The Grip Vst Plugin
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Compression is an effect that is used to balance the loudest and the quietest part of an audio signal. to put it in another perspective, It is an audio processing tool that is used to control the overall Dynamics of an audio signal or an audio portion.
To clear confusion, view the dynamic as the low (or the softest sound) and the high (or the loudest part) in an audio sample and view compression as the processing boss controlling the dynamic range of a given signal to achieve a consistent sound.
In this guide, I would be recommending the best 5 compressor vst/au/aax plugins to use in your audio or music production, this way you’ll be able to control the dynamic of your audio signal and also achieve greater control of your mix.
Let’s get on the ride 😉
32-bit plug-ins on 64-bit Windows: C: Program Files (x86) Common Files VST2. Any other folder your VST host application is scanning during startup by default is also suitable. But, to keep plug-in installations independent from a specific VST host release, never install plug-ins into the program folder of the VST host application or any other. Take total control with four specialised distortion parameters. Grip prevents quiet elements like reverb ambience dominating the distortion. Push generates asymmetric drive. Accent and Tone level and EQ the distorted parts only, slotting them into the mix – or making them punch even harder. Amazing Visual Feedback. For this reason, we picked 17 Best Free EQ VST Plugins, so you can choose your most favorite one and use it for mixing as well as for mastering. You may face several scenarios while mixing and mastering which may include the use of an equalizer, having a transparent display to analyze what you are adding or subtracting with the EQ, multiple EQ. GRIP is a software plug-in for your favorite DAW that is used to design tyre and chassis sounds for motion picture. This in-the-box solution gets the job done fast, 100% configurable, automation ready and pretty darn fun, admittedly. BOOM Library // Sound Effects.
(1.) The King
Current Price: $149.00 21.4Gb of Bonus Contents
The first compressor tool on our list is The King which is a dynamic enhanced multiband compressor plugin.
I guess you know a multiband compressor means processing an audio signal in two or more frequency bands. With that out of the way, let’s see some features of the king:
Compressor Bands: The King multiband compressor went a bit further by incorporating 5 EQ controls that allow you to alter the Low, Low Mid, Mid, Mid High, and the High, this way, you can customize an audio signal to soothe your need.
I should also mention you can adjust the threshold plus the makeup gain for each and every individual band.
Tip: Note that the threshold determines when to start compressing, so, I will generally steer clear of setting an individual threshold of every knob, most times, the master threshold of The King would suffice.
The Mix Knob: This is more of like soloing the effect being used, this way, you can compare it to the dry mix. Another great thing about the mix knob is that it can be used as a parallel compressor.
A handy Limiter: This would help to prevent clipping or prevent the audio material from going above the 0db mark.
Magic EQ: The magic equalization help in automatically cleansing a track, it features three different shapes & curves, the first one is for cleaning muddy-frequency, the second & third is for the master bus; this is useful if you want to clean up disorganized frequencies.
Upward and Downward Compression: These knobs are either reducing loud sounds over a certain threshold (Downward) or increasing the loudness of an audio signal over a certain threshold (Upward).
Input and Output Gain: The Input gain helps in setting the level going into the compression and the output gain helps in setting the level going out of the King Multiband compressor.
Bonus: As an added bonus, W.A production would give you access to 3 audio courses 7 video tutorials about compression, 5 Ableton Live templates, 6 FL Studio templates and over 700 of samples and Loops, over 100 preset patches and many others.
Key Features:
- 5 Compressor Bands
- 5 Band Make-Up Gain knobs
- Input/ Output Gain
- Upward & Downward Compression Knob
- Magic EQ with 3 different Shapes/ Curves and a built-in Limiter!
- Overall Plug-In Mix knob
- 21.4Gb of Bonus Contents
System Requirements:
- Mac ( OSX 10.7 and later [32 & 64-bit] ) Windows ( 7 and later [32 & 64-bit] )
- AU Vst Vst 3
The King Multiband Compressor Isn’t Recommended If…
- You Don’t Want a Multi-Purpose Compressor Tool
- You Need a Super Simple Compressor Tool
- You Are Not Interested in Free Samples & Loops, Preset Patches and Video Courses on Using a Compressor
- You Are Down to Your Last Cent and Need the Money for Other Things
- And…
The King Multiband Compressor Is Recommended If…
- You Want a Multi-Purpose Compressor Tool to Fix and Enhance Your Mixes
- You Are Interested in Free Samples & Loops, Preset Patches and Video Courses on Using a Compressor
- You Don’t Have the Tools/features Mentioned Above in Your Existing Plugins Library, and You Need Them Badly
- You Have the Budget
- Then…
(2.) Fabfilter Pro-C 2
Current Price: $179.00
Fabfilter products are always one of the best tools in the music plugin markets, and now, we have the Pro-C 2.
