Equaliser (EQ) plugins are indispensable tools in the realm of music production. They allow for precise control over the frequency spectrum of your audio, enabling you to enhance, shape, and perfect your sound. Whether you’re mixing music, mastering tracks, or simply refining your listening experience, a high-quality EQ plugin is essential.
If you wish to master EQ plugins across all genres and DAWs, join pointblank Music School as our degrees and professional courses go in depth on employing various EQ plugins. In fact, our lecturers can show you how to most of the plugins in our guide today!
Here’s the ultimate guide to some of the best EQ plugins according to experts in 2024!
FabFilter Pro-Q 3
FabFilter Pro-Q 3 is a parametric EQ plugin renowned for its versatility and precision. It offers up to 24 EQ bands, dynamic EQ, linear phase mode, mid/side processing, a spectrum analyser, and an intuitive interface. It’s a favourite among audio professionals for its powerful features and high-quality sound processing.
Waves SSL G-Equaliser
This plugin emulates the SSL 4000 G console EQ, providing a four-band parametric EQ with high and low pass filters. It delivers the punchy and clear sound characteristic of the SSL 4000 G console, making it highly valued for its authentic analogue emulation.
iZotope Neutron 3 EQ
iZotope Neutron 3 EQ combines dynamic and parametric EQ with intelligent features like track assistant and masking meter. It also includes dynamic EQ and smart frequency analysis, making it stand out for its ability to help users achieve a balanced mix quickly and efficiently.
Universal Audio Manley Massive Passive EQ
This parametric tube EQ emulates the Manley Massive Passive hardware, known for its broad, musical EQ curves and tube-driven sound. It’s prized for its lush, warm sound and broad tonal shaping capabilities, making it a go-to for mastering engineers.
Waves H-EQ Hybrid Equaliser
The Waves H-EQ Hybrid Equaliser combines vintage and modern EQ characteristics, offering seven filter types per band, a spectrum analyser, and dynamic EQ. It’s known for its flexibility, allowing users to blend analogue and digital tones to suit any mixing scenario.
Soundtoys Sie-Q
Soundtoys Sie-Q is an emulation of the Siemens W295b EQ, providing a simple, three-band EQ with a rich, musical character. It’s beloved for its ease of use and the warm, vintage sound it imparts, making it ideal for adding character to tracks.
Slate Digital Infinity EQ
This parametric EQ plugin features a sleek, modern interface with a real-time spectrum analyser, infinite bands, and dynamic processing. The Infinity EQ is favoured for its seamless workflow and precision, offering a highly intuitive experience for both novice and experienced users.
Eventide EQuivocate
Eventide EQuivocate is a match EQ plugin that provides up to 26 linear-phase auditory filters based on the human ear’s critical bands. It excels in its unique approach to EQ, using human auditory filters to achieve natural, balanced adjustments.
MeldaProduction MAutoEqualizer
MAutoEqualizer includes an automatic equalisation feature, a spectral analyser, and advanced dynamic processing. This parametric and dynamic EQ plugin is distinguished by its automatic equalisation capabilities, which can match the spectrum of any reference track, making it a powerful tool for both mixing and mastering.
TDR Nova
TDR Nova is a parallel dynamic equaliser offering four dynamic EQ bands, a built-in spectrum analyser, and precise control over dynamic processing. It’s praised for its high-quality sound and advanced dynamic processing features, all available in a free version, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious users.
Choosing the Right EQ Plugin
When selecting an EQ plugin, there’s a lot to consider. The market offers a wide range of options, each with unique features and strengths. By selecting one of these top-tier EQ plugins, you can achieve a higher level of control and precision in your audio projects, ensuring a professional and polished sound. If you need someone to guide you through it, we have industry experts providing 1-2-1 sessions with their students. Not only will they teach you the basics of EQing, but how to also get comfortable with many variations of EQ plugins.
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