FabFilter Pro-Q 3, an essential tool for a re-recording mixer

The 24 Best EQ Plugins of All-Time

MasteringMixingProducing

We are fortunate to live in a time with so many high-quality EQ plugins. The equalizer is one of the most essential processors for an audio engineer and can be used for various applications. Simply put, EQs allow you to embellish the frequency-based content of any signal you want, while also minimizing the parts that you don’t. On individual tracks of all kinds, strapped across the mix bus, and of course when mastering, EQs are hugely helpful. Here are my favorite EQ plugins, and how I use them in my work.

1. FabFilter Pro-Q 3

When precision is paramount and a more contemporary feature set is in demand, the FabFilter Pro-Q 3 emerges as an unequaled equalizer in my toolkit. Unlike plugins I turn to for adding coloration or character to my tracks, the Pro-Q 3 is my go-to for precise correction of unwanted resonances or harshness and occasionally for introducing subtle boosts where needed. This digital-style equalizer fulfills every expectation with a rich array of capabilities. Among my favorite features are:

M/S (Mid/Side) Mode: A valuable tool for treating the center and sides separately, especially beneficial for stereo bus work.

Exceptional Spectrum Analyzer: The Pro-Q 3 boasts what I consider the most beautiful spectrum analyzer I’ve encountered. The “spectrum grab” feature proves invaluable in identifying areas of potential frequency spectrum congestion.

Dynamic EQ Mode: This mode allows for targeted boosting or attenuation only when the plugin detects signal surpassing a predetermined threshold.

FabFilter Pro Q3

Mix Insight: Incorporate the dynamic EQ mode for de-essing vocals. When tackling de-essing tasks, I prefer distributing the workload across multiple plugins for optimal transparency. The Pro-Q 3’s dynamic EQ mode, with its adaptability to your material, becomes the ideal choice for de-essing. Leveraging the spectrum analyzer, identify the frequency spectrum’s harsh esses, create a band, switch to dynamic EQ mode, fine-tune the bandwidth, and adjust the attenuation to taste—simple and effective!

A Sound Effect

2. UAD Manley Massive Passive

Crafted in homage to what many consider the pinnacle of equalizer design, the Universal Audio Manley Massive Passive stands as a versatile and exceptionally performing plugin. EveAnna and the exceptional team at Manley Labs undoubtedly wouldn’t have endorsed this plugin if it didn’t faithfully replicate the essence of their colossal tube-based hardware unit—a fixture in studios worldwide. Renowned for its adaptability, precise control, and unparalleled sonic quality, Universal Audio meticulously emulated the hardware, resulting in a plugin that mirrors its functionality while introducing additional features, all at a fraction of the cost. While the allure of a physical Massive Passive unit is undeniable, the ability to deploy multiple instances of this plugin within a single session is a testament to its digital convenience.

The imposing faceplate may seem daunting but don’t be discouraged from delving into this plugin’s capabilities. As a two-channel, four-band equalizer, both halves of the plugin mirror each other precisely. Each band offers controls at the top, enabling you to boost or cut and toggle between shelf or bell shapes. Frequency selection is finely tuned, ranging from 22 Hz to 1 kHz for the lowest band, 82 Hz to 3.9 kHz for the second, 220 Hz to 10 kHz for the third, and 560 Hz to 27 kHz for the highest band—extending beyond the typical human hearing range but ideal for introducing a sense of air to your program material. Adjustments to bandwidth and the degree of boost or attenuation are at your fingertips. In the center of the Massive Passive EQ plugin, you have the ability to add or subtract gain, link or unlink the two channels, and apply low-pass or high-pass filters.

Pride Edition Massive Passive EQ

Mix Insight: Deciding on a single piece of advice for using the Massive Passive is challenging, given its inherently musical nature and broad application. However, if pressed to highlight a specific characteristic, focus on its ability to “open up” the entire mix when inserted on the stereo bus. Once you’ve achieved a satisfactory mix foundation, place the Massive Passive (post any compression) and employ the low and high shelves, perhaps around 100 Hz and 16 kHz, to impart a delightful “smiley face” curve to your entire track.