Pro-C 2 is a high-quality compressor tool/plugin that can be used to do all sorts of audio signal processing, whether you need to balance a mix, a touch in the mastering bus, gluing layers of synths/drums/pads and all sort of compressing related tasks.
The Fabfilter Pro-C 2 took it to the next level by featuring an auto-gain (it would automatically adjust the gain for you), an auto-release (no need of tinkering the release knobs, a side-chain triggering, a variable stereo linking, a mid/side processing and more features in just a single intuitive interface.
The award-winning compressor has fully redesigned the interface in the Pro-C 2 which are:
- An Animated Level/knee that Helps in Displaying When, Why and How the Compression Is Applied to Your Incoming Audio Signal.
- Level Meters – This Displays the Actual Peak and Loudness Values, Lastly
- Side-Chain Eq: Helps in Filtering Sounds the Way You Like.
Key Features:
- Animated Level Knee Displays and Accurate Peak/loudness Metering
- Side-Chain Eq Section, with Customizable Hp and Lp Filters
- Program-Dependent Attack and Release Curves
- Intelligent Auto Gain
- Super-Fast Attack Times
- Variable Stereo Linking and Mid/side Processing, with Mid-Only, Side-Only, M > S and S > M Processing
- Audition Triggering Option; Helping You to Hear What Parts of The audio Pro-C 2 Is Triggering and How Much Compression Is Taking Place
- Midi Learn
- Undo/redo and A/b Comparison
- And Many More
System Requirements:
- Mac ( OSX 10.5 and later [32 & 64-bit] ) Windows ( 7 and later [32 & 64-bit] )
- AU Vst Vst 2/3
Fabfilter Pro-C 2 Isn’t Recommended If…
- You Want a Super Simple Compressor Tool that Requires a Little Mouse Click
- You Don’t Want a Multi-Purpose Compressor Tool
- You Don’t Want/find Any of The Key Features Listed Above Useful
- You Are on a Tight Budget
- And…
Fabfilter Pro-C 2 Is Recommended If…
- You Want to Carefully Control the Audio Signal Using a Handy of Featured Tools in Pro-C 2
- You Don’t Have the Tools/features Mentioned Above in Your Existing Plugins Library, and You Need Them Badly
- You Have the Budget
- Then…
(3.) FireFly
Current Price: $15.00
Firefly is a simple compressor tool by Soundspot, and it not only the cheapest of all in this list but also a super low on CPU load plugin; plug, play, and no hassle.
The main focus of Firefly is the control of an audio transient and stereo image. Upcoming producers get the notion of compressor wrong most times, not every audio needs compression!
The transient helps to determine if compression is useful or not. If there are lots of random peaks, and you would love to tailor or unify the audio signal, then byusing Firefly Compressor, you would be able to optimize and enhance your track’s transients.
Another great feature of this super simple compressor is the support of a sidechain filter for compressing tracks, say you want to create a ducking effect or you want a Kick presence in a Drop (Chorus).
In addition to the aforementioned features, FireFly gives you a flexible and intuitive way of compressing whole bus tracks or even a master channel.
Key Features:
- Intuitive, Light and Easy to Use Interface
- Designed to Work Easily with Touch Controllers E.G Raven by Slate Media
- Detection Stage High Pass Sidechain-Filter and Stereo Imager
- Pre-Compression Transient Shaper
- Non-Linear Coloration Filter for Warmth
- Preset Manager to Save & Share Your Own Effects
- Low CPU
System Requirements:
- Mac ( OSX 10.7 and later [32 & 64-bit] ) Windows ( 7 and later [32 & 64-bit] )
- AAX AU Vst Vst 2/3
FireFly Compressor Plugin isn’t Recommended If…
- You Don’t Want a Light and Super Simple Compressor Tool
- You Prefer a Multi-Purpose Compressor or A Multiband Compressor
- You Are Interested in An Expensive Compressor Plugin
FireFly Compressor Plugin is Recommended If…
- You Want a Simple Compressor Plugin that Isn’t Cpu Hungry and At the Same Time You Want a Good One that Works Fine
- You Aren’t a Fan of Multi-Purpose Compressors or You Don’t Want a Multiband Compressor
- You Are on A Budget
- Then…
(4.) Cyclone
Current Price: $15.00
This is a remarkable compressor plugin from the team behind Firefly, – SoundSpot.
