Best 21 Free EQ VSTs!
Introduction
For all of you beginner mixing engineers (and some old heads as well) who need some free equalizer plugins, we compiled an amazing list of equalizers that you can use to work your frequencies!
Here in this post, we will share some of the plugins we think will do you well in terms of equalization. We are not going to explain more about this process since you will be able to find more on it on our website – we are simply going to provide you with brief details on each plugin and the most essential thing – download links!
Listed below are our Top 21 Best Free Equalizer Plugins for 2022:
1. Fuse Audio Labs RS-W2395C
Fuse Audio Labs has launched W2395C, a free VST, VST3, AU, and AAX plugin that intently emulates the classic W2395c hardware EQ.
RS-W2395C is an emulation of W2395c, a basic hardware Baxandall EQ unit from the 1950s. The software program was developed in collaboration with Roger Schult who’s the creator of the unique unit. RS-W2395C is an audio plugin suitable for all main digital audio workstations on PC and Mac.
Download RS-W2395c utterly free of cost through Fuse Audio Labs. The software program shouldn’t be registered or activated. The downloaded ZIP archive incorporates the EXE installer which merely extracts the plugin files to the specified location on the hard drive.
2. TDR VOS SlickEQ
TDR VOS SlickEQ is a mixing/mastering EQ created for ease of use, flexibility, and amazing sound. The plugin appears easy on the surface nevertheless it’s stuffed with superb functionality, such as:
- An intelligent auto gain operation that mechanically compensates for adjustments of perceived loudness throughout EQ operation.
- Mid/Side/Mono/Stereo working modes.
- 4 distinct EQ styles: “American”, “British”, “German” and “Soviet” with elective non-linearity.
- 4 output saturation levels: “Linear”, “Silky”, “Mellow” and “Deep”.
- Simple to use A/B comparability function.
- Support for mouse wheel changes.
The plugin is offered entirely free in VST format for Windows and VST + AU formats for Mac. For the complete details and specifications, head over to the official TDR VOS SlickEQ download page.
3. TinyQ
TinyQ by Ikjb is a quite tiny EQ. There are many good massive EQs around however nothing versatile if merely just a few adjustments are wanted. The EQ supplies the next options:
- Four bands are 20 Hz to 20 kHz, and two are switchable between peak and shelf.
- Hi- and lo-cut with orders between 6 and 48 dB/octave.
- Toggle (Tiny/Large/Huge) to make it a bit much less tiny. The large mode is new in model 1.5.
- As some could find the consumer interface is inspired by a DAW’s channel EQ.
- Set a default measurement for brand new instances (new in model 1.5).
- Set default settings for brand new instances.
- Included frequency analyzer.
Because the analyzer is extra CPU-consuming than the EQ it’s disabled by default. To allow it to use the menu proven by right-clicking on the frequency plot.
4. Moss Equalizer
Moss Equalizer works with FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) algorithms and is able to steep frequency changes – from -150dB and up to +60dB within the frequency area of 10Hz to 20kHz.
With such a variety of changes, the Range management in Moss Equalizer is especially useful. It enables you to specify the minimal and maximum amplitude manually, in dB. Moreover, the FFT algorithm might be adjusted manually as effectively with the offered FFT Size management.
Moss Equalizer is offered in VST2 and VST3 format for 32 and 64-bit digital audio workstations on Windows. The plugin is totally free, though the developer does accept donations.
5. Rare EQ
Rare by Analog Obsession has great-working low and high-frequency bands. Most notably, this EQ emulates tube equalization, which provides this plugin with its signature warm and retro sound.
The interface is fairly easy and requires the person to depend on their ears as there is no such thing as a frequency visualizer embedded within the plugin. Every band has preset knob toggles, so you possibly can quickly get to your required sound without quite a lot of trouble.
The final output is totally clear, so you possibly can make sure that even with your classic sound, you won’t get classic processing capabilities. It’s hard to discover a tube emulator EQ normally, however, Rare holds up even without a price ticket.