3. A Pultec EQP-1A Emulator of Your Choice

Introduced in 1951 by Ollie Summerland and Gene Shank in my home state of New Jersey, the EQP-1A has ascended to studio legend status, renowned for its warmth, clarity, and exquisite top end. Originally adopted by the broadcast industry to impart a final touch to lackluster program material, the passive, all-tube Pultec gradually found its place in recording studios, gracing thousands of records since.

Pultec EQP-1A

A distinctive characteristic of the Pultec EQP-1A is its ability to simultaneously boost and cut at the exact same frequency. “Why would you want to do this? Wouldn’t they cancel each other out?” one might inquire. In essence, the boost control wields slightly more gain than the attenuate control, and the frequencies are subtly different. The Pultec is a favored choice for balancing kick drum and electric bass. For instance, to position your kick beneath the bass, insert the plugin on the kick drum, apply a significant boost at the preferred fundamental (60 Hz, for instance), and then use the attenuator to temper the effect. Subsequently, apply a Pultec to the bass, aiming to attenuate where you had previously boosted. While not foolproof, this method generally provides a solid starting point for a healthy kick/bass relationship. Read the manual here.

Various commendable emulations of the EQP-1A exist, including options from Universal Audio, Waves, IK Multimedia, and more.

Mix Insight: Employ the Pultec as intended, serving as a finishing touch on your stereo bus. A subtle boost at 10 kHz or 12 kHz can be precisely what a mix requires for increased openness and clarity. Utilize this glorious EQ plugin in this manner just before the final limiter if your mix lacks top-end sparkle. Additionally, for thin-sounding mixes, consider a modest boost at 60 Hz or 100 Hz.

4. Oeksound Soothe 2

Let me be clear. Soothe2 is not your typical EQ plugin. It was meticulously crafted to address harshness present in audio tracks. Its maker, Oeksound, categorizes soothe2 as a ‘dynamic resonance suppressor.’ In essence, it functions akin to a compressor, dynamically responding to the source material while influencing the frequency spectrum like an equalizer.

In simple terms, soothe retains the desirable elements of a recording while eliminating the undesirable ones.

Oeksound Soothe 2

If there’s one EQ plugin I would wholeheartedly recommend for comprehensive mitigation of unpleasant artifacts and taming tasks, it would undoubtedly be soothe2. I deploy it on individual tracks, particularly on lead vocals, and often as the final insert in the processing chain. It proves highly effective on sub-groups, especially for drum busses with an excess of cymbals in the performance. Additionally, I find it valuable on the mix bus and during mastering—exploring the ‘ear-friendly on top master’ preset provides an excellent starting point.

Mix Insight: Avoid being heavy-handed with this plugin. Each of its controls is important, but pay special attention to the Depth and Mix controls, dialing back the amount of each until you find that sweet spot where harshness is mitigated without introducing unwanted ‘washy’-sounding artifacts.

5. iZotope Neutron EQ and Ozone EQ

In the realm of modern mixing, achieving competitive loudness is integral. This surpasses the realms of compression, delving into the art of removing unnecessary elements—especially in the low end—and accentuating vital components. iZotope products have made competitive mastering in the box a reality. The iZotope Neutron EQ and Ozone EQ plugin (which is free) are indispensable tools in this pursuit. They not only identify and address critical frequencies with precision but also maintain a mostly transparent sound quality. Taming excessive low frequencies is crucial to preserving valuable headroom, and judicious use of high-pass filters or strategically placed notch filters plays a pivotal role in maintaining headroom. 

iZotope Neutron EQ

Mix Insight: The Neutron 4 equalizer stands out as a 12-band powerhouse, featuring a dynamic EQ mode, impressive sidechain capabilities, and a plethora of additional useful features. A particularly intriguing feature I frequently employ is the frequency masking meter. This tool essentially illuminates potential frequency conflicts between different elements in your mix, a common occurrence between kick and bass or keyboards and guitars. Even more noteworthy is the inverse link option, enabling seamless collaboration across multiple instances of Neutron 4. With this functionality, boosting at a specific frequency range in one instance prompts a second instance of the plugin to automatically attenuate at that same frequency range. This proves invaluable, especially in extensive sessions where frequency masking is prevalent.