One thing that I love about SoundSpot plugin is the simplicity they incorporate into their plugins, Cyclone is not only cheap but it can be used across the board from mixing through mastering, while also adding a non-distinguishable character to the sound. That said, let’s see some features of the king:
Intuitive UI: Cyclone interface is built with simplicity in mind, the controls are laid out from left to right which is similar to analog order most mix/mastering engineer would follow, this way you can speed your workflow.
Saturation: The saturation in Cyclone is a type of Soft Clipping, soft-clipping avoids the harshness by avoiding clipping and gently transitioning between the clipped and the unclipped audio signal.
In Cyclone, the saturation is dependent on the threshold and ratio of the compressor, I guess you rememberthe threshold determines when to start compressing and the Ration controls the amount of compression that will be applied to an audio signal, this is exactly how it works when using the Saturation in Cyclone, the harder the threshold & the ratio Knobs are pushed, the more pronounced the saturation effect will be.
There are some cases where you don’t need a saturation or soft-clipping effect, you can set the saturation parameters to Zero, and there will be no saturation applied.
Mid/Side Processing: The Mid is the mono, whenever you play a track through your stereo headphone, you are feeding each speaker identical sounds which results in the perception of one-channel sound in one sonic space between the speakers. Another way to think of the Mid, is to think of the sound coming from the center.
The Side (Stereo) reproduces sound into two audio channels giving you a more natural two-dimensional sound distribution. Cyclone compressor would help in altering the mid/side information, adding a wider sound, and gives you great control to correct any wonky frequencies.
Note: The Mid/Side features can easily damaged an audio track, use it only when necessary, most of the time, it isn’t needed.
Solo Channel: This helps in the monitoring of the left or right side channel while you are in the Stereo mode or even helps in monitoring the Mid/Side info individually when in Mid/Side mode.
Key Features:
- Saturation
- Mid/Side Processing
- Simple, Light and Easy To Use UI
- Solo Channel
- Channel Linking
System Requirements:
- Mac ( OSX 10.7 and later [32 & 64-bit] ) Windows ( 7 and later [32 & 64-bit] )
- AAX AU Vst Vst 3
Cyclone Compressor Plugin isn’t Recommended If…
- You Don’t Want a Light and Super Simple Compressor Tool
- You Prefer a Multi-Purpose Compressor or A Multiband Compressor
- You Are Interested in An Expensive Compressor Plugin
Cyclone Compressor Plugin is Recommended If…
- You Want a Simple Compressor Plugin that Isn’t Cpu Hungry and At the Same Time Has the Normal Compressor Tools (saturation, Mid/side Processing, and The Likes)
- You Aren’t a Fan of Multi-Purpose Compressors or You Don’t Want a Multiband Compressor
- You Are on A Budget
- Then…
(5.) GRIP Valve Drive
Current Price: $33.95
The Grip is an emulation of the superb german vintage tubes of the 1960s and a modern Voltage Controlled Amplifier (VCA) workhorse, the combination of this is a hybrid and powerful dynamic processor with a soothing distinct character.
GRIP Valve Driver is built to be a Vintage compressor with a warm and colorful tone of the valve tube circuit, and this is fully optional, you can either use the Valve Drive option which would enhance the color of the compression or without the Valve Drive to have a clean as possible compressor on your audio signal.
The Valve Drive effects feature a different taste of drive, you can either use Triode which will enhance the sound by adding even harmonics and warmth and the Pentode mode helps in adding more of odd harmonics for a crunchy or crispy sound.
