EQs or equalizers are among the most useful–and most commonly-used–sound processing tools in the audio world.
They’re capable of brightening dull sound sources and tempering harsh and overly bright ones, it has near-limitless uses in studio and live settings. While EQ plugins like Fabfilter and Waves offer the industry standard and ease of use, there are a few great free alternatives you can try out.
So in this article we’ll take a look at the best free EQ plugin software that money can’t buy!
Find more great gear here:
Download DJ EQ - Audacity audio plugin that comes bundled with sliders for helping you control the output gain by altering the gain of the low peak/dip band (100Hz), gain of the mid peak/dip band. BasiQ is a free 3-band EQ plugin, modelled after the classic Baxandall Equalizer. It offers simple tone control with low, mid, and high knobs, resulting in a smooth and natural-sounding EQ response. The interface is perfect for beginners, with a compact and easy-to-use design: perfect for shaping and sculpting the equalisation of your sounds. FILTEQ is a 3 band analog equalizer inspired by the Filtek MK3 unit. 3 band equalizer with bypass-switch. Each band has 12 selectable frequencies with +/-16dB of stepped gain and a 2-way selectable Q-switch. High frequency band: 1,8k / 2,2 / 2,7/ 3,4/ 4/ 5/ 6,5 / 8 / 10 / 12/ 15 / 18 Khz.
Blue Cat's Triple EQ is a 3 bands semi-parametric equalizer that can be controlled as a single filter with customizable shape. It includes a low shelf filter, a high shelf filter and a boost/cut peak filter. Its wide range of gain (+/-40 dB per band) and bandwidth (.01 to 5 Octave) makes it very versatile to create any filter shape. Free VST downloads: Q-meleon (Customisable equaliser by Madbee Audio) - SSQ (SSL console EQ by Analog Obsession ) - BXQ (Stereo / MS baxandall EQ by Analog Obsession ) - MEQ (Modern classic EQ by 1208 Audio Plugins) - Dynasaur (Dynamic equalizer by Analog Obsession ) - Harqules (Vintage EQ by Analog Obsession ) - Equalizer Studio (EQ bundle.
In contrast, Blue Cat Audio’s Triple EQ is an unabashed EQ plug-in through and through. A 3-band, semi-parametric design, it can also be used as a single highly customizable filter by linking all three filters. These filters–low shelf, high shelf, and boost/cut peak–work remarkably well together. FREE VST PLUGINS VST Effects. EQ FREQUENCY VST Effects. Size 3 MB / 5 MB 7Q is a 7 band graphic equalizer with musically predefined bands and Q values.
Introduction: About EQ Plugins
EQs work by cutting or boosting specific frequencies of a sound. Graphic EQs alter the sound in pre-set frequency bands, while parametric EQs provide more control over which bands–or range of bands–can be affected.
Many plug-in EQs provide much greater degree of control than most hardware EQ units. Capable of ultra-precise cuts and boosts, plug-ins EQs make it possible to perform broadband sweetening or surgically-precise edits.
Of course, some purists would insist that nothing comes close to the warmth and presence of a high-end analog EQ. But there is no denying that today’s modern breed of EQ plug-ins are capable of sounds that can be every bit as rich and satisfying.
Free EQ Plugins
The List
EQ Plugin Roundup
Cockos’ ReaEQ is an Infinite Impulse Response (IIR) equalizer plug-in that is capable of unlimited bands.
Windows 7 professional 32 bit realtek ethernet controller driver. It has many different filters options, including shelf, band, LPF, HPF, notch, band-pass, and all-pass. Like many graph-based plug-ins, it supports the use of the mousewheel for adjusting the bandwidths of individual frequency points.
In actual usage, ReaEQ is a precise and transparent EQ that is versatile enough to stand up against even the priciest paid offerings.
Like the much-lauded Pro Q by FabFilter, it lets you add as many bands as you need, allowing for precise EQing.
Even if you already have a couple of go-to plug-ins in your toolkit, ReaEQ is well worth looking into as a solid all-rounder.
Tokyo Dawn’s TDR Nova is billed as a “parallel dynamic equalizer”, although it looks pretty much like your typical parametric equalizer. Even so, there is considerable power beneath the familiar interface, with each of the four bands equipped with a comprehensive dynamics section.