Ozone, on the other hand, is better suited for in-the-box mastering and stereo bus applications. I often leverage the mastering assistant feature to gauge what the plugin suggests is working well or less effectively in my mixes, frequency-wise. While I may occasionally disregard the recommendations, there are times when I consider the suggestions and make subtle adjustments within Ozone. 

Both Neutron and Ozone are valuable tools for production, mixing, and mastering, and they are available bundled together within the Music Production Suite.

Ozone EQ

6. Soundtoys Sie-Q

The Sie-Q, fashioned after the Siemens W295b, is a go-to equalizer for injecting character into tracks. Its straightforward design allows easy manipulation of lows, mids, and highs through both boosting and cutting. While our primary focus as engineers revolves around sound quality, there’s a certain charm to many Soundtoys plugins that feels like playing with well-crafted toys. The user-friendly interface, adorned with substantial knobs, imparts tactile satisfaction, almost as if you can hear a reassuring click with each adjustment. Nonetheless, despite its playful design, the Sie-Q delivers a delightful sound, and with its uncomplicated controls, achieving a pleasing result takes mere seconds.

Mix Tip: Designed to preserve the saturation nuances of the original hardware, this EQ plugin offers an extra layer of character with its drive parameter. Turning up the drive not only imparts saturation but also smartly adjusts the output level, preventing any undesirable peaks as you intensify the drive.

Soundtoys Sie-Q

7. Maag Audio EQ4

The iconic Mäag hardware has left its sonic imprint on vocal performances by artists like Madonna, Snoop Dogg, and the Black Eyed Peas. Upon introducing this visually striking blue equalizer to a vocal track, the magic becomes instantly apparent, especially when delving into the patented air band. This unique feature provides a shelving boost at 2.5 kHz, 5 kHz, 10 kHz, 20 kHz, and an astonishing 40 kHz. While the latter is beyond the human hearing range, I frequently employ this setting to infuse a breath of “air” into various audio sources.

Mix Insight: Resist the temptation to limit the use of this EQ plugin solely to the air band. Each band, characterized by musicality, clarity, and versatility, adds value across a spectrum of applications. From kick and snare drums to bass, subgroups, and even the stereo bus, the Mäag equalizer proves itself as a reliable and multifaceted tool.

Maag Audio EQ4

8. UAD Neve 1073

The Neve 1073 Channel Amplifier stands as one of the most esteemed preamp and EQ circuits ever created. Unveiled in 1970, this revered class-A, transistor mic/line amp with EQ embodies the exquisite “Neve sound,” characterized by unmatched clarity, sheen, and bite.

Universal Audio’s Neve 1073 plug-in faithfully captures the features, distinctive circuit behaviors, and sought-after sound of Neve’s original hardware design. By meticulously modeling the dual-stage “Red Knob ” preamp, revered three-band EQ, and post-fader output amplifier, the Neve 1073 Preamp & EQ faithfully replicates the experience of the original 1970s hardware with remarkable accuracy. Retaining all 10 clipping points from the preamp and EQ circuitry, this plug-in delivers trademark clarity, grit, and harmonically rich class-A saturation, just like the iconic hardware counterpart.

Mix Insight: This is what I would describe as a very colorful equalizer. If you’re looking for a transparent and surgical EQ, this might not be the ticket. The tone of the 1073 is revered for a reason, and if you’re in the market for an EQ plugin with mojo, you can likely get this one and call it a day.