Key Features:
- Emulation of The Superb German Vintage Tubes
- Triode and Pentode Drive Mode
- Intuitive Design and Workflow
- Low CPU Usage
- Intuitive Design and Workflow
- VCA Compressor Model
- Versatile use by Mix Control for Valve Drive and Compressor
System Requirements:
- Mac ( OSX 10.6 and later [32 & 64-bit] ) Windows ( XP SP2 and later [32 & 64-bit] )
- AU Vst
GRIP Valve Drive isn’t Recommended If…
- You Don’t Want a Light and Super Simple Compressor Tool
- You Prefer a Multi-Purpose Compressor or A Multiband Compressor
- You Don’t Want a Vintage Type of Compressor (this Can Be Switched Off/on)
- You Are Interested in An Expensive Compressor Plugin
GRIP Valve Drive is Recommended If…
- You Want a Simple Compressor Plugin that Isn’t Cpu Hungry
- You Love the Coloration of Vintage Compressors
- You Aren’t a Fan of Multi-Purpose Compressors or You Don’t Want a Multiband Compressor
- You Are on A Budget
- Then…
Useful Related posts:
You may face several scenarios while mixing and mastering which may include the use of an equalizer, having a transparent display to analyze what you are adding or subtracting with the EQ, multiple EQ bands, and proper CPU usage is what to look for in an EQ.
But with that said every piece of software and hardware alike creates and outputs a slightly different sound meaning they all have unique timbres and uses. Alongside that, there are some rather expensive plugins we may see online, which aren’t out of our reaches but we don’t know what we need until we need it right? Well, this is why its best to try some free EQ’s first to see what it is you like within an EQ and what it maybe you are looking for.
We become ever so comfortable with our stock plugins, they do the simple tasks for us (sometimes), they don’t run our computer into the ground, and they for sure are pretty basic. Well, this is the issue most people come to, they want a better EQ, or they want a change of visuals.
EQ History – ‘The first EQ was first used by John Volkman working at RCA in the 1920s”
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- DDMF Colour EQ info & download
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- TDR Nova Parallel Dynamic Equalizer info & download
- Cockos ReaEQ info & download
- Blue Cat’s Triple EQ info & download
- Analog Obsession Merica info & download
- TinyQ lkjb info & download
- Sonimus SonEQ info & download
- Ignite Amps PTEq-X info & download
- Leftover Lasagne Pushtec 5+1A EQ info & download
- lkjb QRange info & download
- TDR Slick EQ info & download
- Manda Audio 7Q info & download
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More Info & Download
Specifications:
- 64-bit processing
- Low-CPU Usage
- Customizable GUI
- Great warm sound
- 5 Bands
- Resizable Window
Features & When To Use:
Colour EQ is a 64-bit EQ plugin that offers 5 ”super parametric” bands to manipulate the frequency range. This is exceedingly handy when wanting to use more than one band in one instance; the intuitive gain knobs on the five bands allow for perfect mixing of these bands when mixing and mastering.
Using the two different types of curves, Colour EQ offers a warm sound that you just wouldn’t get from your stock EQ.
Having a bright visual display helps you to craft and mould your bands to preference.
A great way to use this plugin is when you are not getting enough warmth in your low, mid/mids, Colour EQ will add a great sense of warmth throughout the selected bands. Another cool way to use this plugin is to use two different setups with two different curve types; you can use modified versions of the EQ for selected times in your mixdowns to add the feeling of a change in energy in a breakdown or drop.
Colour EQ is a great tool to have in your arsenal for mixing and mastering, plus you may find many uses in your day-to-day production.
Compatibility:
Windows VST (32/64 bit), Windows/Mac RTAS, and Mac VST/AU format (Intel, OSX 10.5 and higher)
More Info & Download
Specifications:
- Four useful bands
- Volume knob
- Great sound
- Four buttons to switch between EQ settings
Features & When To Use:
With a sleek, minimalistic design Free Ranger is a powerful EQ.
With a mid-band (150Hz – 7kHz), fixed high (10kHz), low shelf (80Hz) SPL have kept things very simple so anyone can EQ with ease.
Free Ranger gives the feel of the world-renowned API 560 EQ but offers this all for free!
Free Ranger is a bodybuilder for your sounds while mixing and a gentle touch when mastering, this plugin makes EQing fun, quick and easy.
You may find yourself using the four different EQ settings and incorporate them into your mixdowns. Using them to create different feels and vibes can give your masters that final touch you’ve been looking for.
This is a must-have!
Compatibility:
macOS 10.9 through 10.15, Windows 7-10
More Info & Download
Specifications:
- mid-band (150Hz – 7kHz)
- fixed high (10kHz)
- low shelf (80Hz)
- Optical compressor knob
- Added preamp
Features & When To Use:
Simplicity is key with EQ work in the mix or master, and this plugin keeps that in mind through and through.
With a very easy to use GUI STEQ 2 has a powerful but simple way of delivering a small form factor EQ to your DAW.
