary

If you like those vintage equalizers with knobs, this plugin took all the best from them and incorporated them into modern technologies. Vast options selection, various modes, and models will make your tracks better, deeper, and your sound processing activity more interesting.

Tech specifications

Sonnox Oxford R3 EQ

In this paper, we prepared a Sonnox Oxford R3 EQ review for you. This parametric EQ plugin possesses a comprehensive set of tools and settings that allow users to achieve a high standard of professional music creation. Next, we will review some of its main features that you may find the most useful.

Main features

This particular Sonnox Oxford R3 EQ plugin has 4 changeable types of EQ that will determine the main vector of your sound style. LF and HF sections have customizable shelf settings, and they provide a slope of up to 36dB/Oct. Developers added unique 6 plugins in Oxford R3 EQ VST to ensure the most efficient DSP usage. On top of that, this plugin was created with a well-known 5-band parametric structure that is also responsible for a smooth workflow. It has a very simplistic design that is perfect when you need low system requirements and CPU load.

This equalizer's software is capable of complete automation, with the ability to separate different setting profiles. To deliver the best experiences to its users, the HF response was entirely de-cramped here. All filters and EQ in this plugin have mono and stereo versions that add to the variety of options and settings. The maximum limit for sample rates supported by Oxford R3 EQ is 96kHz. This plugin is supported by a wide range of devices, starting with Mac or PC and following AAX Native, VST, RTAS, etc.

How does It sound?

Oxford R3 EQ plugin is incredibly versatile while being straightforward to use. It is an extremely rare combination of qualities for an equalizer. Honestly, it sounds amazing and crystal clear since the source signal doesn't undergo any changes except the EQ curve, which is great. For example, type 1 is just a basic working model, but type 3 is famous for mastering and broad tonal contours. This software is a necessity if you are working with vocals. At this point, it can be called a classic equalizer plugin but with some modern additions.

Tech specifications

Softube Tube-Tech Equalizer Collection

From this Softube Tube-Tech Equalizer Collection review, you will discover a retro-styled plugin that looks stylish and adds more depth and drive to your sounds. It was designed after 2 classic hardware units PE 1C and ME 1B, which resulted in this vintage-looking equalizer. In this paper, all the crucial features of this software and my experience of using it are laid out.

Main features

Even though it is designed after vintage equalizers, the Softube Tube-Tech Equalizer Collection plugin has all the benefits of its predecessors and modern technologies. For instance, by using Softube's innovative signal processing technology, the final sound will be of high quality. When combined with famous Softube audio processors, your music will sound much better than ever before. That feeling of vintage hardware is achieved thanks to high-resolution graphics. Because it is a very simple and utilitarian design, it doesn't load CPU or GPU too much. PE 1C and ME 1B were combined into one plugin to deliver the most efficient sound equalizing process.

It is both a low and high-end equalizer that is made in Pultec style. Also, in this collection, you will find all legacy plugins that will extend your opportunity range. The sample rate range supported by Tube-Tech Equalizer Collection is as follows: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, and 192 kHz. Of course, it supports mono and stereo modes. In the end, it is a modest mid-range equalizer designed after tube equalizers of the age far past. However, if you like classic instruments and hardware units, you will surely like this one.

How does It sound?

This is a good example of a high-quality vintage equalizer that does its job and even more. It is extremely versatile with all its knobs and controls. For example, because the low-frequency boost and attenuate functions filters are slightly offset in frequency, it’s possible to create captivating and well-focused bumps or cuts in the low end by boosting and attenuating at the same time. It is even though it is being controlled by the same frequency knob. That is just one bit of what this plugin is capable of, the only disadvantage here is limitations for versatility since it is a vintage-based equalizer.

Tech specifications

Best free EQ plugins review

Kiive Audio Warmy EP1A Tube EQ

In this Kiive Audio Warmy EP1A Tube EQ review, we will talk about an equalizer plugin based on vintage hardware predecessors. Here you will find all its features, advantages, and some inconveniences that you might face.

Main features

The first feature of the Warmy EP1A Tube EQ plugin is that you can change the size of its interface, which can be done not in every plugin. As to its more functional features, here you can use oversampling, and several presets. Also, in this software 2 high-frequency selectors are available to broaden your field of work. Tube emulation mix is another interesting feature available via a good old knob. On top of that, in this plugin, you will find knobs for Low Cut, High Cut, and Boost for both.

How does it sound?

A great equalizer that does the job right and even more. High sound quality and the very useful oversampling feature will surely impress you. The only disadvantage is that because it is designed after very old equalizers, there are not many more modern features that would be great here.

Tech specifications

Ignite Amps PTEq-X

If you are in search of a good-quality sound equalizer, this Ignite Amps PTEq-X review is right what you need. This software was created after famous vintage hardware equalizers, but with some significant improvements to make it more versatile and add some functions.

Main features

This software combines retro style and modernity and has 3 equalization modules for you to choose from. PTEq-X plugin also has 3rd generation triode stage analog processing, which you can utilize in 4 unique tube types. All that customization results in lower CPU load. Among its other features, you will find input and output controls, support for processing mono and stereo, and changeable linear-phase oversampling if you want to reduce aliasing.

How does it sound?

An amazing plugin for a mastering chain. After the sound is processed by PTEq-X, it gains that sparkle and drive that high-quality music should have. A really handy tool to create quality music and provide an original sound.

Tech specifications