9. Chandler Limited Curve Bender

Crafted in homage to the iconic TG12345 console that played a pivotal role in shaping the sonic landscapes of Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” and The Beatles’ “Abbey Road,” the Softube/Universal Audio Curve Bender encapsulates the essence of the classic desk while introducing distinctive features tailored for both mixing and mastering. Unlike its predecessor with nine fixed filter points, this plugin iteration boasts an impressive 51 filter options, along with expanded gain choices, a more adaptable bandwidth/Q control, mid/side capabilities, and high & low-pass filters. Despite its array of knobs and switches, mastering the Curve Bender is surprisingly intuitive, allowing you to effortlessly achieve a lively, clear sound.

Mix Tip: Delve into the unique midrange character of this equalizer, offering a somewhat assertive yet inherently musical timbre. When seeking to infuse tracks with bite and character in the midrange spectrum, fearlessly apply generous boosts in the 1 kHz to 8 kHz range. Whether enhancing snare drum impact, elevating guitars, refining vocals, enriching electric bass, or sculpting subgroups, the Curve Bender proves its prowess in shaping vibrant and captivating audio.

10. Soundtoys Radiator

The initial Altec 1567A hardware manifested as a tube mixer housed in a rack with five inputs, detachable transformers, a basic two-knob EQ, a distinctive green faceplate, and an impressive 97 dB of gain. The sound it produced when measured against contemporary standards, bears a distinct coloration and grittiness, accompanied by the characteristic hardware noise of its era. During its prime, this equipment left an indelible mark on numerous early Motown hits.

As much a saturator and ‘color box’ as an equalizer, Radiator has controls for bass and treble, allowing the user to apply a shelving boost or cut, each with their own unique shape that changes depending on how much of the effect is applied.

soundtoys radiator-eq plugin

Mix Insight: This wonderfully simple EQ plugin works in ways you wouldn’t imagine. Don’t assume just because it’s based on a unit with vintage mojo that it can’t add vibrance and character to the most modern pop vocals, drums, and synths. Try it on your pop mixes and you’re likely to be pleased.

11. Klevgrand GotoEQ

The GotoEQ is a modern take on the classic Pultec tube EQ. GotoEQ executes the traditional ‘low-end trick’ through dual Boost and Attenuate controls for its low shelf, while also providing the capability to perform a ‘high-end trick’ with a comparable high shelving approach. Featuring continuous frequency selection, you have the flexibility to fine-tune each band according to your preferences. Crucially, GotoEQ’s two midbands introduce dynamic attenuation, infusing a musical dimension into the conventional EQ unit.

goto-eq plugin

Mix Insight: The dynamic EQ option is what makes this plugin so special. Tame harsh sibilance or bright cymbals with ease, or reign in the midrange of electric bass guitar by turning up the dynamic attenuation in the mid bands.

12. Overloud EQ84

EQ84 faithfully replicates the Neve 1084, which is one of the most coveted EQ modules in the history of recorded sound. Its allure lies in the warm, rich sound it produces, featuring an exceptionally detailed midrange that excels on percussive and melodic sources alike.

Notably, EQ84 accurately reproduces the original frequency response, even in the highest reaches of the spectrum near the Nyquist frequency—a point where many digital simulations fall short. Leveraging proprietary DSP technology, Overloud has achieved this outcome without introducing phase distortion and without the need for oversampling.

Mix Insight: Similar to the aforementioned emulation of the Neve 1073, the EQ84 meticulously emulates both the Line and Mic preamplifiers, offering the ability to push this section for a distinctive musical saturation that enhances the overall sound.

