Whether you’re a professional music producer or just starting out, you need to know about EQ plugins. In this blog post, we will be discussing the best free EQ plugins for 2022. EQ is an essential tool for audio frequency sculpting and can make a huge difference in your final mix. We will also provide a few tips on how to use EQ plugins effectively!

EQ Plugins

Most people are familiar with the basic idea of equalization, even if they don’t know it by that name. For example, when you turn down the bass on your car stereo, you are effectively EQ’ing the sound. In music production, EQ is used to shape and sculpt individual sounds and create space in a mix by selectively cutting certain frequencies.

While EQ is a relatively simple concept, it is an incredibly powerful tool that can be used in a myriad of ways.

In general, EQ can be used to make a sound louder or quieter, to make it brighter or darker, or to emphasize or deemphasize certain frequencies.

If you’re looking to get the most out of your audio, it’s important to understand EQ. EQ, or equalization, is an essential tool for shaping the sound of individual tracks and entire mixes. By boosting or cutting certain frequencies, you can make a track sit better in the mix, sound more natural, or even completely change its character.

The Best Free EQ Plugins for 2022: Audio Frequency Sculpting Essentials
The Best Free EQ Plugins for 2022: Audio Frequency Sculpting Essentials 9

With so many possibilities, EQ can be a bit overwhelming at first. But with a little practice, you’ll be sculpting audio like a pro in no time. So fire up your DAW and let’s get started!

By carefully shaping the EQ of each sound in a track, a producer can achieve a polished, professional-sounding mix. There are a number of different EQ plugins available, both paid and free.

In this blog post, we will be focusing on the best free EQ plugins for 2022. These plugins are all high quality and can be used to achieve professional results.

The Best Free EQ Plugins in 2022

If you’re looking for a great EQ plugin but don’t want to spend any money, there are many free options available. Some of these plugins are surprisingly powerful and versatile and can create great EQ effects similar to commercial plugins.

However, it’s important to remember that free plugins may not be as reliable or well-supported as paid plugins, so it’s worth doing some research before downloading anything. Once you’ve found a few free EQ plugins that you like, experiment with them to see what they’re capable of. You may be surprised at how much they can improve your mixes.

1. Blue Cat’s Triple EQ

Blue Cat’s Triple EQ is a powerful and versatile free equalizer plugin that offers a wide range of possibilities for tonal shaping. The three bands each have their own character and can be used to achieve a wide variety of sounds, from subtlety enhancing an existing track to completely transforming it.

The low-shelf and high-shelf filters are perfect for adding or removing warmth, while the boost/cut peak filter can be used to create anything from gentle resonance to piercing highs. With its intuitive interface and flexible controls, Blue Cat’s Triple EQ is an essential tool for any musician or producer.

You may also independently control the EQ of your tracks’ Left and Right channels, which is a fantastic feature.

Blue Cats Triple EQ
Blue Cat’s Triple EQ

The Triple EQ is a versatile and powerful piece of audio equipment that offers a lot of features for its users. One particularly interesting thing about it is the “auto gain” feature. When active, this feature adjusts the gain of your sound so that it stays level regardless of how hard you push certain frequencies.

This can be extremely helpful when trying to get a clear and consistent sound, especially in live settings. Additionally, the Triple EQ also has a built-in compressor that can help to even out your sound even further. With so many features packed into such a small package, it’s no wonder the Triple EQ is one of the most popular pieces of audio equipment on the market today.

Triple EQ is a powerful and versatile free VST plugin that offers a wide range of filter shapes. The interface is also extremely simple and beginner-friendly, making it an ideal choice for those new to filter design.

Triple EQ is especially useful for designing filters for use in electronic music production, as it offers a wide range of resonance modes and filter shapes. It is also capable of self-modulation, which can create some very interesting sound effects. Overall, Triple EQ is a great choice for anyone looking for a powerful and versatile free VST plugin.

2.Voxengo Marvel GEQ

Looking for an exceptional graphic equalizer plugin to give your music that final touch of brilliance? Look no further than Voxengo’s Marvel GEQ. Also a Free EQ is ready to use.

This powerful plugin provides stunning stereo, mid-side, and 5.1 surround sound equalization, along with superb transparency and detail. Whether you’re a professional musician or just starting out, the Marvel GEQ is sure to give your tracks the boost they need.

Marvel GEQ is a free linear-phase 16-band graphic equalizer AudioUnit, AAX, and VST plugin with multi-channel operation support (supporting up to 8 input/output channels, audio host application-dependent) for professional music production applications.

Voxengo Marvel GEQ
Voxengo Marvel GEQ

Marvel GEQ offers extensive internal channel routing capabilities and supports mid/side channel processing. Mid/side processing is a powerful technique that allows for separate processing of the middle and sides of the stereo field. This can be useful for emphasizing the center content of a mix (such as vocals) while still providing fullness and spaciousness.

Marvel GEQ is a high-quality audio equalizer that offers linear-phase filtering for superb sound quality. It is suitable for use on both audio tracks and full mixes, making it a versatile tool for audio engineers and musicians.