This EQ gives off old school retro vibe, precise, clean, and adds a lot of detail to the mid-range.
STEQ 2 is excellent for tonal rebalancing due to the broadness of the three bands creating a pure blend between the frequency ranges.
Using this to add punch to claps and snares is also a good use. But be careful when adding to full bus groups.
This EQ from Analog Obsession is an excellent tool to keep at your disposal when thinking about doing some tasks during your mix, or why not change up those stock plugins for free.
Compatibility
WiN, OSX AU VST, VST3
More Info & Download
Specifications:
Great for:
Features & When To Use:
Nova is a parallel dynamic EQ; each band has a dedicated, dynamic section giving the user full flexibility.
Giving the option to drag and move bands in the visual GUI individually or group, this provides a natural form factor way to get results.
Using the multiband compression built into Nova your be able to manipulate your EQ even further, this will be displayed in the visual GUI with real-time feedback of the compression process. (subtly decrease the threshold to hear the difference)
In mix and mastering, you can use Nova to visually see where you may have audio issues to fix and makes it very easy to apply these changes with the drag and change feature.
The dynamic EQ is a handy tool to have in practice when mixing down full compositions – use it to bring down or up frequencies only when they reach a specific volume.
Nova is a heavyweight EQ with a lot under the hood all for free!
Compatibility:
Win XP SP2 or above, Mac OS X 10.7 or above.
More Info & Download
Specifications:
- Low CPU & RAM
- Fast and highly configurable
- Portable – copy & run
- Resizeable GUI
Features & When To Use:
ReaEQ may look basic, but under the hood, there is a lot to offer.
Being able to have as many bands as you wish is a massive bonus, you also have the ability to change all of these bands to one of the following (shelves, bands, LPF, HPF, notch, bandpass, allpass).
With a stripped-back GUI, it keeps you focused on the task at hand, not over complicating things but giving you the power of an audio god at your fingertips.
With a tremendous real-time visual display, this gives you the eyes and ear focus that you need when EQ in the mix.
Phasing is a big issue when mixing, ReaEQ gives you a ‘Show Phase’ button which will show you in your display what frequencies are being affected by the band.
When mastering you may wish to keep all bands in one EQ patch, with ReaEQ you can do this.
Stripped back and powerful ReaEQ is a favorite among many producers across a wide range of genres.
Compatibility:
WIN 32, WIN 64
More Info & Download
Specifications:
- Semi-parametric EQ
- +/- 40dB Range per band
- MIDI control and automation support
- Real-time display
- All sample rates supported
Features & When To Use:
The Triple EQ is a three-band semi-parametric equaliser.
With a simple and easy to read visual display of the frequencies in real-time, you will have a clear display of the EQ in front of your eyes.
Alongside the huge +/- 40 dB range, Triple EQ has a bandwidth of .01 to 5 Octaves!
An exciting feature with Triple EQ is that you can link two bands together using the ‘Link Channels’ feature. This will allow you to use them in unison; combine this with the automaton support to create quick and easy modulation. This is a great way to change an EQ while in the mix with complex automation.
Using the linking feature to create movement and progression within your mixdowns makes Triple EQ a threat.
Fully customisable shapes make this a different tool when deep in the mix or master, you will find many uses for the dynamic bands you can create—having dynamic bands that you are able to manipulate helps when visually your EQ and how it may affect the whole frequency range.
Check this one out for a small form factor powerful EQ!
Compatibility:
Windows 7 to 10, Mac OS 10.7 or newer.
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More Info & Download
Specifications:
- Low & High Band – Shelf
- Mid Band – Proportional Q Peak
- HP & LP Filter – Constant
- Low CPU usage
Features & When To Use:
We have another FREE plugin from Analog Obsession!
This time is bringing you Merica an emulation of the API 550A console equaliser.
A simple three-band EQ delivers a lot of power to your mixes and masters. Selectively choose which frequency your band boosts or cuts with the option to the right of the knobs.
All bands kept simple and easy to get to grips with.
Meica also has a nifty and very much needed output knob, there will be no issues with clipping in the digital domain when mastering with this plugin.
A larger than appearing sound Merica is an excellent EQ plugin to use when in the mixdowns and masters.
Given that the EQ it emulates is an industry-standard plugin this small form, powerful, easy to use, and was coded by one man! Merica is a must grab for all audio creatives looking to upgrade their stock EQ plugins.