13. Dangerous Music Bax EQ

Renowned audio engineer Peter Baxandall‘s impactful contributions resonate through time. Engaged in vital work during World War II with the Telecommunications Research Establishment, Baxandall’s inventive circuits, notably the smooth “tone control,” later became integral to stereos worldwide. In 2010, Dangerous Music introduced the BAX EQ hardware unit, a timeless classic subsequently emulated by Brainworx and Universal Audio. Rather than a surgical tool, the BAX EQ is cherished for its open and sweet sonic character, making it perfect for imparting a final touch to near-complete mixes or masters. With its straightforward controls, the BAX features low and high-frequency filters, as well as low and high-frequency shelves for precise boosting or cutting.

PeterJBaxandall

Pioneer of Audio Engineering Peter Baxandall

Mix Insight: For the ultimate sweetening touch—perhaps a gentle lift around 7.1 kHz and above, and a subtle dip at 54 Hz and below—position the Bax just before your final limiter. Alternatively, explore the magic of a simplified signal chain, comprising the Bax, a compressor, and a limiter on your stereo bus. Embracing simplicity, the BAX’s clarity and openness can effectively replace exciters or stereo enhancers, all while sidestepping phase-related challenges.

14. Sonnox Oxford EQ

Emulating in the esteemed million-dollar Sony OXF-R3 digital console, this flexible parametric EQ plugin has a sonic characteristic that is sort of hard to describe. In one sense, it sounds musical and it’s very obvious when you boost or cut more than a dB or so. On the other hand, it’s still fairly surgical and precise.

Sonnox Oxford EQ

The Oxford EQ plugin boasts a simple, user-friendly interface and offers four distinct EQ types:

  • Precise EQ with clinical characteristics similar to the SSL4000 E series.
  • Enhanced “cut” functionality for precise removal of problematic frequencies.
  • Vintage EQ with classic Neve and SSL G series curves.
  • Expansive and gentle curves, ideal for mastering applications.

Mix Insight: Whether employed for precise, surgical cuts or broad, gentle mastering curves, the outcomes consistently deliver a musical and transparent quality.

15. Tube-Tech EQ Collection

For over three decades, Tube-Tech has been meticulously crafting ultra-boutique tube hardware. Presenting a contemporary interpretation of two iconic Pultec EQ designs, the PE 1C and ME 1B EQs, the Danish company showcases its dedication to sonic excellence.

The Tube-Tech EQ Plug-In Collection pays homage to the renowned Pultec EQ designs. The PE 1C and ME 1B EQs encapsulate Tube-Tech’s commitment to delivering state-of-the-art passive, tube-driven circuits. Diverging from the vintage Pultec versions, the Tube-Tech EQ plugin Collection excels across various sound sources, providing a smooth, natural equalization touch. Here’s a closer look at each component:

PE 1C Program Equalizer

The PE 1C plug-in ingeniously boosts and cuts the same frequencies simultaneously, bringing body and bloom to acoustic guitars, infusing life into a snare, and adding substantial weight. Its broad, smooth curves make it an excellent choice for applications like voiceovers or enhancing the mix bus.

ME 1B Mid Equalizer

Addressing the all-important midrange frequencies in crafting a clear and vibrant mix, the ME 1B plug-in excels in sculpting the mids with gorgeous musicality. Whether extracting excitement from an electric guitar, refining clarity on a drum bus, adding thwack to a snare track, or imparting richness to a saxophone, the ME 1B offers versatile midrange control.

Mix Insight: Use them in serial (if you must). While a lot can be accomplished with just one of these, every so often I’ll come across an element, or group of elements, that need more than either can handle on their own. I’ve had great results using one of these after another on drum or instrument bus.

tubetech eq plugin

16.Tone Projects Michelangelo

Michelangelo, created by Chris Henderson of Hendyamps, stands as an exceptional all-tube stereo EQ and harmonics generator. Revered for its unfiltered sonic beauty and user-friendly design, it ranks among the most extraordinary EQ plugins available today.