This enables the TDR Nova to go well beyond the capabilities offered by most mere EQ plug-ins, almost into the realm of the full-blown mastering tool.
Even with its expanded range of capabilities, TDR Nova remains very easy to use. The drag-and-drop WYSIWYG interface invites creative tweaking, and there are even equal loudness features that help you make EQ decisions without being influenced by volume differences.
Overall, TDR Nova is a useful and versatile plug-in that is more than just an EQ.
In contrast, Blue Cat Audio’s Triple EQ is an unabashed EQ plug-in through and through.
A 3-band, semi-parametric design, it can also be used as a single highly customizable filter by linking all three filters.
These filters–low shelf, high shelf, and boost/cut peak–work remarkably well together. Each is capable of wide gain and bandwidth ranges, providing all the tone-shaping you need for a multitude of tasks.
Triple EQ has a helpful graph that provides visual feedback on the frequency response. There is also a dual-channel version that allows for independent left/right or mid/side processing.
Somius’ SonEQ brings together the best qualities of the classic hardware EQ units in a convenient plug-in. A three-band EQ that provides control over the bass, middle, and treble frequency ranges, it also has high-pass and low-pass filters.
There is even a preamp section with bass boost for added warmth and tonal control.
Those familiar with the legendary Pulteq EQs will appreciate the SonEQ’s ability to boost and cut the low end at the same frequency.
The preamp’s drive control is capable of a surprising range of sounds, from a slight edge to smooth saturation. With a warm and present tonal character that sounds great no matter where you set it, the SonEQ will be just as useful on your master buss as it will be on individual tracks.
Tokyo Dawn’s Vos SlickEQ is another three-band EQ that cranks out great sound by the bucket load.
Four modes are provided, each with a distinct curve and frequency response. The plug-in also has an auto gain feature that compensates for changes in perceived levels, so you can tweak settings accurately without being swayed by volume changes.
What makes the Vos SlickEQ different from other EQ plug-ins is the output stage with four saturation models.
The separate output drive control works in conjunction with these four models, producing different flavors of warmth and drive.
This results in a varied array of sounds that is reminiscent of the character of vintage hardware EQs.
Voxengo’s Overtone GEQ is a seven-band graphic EQ plug-in that imbues your audio with pleasing harmonic content. It supports eight input and eight output channels for maximum tone-shaping versatility, and it handles mid-side processing with ease and elegance.
Each of the seven EQ bands has its own harmonic enhancement module, which adds rich overtones to the sound. The combined effect result is subtle but striking, and it is especially impressive on sub-mixes and the master buss.
Plugin Alliance’s SPL Free Ranger is a cut-down version of the Full Ranger EQ, with only four bands instead of eight. The good news is that it affects the most useful frequency bands, so you have a pretty good range of control over your sound.
Like its big brother, the SPL Free Ranger is a remarkably musical-sound plug-in, with a crisp, clean sound that won’t change the basic character of your tracks.
Although most of the other EQs in this roundup have more tonal-shaping capabilities, the SPL Free Ranger is a good choice for more basic EQing duties.
Top pick
With so many fine free plug-ins, it was quite a challenge to come up with one that could be called “the best free EQ plugin”.
The TDR Nova and the SonEQ are capable of so much more than your average EQ plug-in, and the Overtone GEQ deserves credit for its harmonically-rich sound.
But if there is one EQ that stands above all the others, it would have to be Cockos’ ReaEQ. With its unlimited band capability and the myriad array of filters, it gets our vote for the best EQ plug-in this time around.
Last Updated on December 15, 2020 by
Every DAW comes with at least one EQ/Equalization plugin…
However, just having one might not cut it, especially sinceevery EQ plugin offers different features.
In this list I’m going to list the best 10 Free Equalizationplugins which should make a great addition to your arsenal.
Let’s get straight into it…
1. TDR Nova EQ by Tokyo Dawn Records (Windows, Mac)
Nova is a parallel dynamic EQ even though it looks a lotlike your traditional parametric EQ.
