Top 10 Free EQ Plugins 2021. Kiive Audio Warmy EP1A Tube EQ Review. More Info & Download. Aptly named, this plugin sounds warm, smooth and adds sparkling high frequencies on instruments and vocals. The Warmy EP1A EQ is an emulation of the notorious Pultec EQP-1a vintage equalizer. Starting at $3/m. Expert Equalizer + Spatial Audio. Access to all features. 1 Device License per every $1 spent. Dedicated Support. More Perks planned in future.
- 10.Mellomuse – EQ1A. EQ1A is a free EQ plugin with a minimal interface that has an analog-style equalizer. This is a very versatile EQ that supports both macOS and Windows. Featuring simple controls that has sweep-able low and high peak filters. HP: 10hz – 1khz. Low Shelf: 30hz – 500hz.
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Mixing with EQ is necessary for giving each mix element room to breathe and properly blend. Without proper equalization, instruments may bleed into one another, overpower each other, and ultimately coalesce into a muddy mix. By boosting or cutting specific frequencies from each track (or the mix as a whole), you’ll get the most out of each part of your mix, and ensure that everything that’s meant to be heard is heard. Before Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), EQing was done on analog mixing units, where audio was fed back to itself at certain frequencies in order to boost or cut said frequencies. While some studios still implement analog EQ, most utilize digital equalizers, which replicate the same process. While every DAW now comes equipped with at least one native EQ plugin, there are thousands of external EQ plugins on the market. To save you some time, we compiled 11 of the best EQ plugins for Windows and/or Mac, some free and some paid. Have a look:
Best Free EQ Plugins for Windows Only
We’ll start with three of the best EQ plugins exclusively for Windows, all free. Side note: you’ll find that most new plugins are built for both Windows and Mac. However, because developers have an easier time coding for Windows, there are more plugins just for Windows than there are just for Mac.
Modern Console EQ by Antress
Antress has developed a host of free plugins in its Modern series, including an exciter, compressor, and expander. As its name suggests, the Modern Console EQ replicates analog EQ consoles. It features an EQ In/Out and Phase switch, highpass and lowpass filters, and four frequency bands for parametric EQ. The plugin also offers gain knobs for each of its bands. For those used to working with analog consoles, its controls are straightforward. This is a simple but useful free EQ plugin.
ReaEQ by Cockos
It might not look flashy, but the ReaEQ plugin gives you full intuitive control of the frequency spectrum. This free parametric EQ plugin is fully featured, offering unlimited bands a large number of filter types, including notch, bandpass, and allpass filters. The plugin’s display shows a spectral graph, which you can easily manipulate with your mouse. Bandwidth, gain, and frequency for each band can be adjusted with dedicated sliders. There is also a master gain slider on the right-hand side.
Eq31 by Piotr Pyrzanowski
The “31” in the Eq31 plugin refers to the number of bands in this free digital graphic equalizer. From 20 Hz to 19k Hz, you can boost or subtract each band and adjust the Q factor, as well as the input and output gain. There isn’t much else to the plugin. Its simplicity and low CPU usage mean you shouldn’t run into any latency using it. This is a nice free tool to have in any DAW.
Best EQ Plugins for Both Windows and Mac
The vast majority of EQ plugins, free or paid, work on both Mac and Windows. Each plugin listed below works well for different scenarios. You might find that a graphic EQ serves an aspect of your mix better than a visual parametric EQ plugin, or vice versa. As such, these aren’t listed in any kind of order. They’re simply some of the best EQ plugins you can download or buy.
Free
We’ll start with the freebies. All four of these free EQ plugins are wildly different in presentation and functionality. Each one is best used in certain situations, be it tone shaping, mastering, or precision mixing. But they’re all worth looking into. Plus, they’re free!
TrackS Classic Equalizer
After examining its applications, depth of features, and sleek design, it’s hard to believe that TrackS Classic EQ is a free plugin. It was developed with mastering in mind, but this 6-band EQ plugin works well for general purpose EQing as well. Each band is designed with precision in mind, making it a powerful subtractive EQ tool, allowing you to cut out noisy, sharp frequencies. The plugin’s presentation is a bit dense, which might overwhelm new users. Still, once you get over the learning curve and tinker with it enough, you’ll find the TrackS EQ useful in many situations.