6. Triple EQ
This free EQ features a low-shelf filter, a high-shelf filter, and a boost/cut peak filter. Its big selection of gain (+/-40 dB per band) and bandwidth makes it very versatile to create any filter form.
The three filters are linked collectively so that if you change the middle frequency or the bandwidth, the parameters of the three filters are modified accordingly: you may manage the whole equalizer traits with a single mouse click.
The graph reveals the frequency response of the plugin as a way to precisely know how your signal is processed. The controls are straight accessible on top of the filter graph, making the design of the filter form even simpler.
The plugin additionally gives a twin channels version, with unbiased left/right or mid/side equalization capabilities. Each channel may be linked together in some ways, letting you remodel this plugin right into a frequency-dependent panner and rather more.
7. Overtone GEQ
Overtone GEQ by Voxengo supports as many as 8 input/output channels, providing intensive inner channel routing capabilities, and support for mid/side channel processing.
Besides equalizing, Overtone GEQ applies harmonic enhancement processing: it makes use of 7 harmonic enhancement modules, one for each EQ band. This generates a posh harmonic coloration you’ll in all probability like a lot.
Overtone GEQ was designed to allow audio engineers to use fast EQ shape changes along with adding a little bit of harmonic richness to the audio materials (primarily mixes and sub-mixes due to a comparably excessive processing load this EQ places on a CPU).
Modifications in Overtone GEQ v1.1.2:
- Added ProTools 12+ AAX-64 support.
- Applied color scheme editor with load and save features.
- Redesigned the infrastructure parameters.
- Added more visible scales.
- Made the consumer interface scale switchable without host reload.
- Decreased plugin file dimension significantly for quicker loading.
- Added Retina support on macOS, and automated high-resolution UI dimension adjustment on Windows.
- 40% decrease in CPU usage on AVX2-capable processors (in 64-bit mode).
8. Warmy EP1A Tube EQ
Warmy EP1A Tube EQ is an analog-modeled plugin primarily based on a modern tackle of the traditional Pultec EQs. The Warmy EP1A Tube EQ V2 has been fully transformed including all new DSP and new toolbar menu and a lot of extra tube goodness!
Warmy EP1A gives many EQ choices, from the basic Pultec trick to an adjustable emulation of the pushed tube tones through the mix knob and added frequencies.
Options:
- Low and High Cut and Boost
- Two High-Frequency Selectors
- Tube Emulation Mix Knob
- Resizable Window
- Oversampling
9. Ignite Amps PTEq-X
The best thing about Ignite Amps PTEq-X is that it combines three passive equalizers into one, delivering that basic Pultec model sound with extra modules for further management and added usability.
You get one mid-range EQ, a basic Pultec EQ, and a pair of filters for controlling the extreme high and low end of the processed signal. To make things even better, the Pultec equalizer (the one in the middle of the interface) comes with an emulated tube circuit with 4 selectable tube sorts.
With so much audio processing occurring beneath the hood, the CPU usage might simply have gone through the roof, however, the Ignite Amps crew has in some way managed to maintain it under 3% even when 2X oversampling is turned on. This can be an essential function to have in an equalizer since it is among the most used effects in a mix.
10. TDR Nova EQ
NOVA is a parallel dynamic equalizer VST that comes completely free! Every band is organized in the same manner as a parametric equalizer. Nevertheless, every band additionally has a full-featured dynamics section that permits the processor to cover all kinds of purposes.
NOVA has the right answer for any drawback, whether or not it is a master missing density or a drum bus requesting extra crispiness. The WYSIWYG drag-and-drop interface, paired with a basic knob interface, permits for fast and quick access to all parameters that drive NOVA’s highly effective processing abilities.
NOVA can fulfill even the most excessive demands with its 4 dynamic EQ bands, further high-pass or low-pass filter sections, and extra high-pass/low-pass filters. The intuitive equal loudness features allow you to discover the perfect setting without being distracted by loudness variations. A preset manager, undo/redo and A/B are all out there. You too can copy and paste, detailed documentation, and extra.