Compatibility:
VST Win, VST3 Win, VST Mac, VST3 Mac, AU Mac
More Info & Download
Specifications:
- Four bands (20 Hz to 20 kHz)
- Small form factor (ability to make larger if wanted)
- High & Low cuts range is 6 and 48 dB/octave
- Included frequency analyser
Features & When To Use:
TinyQ is a small form factor EQ.
Giving the user a stripped-back interface TinyQ offers a solution to a simple job.
Having too many settings can become overwhelming; TinyQ does what it says on the tin and doesn’t make your job any harder.
Keeping things simple when mixing down whole groups is essential – finding yourself using CPU heavy EQ, or a stock plugin just might not cut it for you. TinyEQ is excellent for doing those necessary but straightforward EQ tasks!
With the recent addition of built-in frequency analyzer, it makes EQ even easier when getting stuck into your mixes or masters.
Create awesome sounding band curves.
Great emphasis on keeping things simple goes a long way with TinyQ; the team has made a great EQ that does everything it needs to in one small package. With four bands plus high pass/low pass filters, you won’t be looking any further for your day to day EQ needs.
Compatibility:
Windows 7 or later, macOS 10.7 or later (both 64 bit)
More Info & Download
- Three-band Equalizer, Low, Mid, High.
- 2 Musical Filters, High-Pass Low-Pass.
- Preamp stage with a bass booster.
- 64-bit floating-point precision.
- Up to 192kHz sample rates supported.
Features & When To Use:
SonEQ has 3 bands, low (20 Hz – 100 Hz), mid (150 Hz – 4 kHz), high (6 kHz – 15 kHz). Combined with a high pass and low pass filter, plus a ‘Mid-high Q’ this means when it’s on your band its narrow and when deactivated will cause it to be wider. This indicated by the red light.
Giving the user a lot of ways to EQ but keeping things user-friendly is what SonEQ does best.
Having the volume meter is very hand when mixing with any EQ, it gives the visual display of when things are getting a bit heated for your output.
SonEQ also gives you the full control of your input and output levels. This comes in handy when you are mixing your tracks with heavy effects, causing the overall levels to become louder than 0.0dB; this is where adjusting both the input and output parameters will solve the issue.
With this plugin being free for all to use we don’t see any reason why this shouldn’t be ready to deploy at the click of a finger, whether it’s beefing up the mix with the built-in bass boost preamp staging or adding a touch of colour to the highs this plugin has you covered.
Compatibility:
Mac OSX 10.6 or newer – Windows XP or newer
More Info & Download
Specifications:
- Three equalisation modules
- Stereo/Mono switching
- Four different tube types
- Global input/output level control
Features & When To Use:
PTEq-X is a digital emulation of three famous vintage EQ.
Equipped with three EQ modules comprised of mid-range (2kHZ – 7 kHz), low-frequency (20Hz – 150Hz), high-frequency (3kHz – 16kHz).
Using the mid-range module, you can use the low, mid parameter (top left) to effect the lower mid frequencies. Alternatively use the high mid setting (top right) to cause-effect to these frequencies.
Moving down the EQ, we have our second module, which is PEQ1A EQ (Low & High). This comes with a bunch of parameters to mould your EQ patches perfectly to your source.
Finally, this is all topped off with the HL3C module; this is a low-cut accompanied by a high-cut.
You can also use the ‘Oversampling’ feature to reduce aliasing.
Use the “Tube” switch to apply or deactivate the tube amp.
Using the input and output levels will give you the ability to control any nasty peaks brought in or out of the EQ.
PTEq-X is a combination of some of the best analogue EQ’s to exist, plus its FREE!! We recommend this one for a great addition to your EQ arsenal.
Compatibility:
Windows 7 – 10 32 and 64 bit. OS X 10.7 64 bit
More Info & Download
Specifications:
- 6 Band mid-range EQ
- Presets built-in
- Algorithms based on famous analogue gear
- Designed for mixing and mastering
Features & When To Use:
Pushtec 5+1A is a versatile mid-range program EQ that has mixing and mastering at its heart.
This plugin offers six bands, all offering a fantastic sounding boost through all parameters.
A vast selection of plugins makes it easy for users to start with something super effective and tweak to their liking.
“B/W” stands for bandwidth, this allows you to tweak the selected band and adjust to your preference.
A friendly and straightforward GUI keeps this EQ a smaller form factor but with a lot of power. Being designed for mixing and mastering be assured that this plugin delivers best when applied to a whole group or a master channel.