In a tight partnership with Hendyamps, the officially endorsed Michelangelo plugin faithfully reproduces the distinctive sound and intuitive “right-brained” workflow of the hardware. However, it extends beyond the hardware’s capabilities, offering instant tube ambiance, seamless tone sculpting with precise band control, dynamic EQ with musical transient/body separation, stereo width enhancements, and in-depth customization of the tube circuitry.

michaelangelo eq plugin

Mix Insight: Michelangelo incorporates a meticulously tuned compressor/expander featuring musical detection and smooth nonlinear curves. This dynamic tool seamlessly integrates with any of the Michelangelo bands, offering adaptive dynamic EQ capabilities with adjustable attack/release settings above and below the threshold. Alternatively, applying it across all bands transforms Michelangelo into a comprehensive multiband dynamics processor, injecting tube-flavored movement and energy into your audio.

17. Overloud EQ495

Based on a Neumann EQ originally used for cutting vinyl, the EQ495 has the power to breathe energy into an entire mix. It’s simple to use, featuring only 3 bands, as well as a low- and high-pass filter. Sometimes limitations can be helpful, and the musicality of this EQ plugin ensures a quick workflow and pristine sound quality.

Overloud EQ Plugin

Mix Insight: The EQ495 faithfully emulates the original output transformer, introducing a distinctive coloration to the low end and enriching the overall tone for a fuller sound.

18. Newfangled Audio Equivocate

Perfect for both mixing and mastering, EQuivocate employs filters meticulously modeled on the human ear, with each of the 26 critical bands targeting different aspects of your inner ear. This approach ensures that any combination of settings produces an exceptionally natural sound. All the products from Newfangled Audio are thoughtfully conceived, and powerful for a variety of applications, and EQuivocate is no exception.

newfangled-equivocate EQ plugin

Mix Insight: Take advantage of EQuivocate’s Match EQ feature to align your track’s sound with or complement the audio signal in its sidechain. Whether you’re matching the tone of a reference track for a final master or fitting a sound into a dense mix, EQuivocate provides a transparent match without attempting to replicate imperceptible differences that might compromise naturalness. Instantly transform your tone to match by feeding your favorite song or track into it.

19. Softube Trident A Range

Hailing from the legendary Trident Studios, the A-Range console inspired this flexible EQ plugin. Despite only thirteen A-Range consoles ever being made, it retains a revered status among sound engineers and producers worldwide. The equalizer section surely deserves some of the credit. Iconic classics originally recorded on the A-Range include David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust, Queen’s albums, Elton John’s work, Rainbow, Metallica, and a host of other influential records. With its sweet yet cutting sound, the Trident A-Range is useful on a wide variety of sources.

Trident Studios

A sepia toned image of Trident Studios

Mix Insight: Turn up the tiny saturation knob found by the output for a vibrant and musical character that works well to liven up individual tracks or subgroups.

20. Millennia NSEQ-2

Offered by Plugin Alliance, the Millennia NSEQ-2 stands as a coveted parametric EQ widely employed in professional studios and mastering facilities. Boasting a twin topology design and pure class A transformerless circuitry, this EQ plugin delivers a predominantly transparent sound, making it ideal for subtly enhancing program material.

Users can harness the beauty of low and high shelves, each offering six selectable frequencies, along with two midrange bands featuring variable Q controls. Elevating its versatility, the NSEQ-2 allows operation in mid-side mode, a valuable tool for addressing issues related to clarity, width, and harshness within the stereo field.

NSEQ eq hardware

The Millennia hardware that inspired the NSEQ plugin

Mix Insight: The Millenia’s twin topology design, incorporating both tube and solid-state signal paths, positions this plugin as an exceptionally versatile workhorse equalizer. Users have the flexibility to embrace the warmth and expansiveness of the triode 300 V vacuum tube or opt for the clarity and punch provided by an all-discrete J-FET solid-state signal path — each offering unique benefits tailored to specific types of program material.