11. MEqualizer
MEqualizer is an especially easy-to-use and highly effective 6-band equalizer. With 7 filter types for every band, built-in tube saturation, and harmonics management, the developers created an adaptable plugin with a classic analog sound. It additionally gives a sophisticated visualization together with a spectrum analyzer and sonogram.
Options:
- 7 filter types for every band.
- Clean visualization of ensuing frequency response. All parameters are adjustable from the spectrum itself.
- Enable, Q, and Precise source stage indication inside the shape graph.
- Global preset administration – utilizing a title button you can save your settings, that are shared on the computer, so you may simply access them in different songs.
12. Mellowmuse EQ1A
EQ1A is a brilliant clean, analog-type equalizer, with minimal phase coloration. It includes a high pass filter with variable Q, frequency sweepable high and low shelf filters, and sweepable high and low peak filters with variable Q. A bypass switch is offered for every filter section for elevated flexibility.
The interface takes it is inspiration from traditional outboard EQs, with all controls in simple reach. The CPU-efficient design permits excessive instance counts, making it a flexible EQ for all duties.
Options:
- 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 change
- Output stage
13. SplineEQ
SplineEQ is a VST/AU linear-phase EQ for PC and Mac that gives up to 60 bands of extremely adjustable filters.
The filter frequency response curve is constructed using a number of those filters, every centered on a management level. Shifting these points up or down affects the gain (+60dB to -inf. dB vary) whereas altering the angle of their straight-line tangent handles adjusts the form.
Extra intuitive than your typical logarithmic curve frequency display, the frequency analyzer shows you the depth of frequencies before and after the filtering with colors. It is also fine-tuned in order that intensities at totally different frequencies are represented in an approach that matches carefully our perception.
It is a seriously highly effective EQ – and really fast to use, because dragging the management points and tangent handles around is instantly intuitive.
14. ParisEQ
The Paris VST EQ is a 4-band stereo parametric VST equalizer plugin using the identical algorithm as the E-mu/Ensoniq Paris system. It presents the identical musicality and quirkiness as the original together with soft-limiting, grungy distortion capability, and resonant conduct under certain circumstances.
Beforehand only accessible to those that owned the Paris customized DSP hardware, this distinctive EQ is now out there to all PC DAW users. Paris users can even admire finally the ability to have the same high-quality EQ out there on each native and card sub-mixes.
Options:
- 4-band parametric EQ.
- Switchable EQ kind per band – High pass, high shelf, peaking, low shelf, or low pass.
- Adjustable cut/boost for shelving and peaking sorts, and adjustable bandwidth (in octaves) for peaking sort.
- Adjustable trim at the output, permitting stage adjustment and saturation effects.
- Phase-shift and all EQ in/out switches.
15. Marvel GEQ
Marvel GEQ is a linear-phase 16-band graphic equalizer AAX, AU, and VST plugin with multi-channel operation support (supporting up to eight input/output channels, audio host application-dependent) for skilled music production functions. Marvel GEQ gives intensive inside channel routing capabilities and has mid/side channel processing.
Marvel GEQ allows audio engineers and musicians to use fast EQ form changes, both to audio tracks and full mixes. The linear-phase filtering provided by Marvel GEQ is appropriate for equalization duties where top quality and wonderful sonic character are a must.
Options:
- Monitor graphic equalizer
- Mastering graphic equalizer
- Stereo, mid-side, 5.1 surround equalizer
- Clear graphic equalizer
- 16-band graphic EQing
- Drawing mode
- Linear-phase EQing
- +/- 12 dB gain range on each band
16. Merica
The Merica EQ plugin has really easy-to-use interface. This EQ relies on around the API 500A console equalizer and has high and low shelving bands and mid-range proportional Q peak.
The latest update changed the looks of the plugin but in addition added some neat options equivalent to an improved circuit, input gain, link function for input and output, and (even higher) it’s now much less intensive on your CPU.