Giving instant sparkle to a mix or a very much needed bass boost this FREE plugin has you covered!
Compatibility:
Win 7 or higher only
More Info & Download
Specifications:
- 12 bands
- peak, shelf and cut filter
- Cut filters (12, 24 and 48 dB/oct steepness)
- Stereo/Left/Right/Mid/Side routing for each band
- A global gain for loudness adjustments
- Resizable GUI
Features & When To Use:
QRange is a very straight forward, user friendly, and effective EQ for mixing and mastering.
Giving the user an intuitive click and drag feature makes EQ work easy and more controllable.
With a choice of twelve bands, there is excellent room for doing additive plus subtractive EQ all in one plugin patch. Each band has. Selection of up to five different types (peak, low-shelf, high-shelf, low cut, and high cut).
Built into the frequency spectrum, you have the power to change it to pre or post. ‘Pre’ will let you see what the frequency range looks likes before the EQ is applied, whereas ‘Post’ will allow you to see it after the EQ has taken effect.
Offering the ability to users to save and load their own presets makes it easy to bring back some of your favourite patches while working on a mix or master.
It has to be said lkjb QRange is a must-have FREE EQ plugin.
Compatibility:
Win 7 or higher, macOS 10.7 or higher
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Specifications:
- Semiparametric EQ layout
- Three bands combined with 18dB/Oct high-pass filter
- Four EQ models: “American”, “British”, “German” and “Soviet” with optional non-linearity
- Five output stages: “Linear”, “Silky”, “Mellow”, “Deep” and “Toasted”
- Saturation algorithms by VoS (“Stateful saturation”)
Features & When To Use:
TDR’s Slick EQ provides a recognizable analogue sound.
Using three bands that bring together four different EQ models.
Both low and high bands are coupled with a cut and bell feature allowing for comfortable band changing.
Auto gain estimates the gain change caused by the current EQ settings; this makes it great to compare your EQ setting during the mix. There is also an ‘EQ Sat’ button; this will activate the saturator which is very intelligently paired to your EQ bands. This will add harmonics when boosting and remain passive when cutting.
Being able to save your favourite EQ settings for a later mix or master can be done within the plugin. Coupled with a undo/redo button you never miss that sweet spot for your bands, alternatively set up two different EQs with the A/B switch.
Slick EQ gives a very stripped back interface meaning you don’t get caught up with the visuals when doing equalising, providing a focus on what your hearing. This EQ shouldn’t be overlooked, with great coding, algorithms, settings, and excellent sounding types SlickEQ delivers more than you would expect from a FREE plugin.
Compatibility:
Win 32 bit VST2, VST3, Win 64bit VST2, VST3, AAX
Mac VST2, VST3, AU, AAX 64 bit
More Info & Download
Specifications:
- Seven band EQ
- Highpass/lowpass
- Stereo/mono options
- Left/right options
- Output level
Features & When To Use:
Manda Audio brings us 7Q.
7Q is an emulation of the beloved ‘Classic EQ’ which became discontinued, the team came together and brought the community back a redesigned version.
7Q takes off all the fancy parts and gives you the bare basics; this is what gives this a place on our list. With 7Q giving you the ability to apply your EQ to the left or right or both channels, you can independently EQ both sides of the stereo field.
Each band can be additive or subtractive. Keeping easy to use format is what this plugin does best; it doesn’t over-complicate the task at hand but assists your needs along the way wether mix or master.
Low memory and CPU usage make it easy to have multiple instances in your projects without having your computer meltdown.
7Q is a nifty EQ that is awesome for giving your sounds a little crisp boost before running into your other plugins within the chain.
Compatibility:
Win VST 32/64 bit, AAX 32/64 bit
Mac VST, AU, AAX
More Info & Download
Specifications:
- HP: 10hz – 1khz / sweepable Q
- Low Shelf: 30hz – 500hz
- Low Mid: 70hz – 2khz / sweepable Q
- High Mid: 500hz – 6k / sweepable Q
- High Shelf: 1.5k – 18k
- Phase switch
- Output level
- 64-bit internal processing
- Formats: 64bit VST, VST3, AU and AAX
- Version: 3.2
- Legacy 32bit installers
Features & When To Use:
EQ1A is a FREE analog-style EQ with a clever algorithm giving you minimal phase coloration.
This plugin has initially been paid to use the plugin, but the developers have decided to give it to us all for FREE!