The linear-phase filtering offered by Marvel GEQ is particularly well-suited for equalization tasks where great sound quality is a priority. With its easy-to-use interface and comprehensive features, Marvel GEQ is an excellent choice for anyone who needs a top-notch equalizer.

3.TDR Nova

The TDR Nova is a high-end audio processor that offers parametric equalization, dynamic equalization, frequency-selective compression, multi-band compression, and wideband compression.

It’s perfect for anyone who wants to get the most out of their audio experience. With so many different ways to customize your sound, the TDR Nova is sure to please even the most discerning audiophile.

At first glance, the NOVA appears to be a typical parametric equalizer. However, each band also includes a dynamics section, giving it an unprecedented level of versatility. Whether you’re trying to add density to a master track or bring out the crispiness in a drum bus, the NOVA has an elegant solution.

TDR Nova
TDR Nova

The processor is also capable of handling sibilance problems, making it the perfect tool for any audio engineer. In short, the NOVA is a powerful and versatile equalizer that is sure to become a staple in any studio.

The user interface for the NOVA audio plugin is designed to be both user-friendly and powerful. The WYSIWYG drag and drop display paired with a classic “knob” interface gives users quick and smooth access to the various parameters driving NOVA’s processing capabilities.

With its four dynamic EQ bands and additional high-pass and low-pass filter sections, NOVA can meet the most exotic demand. Intuitive equal loudness functions help find the optimal setting without getting distracted by loudness differences. As a result, the NOVA audio plugin provides users with a user-friendly interface that is also powerful and flexible.

4.TDR Slick EQ

If you’re looking for an EQ that’s both intuitive and flexible, look no further than the TDR Slick EQ. With a modern user interface and outstanding usability, it’s perfect for any producer or engineer.

The carefully designed 64bit “delta” multi-rate structure ensures that your signals are accurately reproduced, while the three EQ bands and additional 18dB/Oct high-pass filter give you plenty of control over your sound. And with four distinct EQ models to choose from – “American”, “British”, “German” and “Soviet” – you can dial in the perfect sound for any track. This powerful plugin utilizes VoS’s advanced saturation algorithms for unparalleled sound quality.

TDR VOS SlickEQ
TDR VOS SlickEQ

But it doesn’t stop there – TDR Slick EQ also features a highly effective and musically pleasing loudness compensated auto gain control, as well as stereo and sum/difference processing options. 

TDR VOS SlickEQ is a mixing/mastering equalizer designed for ease of use, musical flexibility and impeccable sound. With its unique combination of features, SlickEQ allows you to easily sculpt the perfect EQ curve for your track.

The three-band EQ offers a wide range of options for shaping your sound, and the Variable Slope Technology allows you to fine-tune the response of each band. In addition, the innovative Saturation control gives you the ability to add analog-style warmth to your tracks.

Whether you’re looking for subtle enhancements or radical sonic transformations, TDR VOS SlickEQ is the perfect EQ for the job.

5.lKJB – Luftikus

The Luftikus is an EQ modeled after hardware that allows you to achieve mastering-quality sound. With its analog mode and “keep-gain” option, the Luftikus keeps your sound consistent, even when you’re making drastic changes to your EQ settings.

And with its output trim control, you can adjust your gain to perfection. Plus, its improved design lets you make deeper cuts for a truly professional sound.

Luftikus is a digital adaptation of an analog EQ with fixed half-octave bands and an additional high-frequency boost. As an improvement to the hardware, it allows deeper cuts and supports a keep-gain mode where overall gain changes are avoided.

lKJB – Luftikus
lKJB – Luftikus

Luftikus offers three sensibly chosen EQ types that can be switched on the fly without any zippering: proportional-Q peaking, shelving, and cut filters. Proportional-Q gives you narrower Q at higher boost/cut levels and naturally widens with lower levels, just like the original analog hardware.

As a result, you always get smooth high-end sounds even with very drastic settings.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a powerful and easy-to-use EQ plugin, the TDR Slick EQ is a great option. With its four distinct EQ models, variable slope technology, and saturation control, it offers a wealth of options for shaping your sound.

Another excellent free EQ plugin is lKJB – Luftikus. This mastering-quality EQ offers three sensibly chosen EQ types, an analog mode, and an output trim control for precise gain adjustment.

While there are many commercial options available, the following list includes only the best free EQ plugins for 2022:

EQ Plugins FAQ

What is an EQ plugin?

An EQ plugin is a software plugin that allows you to equalize (EQ) your audio tracks.

What does an EQ do?

Equalization (EQ) is the process of adjusting the balance of the different frequencies in an audio signal. By boosting or cutting certain frequencies, you can make your track sound fuller, thinner, brighter, darker, etc.

How do I use an EQ plugin?

To use an EQ plugin, simply insert it on your audio track and adjust the various parameters to taste.

Do I need an EQ plugin?

While not strictly necessary, an EQ plugin can be a valuable tool in your mixing and mastering arsenal. By shaping the frequency content of your track, you can achieve a more polished sound.

What are some good EQ plugins?

Some popular EQ plugins include the TDR Slick EQ, lKJB – Luftikus, and Waves Q-Clone.

Do I need to purchase an EQ plugin?

No – there are many excellent free EQ plugins available. Check out our list of the best free EQ plugins for 2022!

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