21. Amek EQ 200

Crafted in homage to revered 1970s equalizers, Plugin Alliance and Brainworx present the Amek EQ 200—an exceptionally versatile, precise, and transparent equalizer. Drawing inspiration from the GML 8200 Parametric Equalizer and vintage Sontec EQs, this plugin seamlessly incorporates the Class-A, 5 Band GML 8200’s reputation for surgical precision and sonic clarity, coupled with the distinct touch of Sontec’s “holy grail” mastering equalizers.

Beyond emulating the functionality and design of these esteemed hardware units, the Amek EQ 200 introduces exclusive plugin-only features, including variable high and low pass filters, mid/side capabilities, and auto-listen functionality. The result is a formidable EQ plugin that finds frequent application on individual tracks, subgroups, the stereo bus, and even in mastering.

eq-200-amek Eq plugin

Mix Insight: Utilize the Amek on the stereo bus in mid/side mode during the final stages of your mix (around 90% completion) for an enhanced sense of space and definition. This mode proves invaluable for making strategic decisions that accentuate the separation between centrally positioned elements (vocals, kick, snare, bass) and those that are hard-panned (double-tracked guitars, overheads, certain percussion). Even in traditional stereo mode, the Amek excels at carving out space within the mix.

22. Tokyo Dawn Records Nova (FREE!)

Among the very best (and in some cases, very expensive) equalizer plugins ever is the completely free-of-charge TDR NOVA. NOVA stands out as a parallel dynamic equalizer, adopting the familiar parametric equalizer layout. Each band is equipped with a comprehensive dynamics section, expanding its capabilities across a broad spectrum of applications. Whether it’s enhancing the density of a master, adding crispiness to a drum bus, or addressing sibilance in a flawless take, NOVA offers an elegant solution.

The user-friendly drag-and-drop display, coupled with a classic knob-based interface, ensures swift and seamless access to the many parameters driving NOVA’s robust processing features. Boasting four dynamic EQ bands, along with additional high-pass and low-pass filter sections, NOVA effortlessly caters to diverse demands. Intuitive equal loudness functions simplify the process of finding the optimal setting, eliminating distractions caused by loudness differences.

The TDR Nova EQ plugin

In practical terms, NOVA excels in various tasks including:

  • Parametric equalization
  • Dynamic equalization
  • Frequency-selective compression
  • Multi-band compression
  • Wideband compression

Mix Insight: Here’s a tip–go get it for free and enjoy one of the most versatile EQ plugins ever.

23. Slate Infinity

Slate Digital is renowned for crafting authentic plugin emulations of real hardware units, but the company has also introduced completely original tools with modern designs and feature sets. The Infinity EQ plugin stands out as a sleek, pristine-sounding equalizer equipped with cutting-edge controls. The user interface resembles a spaceship dashboard, featuring vibrant colors and smooth visual feedback, while the mid/side mode facilitates subtle changes to enhance the stereo field.

Mix Insight: Take advantage of the band solo function, a standout feature in more modern-inspired equalizers, impeccably implemented in the Infinity EQ plugin. When aiming to pinpoint unwanted frequencies and whistle-tones, the band solo function becomes a valuable tool for swiftly sculpting the tone of individual tracks, subgroups, and the stereo bus.

24. Stock DAW EQ Plugins

Equalizers may vary in design and features, but their fundamental purpose remains consistent: assisting with the balance of your tracks. It’s wiser to grasp the basics with a straightforward stock equalizer than to grapple with the complexities of a feature-rich third-party plugin. Whether you use Pro Tools, Logic, Ableton Live, FL Studio, or something else, the stock EQ plugins should be able to help you get closer to where you want to be, if you put in the time to learn how the EQ effect works.

Logic Pro, in particular, boasts an impressive selection of built-in EQ Plugins. The Vintage EQ Collection comprises Console (Neve-inspired), Graphic (API-inspired), and Tube (Pultec-inspired) equalizers, each delivering exceptional sound quality and functionality.

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