Its four bands also include a full-featured dynamic sectioneach, which means that the EQ can cover a huge variety of applications…
This means that the Nova EQ’s capabilities extend far beyondwhat almost any other EQ can offer.
Having said that, one would imagine that the Nova EQ wouldbe very complex and hard to use, but in reality, its interface and layout arevery intuitive.
The interface provides an easy WYSIWYG drag and drop displaypaired with a classic “knob” interface which allows for quick and smooth accessto the various parameters that Nova EQ offers.
Not only this, but also comes with additional high-pass andlow-pass filter sections.
All in all, Nova EQ is very easy to recommend since it couldeasily be a premium plugin… but it’s actually free!
You can download it here.
Related: Here’s a list of the best Free Compression Plugins available.
2. ReaEQ by Cockos (Windows Only)
ReaEQ is part of the ReaPlugs VST FX Suite by Cockos.
Cockos is the company that created Reaper, one of the bestDAWs out there… and a pretty affordable one too.
This bundle not only includes the EQ but also a Compressor,Delay, Noise Reduction plugin, Gate and more…
All of these plugins are excellent, not just the EQ… so makesure to download this plugin suite since it’s awesome.
The ReaEQ plugin is an infinite Impulse response EQ that iscapable of unlimited bands.
The filter options are vast… from shelf, low-pass andHigh-pass filter, to band-pass and all-pass.
What I like so much about this plugin is that, just likewith NOVA EQ, it feels as if it should be a premium one… but it’s free.
You can download it here.
Related: Here’s a list of the best Free Orchestral VST Plugins available.
3. MEqualizer by Melda Production (Windows, Mac)
Melda Productions is a well-known company that createshigh-quality plugins, some of which are free.
MEqualizer is a great 6-band EQ that’s very easy to use andfeatures 7 filter types for each band, integrated tube saturation, andharmonics control.
This plugin also includes a spectrum analyzer for advancedvisualization.
Sadly, you can’t just download it on its own since it’s partof the MFreeFXBundle… Focus one vst free.
The good news is that you will have access to over 20 freehigh-quality plugins which are included in this bundle like;
MCompressor, MFlanger, MAutoPitch, MAutoPan, and manymore…
You can download it here.
If you’re looking for the best free VST plugins in the world, I have a list of 225 of them.
4. SonEQ by Sonimus (Windows, Mac)
SonEQ is free equalizer plugin that takes parts from somevintage gear and combines them in one free plugin.
SonEQ has 3 bands, bass, middle and treble and provides somegood control over them.
Also, SonEQ has a pre-amp section whith a bass boost whichcan be used to add warmth.
High-pass and Low-pass filters can also be found on this EQ.
SonEQ basically combines all the best qualities of theclassic hardware EQs and combines them all into one plugin.
Even though it’s super easy to use, and when compared toother EQs on this list it might seem a little on the simpler side, it’ssurprisingly capable of generating some fantastic sounds.
If you want to add some smooth saturation and warmth to yourmixes, SonEQ should definitely be considered.
You can download it here.
Looking for free guitar VST plugins? Here are the 15 best ones.
5. Marvel GEQ by Voxengo (Windows, Mac)
Marvel GEQ is a linear-phase 16-band graphic EQ whichsupports up to 8 input/output channels for professional streaming and sound andmusic production applications.
The beauty of the Marvel GEQ plugin is that it allows forsome extremely quick EQ adjustments, both to single audio tracks as well asentire mixes.
It’s very intuitive to use since you only have the 16-bandsand that’s it…
Lastly, if you don’t like the color of the plugin, you canchange it to other variants which are included.
You can download it here.
Interested in free Synth vst plugins? Here’s an entire post on that topic.
6. Triple EQ by Blue Cat (Windows, Mac)
The free Triple EQ is a 3-band semi parametric EQ and is a veryversatile plugin since it features a wide range of gain (+/-40dB per band) andbandwidth (.01 to 5octave).
This allows you to create any filter shape.
The three filters are linked together so that when youchange the center frequency or the bandwidth, the parameters of the threefilters are modified accordingly: you can control the entire equalizercharacteristics with a single mouse click.
The graph shows the frequency response of the plug-in, sothat you can exactly know how your signal is processed.