EQ1A allows you to use broad bands to shape your sounds or outputs in a clean, crisp and phase-corrected way.
Being able to save you presets within the plugin makes it very easy to pull back that EQ you made on the last mix. 4-band parametric equalizer with an additional HP filter with variable resonance gives a wide range of settings to play with while keeping everything simple and user friendly.
EQ1A does what it says on the tin for FREE!
Using this within mixing or mastering may help you when wanting to add a hefty highpass or when looking to give some warmth to your mid ranges.
It has to be said with a great look, and low CPU usage EQ1A is an excellent addition to your plugins.
Compatibility:
Win, Mac
More Info & Download
Specifications:
- 16-band graphic equalizing
- +/- 12 dB gain range per band
- Channel grouping
- Preset manager
- Contextual hint messages
- Freehand drawing mode
- Stereo and multi-channel processing
- Mid/side processing
- Undo/redo history
- All sample rates support
- Linear-phase equalizing
- Internal channel routing
- 64-bit floating-point processing
Features & When To Use:
Voxengo is notorious for doing some excellent free plugins.
This addition is the Marvel GEQ, which is a fifteen band linear phase EQ.
There is a routing tab that allows you to affect the signals mid/sides independently. (orange slides)
Also giving full independence to the mid/side output level, becoming very useful when mixing and mastering.
Bypass feature makes it simple to hear what your EQ is doing to your sound source. Alternatively, decide between two EQ setups with the A/B mode.
For quick EQ drawing, you can hold ‘Ctrl or Cmd’ and click across the EQ drawing in your fader settings with the click of a mouse.
Having a stripped back form factor with enough controls to complement your mixing tasks this plugin has to be our list today.
Compatibility:
VST Win, VST3 Win, VST Mac, VST3 Mac, AU Mac
More Info & Download
Specifications:
- Three-band EQ
- High, mid, low
- Presets tab
- Output level
- Very simple to use
Features & When To Use:
BASIQ is a three-band EQ.
It keeps in mind that EQ work for mixing and mastering doesn’t have to be a headache or over complicated.
BASIQ is a design similar to the classic ‘Baxandall Equalizer’ which is knowns for its natural-sounding shelves and HiFi quality responses.
Adding a smooth, gradual shimmer or warmth instead of a surgical sharpness is what BASIQ does best. Use on groups or a master chain to subtly but significantly add character with the turn of a knob.
With some added presets you be able to get a quick change in tone with the click of a button.
The small form factor makes this BASIQ a powerful tool to be used within the mix or master.
Compatibility:
Win, Mac, VST, AU, 64 bit
With all of that said, grabbing all 17 plugins wouldn’t do you any harm, but we want to break down our top 3 picks!
In our top spot, we have Colour EQ by DDMF.
This plugin brings so many features that you would expect from pay to use plugins but all for FREE! Another fresh point is that the curves you can create with this cannot be done on other EQ plugins, giving Colour EQ a versatile approach.
Low-CPU – Usage Customisable GUI – Great warm sound – 5 Bands
Coming in second is Nova by TDR.
Parametric, dynamic EQ, and multiband compression are all built into an excellent looking FREE plugin.
Nova has a built-in dynamic EQ parameter when mixing, and mastering using a dynamic EQ is crucial sometimes. Having this all in one plugin for free is hugely commendable to the team who developed this plugin!
The Grip Vst Plugins
Parametric equalization – Dynamic equalization – Frequency selective compression – Multi-band compression – Wideband compression
And finally, our last top pick is ‘Triple’ by Blue Cat.
This awesome plugin has so many features you just wouldn’t expect a FREE plugin to have.
With a fresh interface and drag and click feature to make EQing even more natural Triple is a powerful EQ.
Semi-parametric EQ – +/- 40dB Range per band – MIDI control and automation support – Real-time display
New Free Vst Plugins
Today we have covered a lot of great FREE EQs for mixing and mastering. Amazingly, we have developers putting out all of these plugins for producers/sound engineers to level out the playing field. As we have all seen these ‘not to name’ brands releasing rather expensive EQs that we just can’t fork out for, but with the way, music has progressed today in the digital domain it has become much more accessible for creatives to share their ideas and effects for free.
Vocal Vst Plugins Free Downloads
With that said, they all have their benefits and downsides, but with them all being free, there is no reason you can’t pick them up and use these in your mixes or masters today!