This free EQ has had some superb reviews since its launch and we’ll positively be including it in our library.
Version 2.0 Options:
- Improved circuit
- Added Input gain
- Gain knobs transformed into stepped
- Added link function for input and output
- Redesigned GUI (Freq. knobs shifting horizontally)
- Lowered CPU usage
17. AMP LEQS
Produce-RNB releases AMP LEQS, a free VST soft clipper effect with built-in limiting, EQ, and saturation. The software program is obtainable in VST and AU plugin formats for Windows and macOS.
Distortion is usually seen as harsh and aggressive. Saturation, alternatively, is considered warm, light, and colorful. AMP LEQS is more of a multi-effect than a simple clipper. It’s an EQ, a limiter with soft clipping capabilities, a saturator, and a stereo widener – multi-functional!
The AMP plugin presents us with a “sensible and simple to use” ‘Parametric Equalizer’ and with the nice characteristic of a limitless variety of bands that we are able to create. You could choose between Low and High Pass, Shelf, and Peak filters for every band.
18. SonEQ
SonEQ is a digital equalizer that mixes parts from varied classic equalizers and combines them into one. SonEQ has three bands, bass, middle, and treble, and a preamp part for added color.
SonEQ offers musical tonal management with a variety of unique curves available. SonEQ is meant for light sculpting of sound, not exact surgical correction as one obtains using a parametric EQ.
The Woow control is an all-pass filter that generates a phase distortion to create a psycho-acoustic effect. That is only appropriate for use in a final mix, and shouldn’t be used on individual tracks. Utilizing this control incorrectly could trigger phase cancellation of some sounds.
Options:
- 3 band EQ, Low, Mid, High.
- 2 Filters High-Pass Low-Pass.
- Preamp with a bass booster.
- 64-bit floating level precision.
- Up to 192kHz sample rates
19. Colour EQ
ColourEQ is described as the primary “super-parametric” equalizer. It makes use of a higher-order filtering scheme which ends up in a qualitatively and quantitatively new frequency response.
It comes with 5 bands of ”super parametric” peaking filters, which suggests that there’s yet one more parameter along with the standard gain/width/frequency set that may affect the curve form. These shapes can’t be reproduced by ordinary IIR equalizers.
Additional features include:
- Inner 64-bit processing.
- A free alternative color palette within the GUI.
- Resizable window.
- Curve display with auto-scaling.
- Coded in proprietary C++, low CPU utilization.
20. Luftikus
Luftikus is a digital adaptation of an analog EQ with steady half-octave bands and a further high-frequency boost. As an enhancement to the hardware, it permits deeper cuts and supports a keep-gain mode where total gain modifications are averted.
Options:
- Hardware-modeled EQ.
- 2.5 kHz shelf.
- Boost-only shelf at 2.5, 5, 10, 20, or 40 kHz.
- Mastering and analog modes.
- “Keep-Gain” choice to avoid drastic total gain modifications when EQing.
- Output trim to regulate gain.
- Improved design to permit deeper cuts.
21. 4U+ DynamicTiltEQ
HOFA 4U+ DynamicTiltEQ is a strong, free Tilt EQ with an easy, intuitive design. Whether or not it’s a snare needing slightly more crispiness, a kick drum needing a bit extra “pop”, or a sibilance problem on an otherwise good vocal take, this free EQ plugin has a solution.
The one drawback is it doesn’t have the extent of accuracy of other free EQ plugins resembling Voxengo Marvel GEQ or TDR Nova.
Options:
- Gain/cut up to 24dB
- Variable tilt width for clear changes in addition to musical sound shaping
- Bass and treble tilt
- Low and high-cut filter
- Individual routing for stereo, mid, side left, and right processing
Conclusion
An enormous list, right? Well, we tried to compile what we think are the best free EQ plugins that can serve any purpose for every engineer.
In case you are having any questions about any of these plugins, feel free to reach out in the comment section below, or contact any of the respected developers. Bests!