Triple EQ also offers a dual channels version, withindependent left/right or mid/side equalization capabilities, and thesechannels can even be linked together allowing you to transform this plugin intoa frequency-dependent panner.
Lastly, you can control the whole plugin through MIDI orautomation.
You can download it here.
Interested in free reverb VST plugins? Here’s a post about the 15 best ones.
7. Nova-67P EQ by vladg/sound (Windows, Mac)
Nova-67P is a parallel parametric equalizer plugincombined with a compressor which can optionally operate in frequency dependentand split-band modes.
In this case the plugin operates as a parallel dynamicequalizer.
The interface isn’t as visually appealing as some otherplugins on this list…
But it’s definitely a very powerful plugin.
You can download it here.
Looking for free Delay VSTs? Here’s a post I wrote about the best ones.
8. SlickEQ by Tokyo Dawn Labs and Variety of Sound (Windows, Mac)
SlickEQ is a collaborative project by Variety of Sound and Tokyo Dawn Labs.
It’s a plugin designed mainly for mixing and mastering thatfocuses on ease of use and musical flexibility.
Three (and a half) filter-bands arranged in a classicLow/Mid/High semi-parametric layout offer fast and intuitive access to fourdistinct EQ modes, each representing a set of distinct EQ curves and behaviors.
Included is an automatic gain compensation tool which willadjust the perceived loudness during EQ operations.
One cool feature is the SlickEQ allows you to exclusivelyprocess either the stereo sum or stereo difference (i.e. “stereo width”)without additional sum/difference encoding.
It offers an output stage with 4 different saturation models which are meant to add warmth and subtle textures.
Now, you can also get the SlickEQ Gentlemen’s Edition, which is the premium version of this plugin, that comes with some extra EQ and saturation models, plus some extra features like a Low-Pass filter and a tilt EQ.
You can download it here.
9. Pushtec 5+1A EQ by Leftover Lasagne (Windows Only)
Even though I don’t like the interface of the Pushtec 5+1A,I have to admit that it works quite well!
It’s a free 6-band mid-range EQ plugin which comes with adecent number of presets.
I found it a bit confusing at first, but I think that thisis only because I’m not used to the layout.
Note: It also comes with a Winamp plugin version.
You can download it here.
10. ParisEQ by Matt Craig (Windows Only)
The Paris VST EQ is a very simple and straight forward 4-band stereo parametric VST equalizer plugin that features the same algorithm as the E-mu/Ensoniq Paris system.
It offers the same musicality and quirkiness as the original including soft-limiting, grungy distortion ability, and resonant behavior under certain conditions.
Previously only accessible to those who owned the Paris custom DSP hardware, this unique EQ is now available to all PC DAW users.
You can download it here.
11. Mellowmuse EQ1A (Windows, Mac)
EQ1A is a super simple yet smooth analog style equalizer, with minimal sound coloration.
It features a high pass filter with variable Q, frequency sweepable low and high shelf filters, and sweepable low and high peak filters with variable Q.
A bypass switch is available for each filter section for increased flexibility.
If you are a beginner who wants to learn the basics of EQ, then the EQ1A might be a good plugin to get you started.
You can download it here.
12. lkjb TinyQ (Windows, Mac)
Yes, the name is a mouthful, but if you’re looking for simplicity, then TinyQ is for you.
It features 4 EQ bands from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, two of them switchable between peak and shelf, as well as hi- and lo-cut with orders between 6 and 48 dB/octave.
It even comes with an analyzer, but this one is disabled by default, since the whole idea behind this plugin is to reduce CPU usage.
All in all, a pretty lightweight yet powerful Tiny EQ.
You can download it here.
How to learn EQ?
There is absolutely nothing wrong with just going by ear, in fact that’s how lots of people learned.
Joey Eppard
However, if you want to fast-track your progress and learn EQ as efficiently as possible, here’s a link to an online course which is pretty damn awesome… It’s also affordable too.
- EQ Fundamentals.
Make sure to check it out!
Conclusion
All of the free EQ plugins on this list are great.
I absolutely love ReaEQ and all of the plugins that comeincluded in that effects bundle…
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But no matter which one you choose you should be gettinggreat results.
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I hope this information was useful!
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Have a wonderful day!
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