TDR VOS SlickEQ
You might remember this EQ plugin from our list of the 25 best free Mac plugins. Like the TrackS Classic EQ, the TDR VOS SlickEQ is great for both mixing and mastering purposes. The SlickEQ, however, takes a more simplistic approach in its presentation, making it the perfect EQ plugin for newcomers. There are just 3 bands to work with: low, mid, and high, each one with a frequency and gain knob. The low and high settings also feature two shaping/filter buttons. This semi-parametric plugin includes an auto-makeup gain feature which recognizes major changes in volume and compensates for them. The SlickEQ also features 4 output saturation modes. These replicate the tones of different types of analog EQ consoles. Overall, the TDR VOS SlickEQ offers more than meets the eye, and it’s become the trusty free EQ of choice for many. Those who enjoy the plugin can upgrade to the paid big brother version, the “Gentleman’s Edition,” which features a spectral analyzer, tilt filter, and more.
Voxengo Overtone GEQ
The Overtone GEQ is hands downs one of the best free graphic equalizers out there. It also doubles as an aural exciter, as it can enhance harmonic overtones for each of its 7 frequency bands. If you want to adjust the coloration of your mix, this is your tool. In terms of presentation, the plugin couldn’t be easier to use. Each band, from 64 Hz to 12k Hz, has a large gain slider from -12 dB to +12 dB. You can use the Overtone GEQ for mid-side processing to better shape the stereo image of your mix. For such a simple looking free plugin, the Overtone GEQ ins incredibly versatile and useful in both mixing and mastering scenarios.
4U+ DynamicTiltEQ by Hofa
The 4U+ DynamicTiltEQ also made our list of the 25 best Mac free plugins (it’s compatible with Windows as well). This unique plugin is a conglomerate of a filter, equalizer, and dynamic compressor. You’re presented with a straight line overlayed on a spectral analyzer. You can then move this line up or down (gain control) or tilt it to use as a high- or low-pass filter. You can then turn the line into a curve and adjust bandwidth for more precise parametric EQing. But the features don’t stop there. It’s named “Dynamic” for a reason. You can dynamically boost or filter out the lower and higher frequencies with this free plugin. Overall, this one is fun to play with and can add a lot of musicality to a mix if used properly.
Paid
Now let’s get into the stuff that isn’t free. The four plugins listed below are designed for professional use. If you lack experience with in-depth EQ tools, you’re best off downloading the aforementioned free plugins and figuring those out first. Once you gain some confidence, you can check out these ones. Some of the plugins below also offer free trials or demo versions. It’s always a good idea to start with those before opening your wallet.
EQuilibrium by DMG Audio ($274)
This is the EQ you want for serious professional use. The EQuilibrium by DMG Audio offers all the control, functionality, versatility, customization, and compatibility you could possibly want, and more. Its sheer breadth of features is too much to get into here, so we’ll just note a few key ones: low or high CPU usage options, customizable user interface, 32 EQ bands with several filters and a +/-36 dB range, several vintage EQ circuit models, plugin presets, and so much more. The list goes on and on. In short, DMG Audio’s EQuilibrium simply offers more functionality than most of its competition. It doesn’t come cheap, but there’s a reason. This is an all-purpose EQ tool for those who know what they want and know what they’re doing.
FabFilter Pro-Q 2 ($179)
Many producers swear by the FabFilter Pro-Q 2 EQ plugin. This award-winning EQ makes our list not only for its number of features but for its ease of use. This might be one of the advantages the FabFilter Pro-Q 2 has over the EQuilibrium. Its presentation is so sleek, simple, and brilliantly designed. New users should be able to get the hang of it in little time. In terms of its features, this software has it all: 24 possible EQ bands, extremely high sound quality, zero latency mode option, a number of filter shapes, auto gain and scaling, phase inversion,mid-side stereo processing, and more. It can be purchased on its own or as part of one of FabFilters several bundles. Or, if you want to try it for yourself at no charge you can download a 30-day trial.
Waves API 550 ($249)
Waves has no shortage of incredible EQ plugins and analog emulations. Of course, we couldn’t list them all here. If you’re into EQ plugins that replicate analog consoles, you can’t go wrong with the Waves API 550. You’ll have a hard time finding the real deal API 550 consoles anymore (unless you’re willing to dish out a few grand or more). So, this plugin is great for achieving that early rock and roll sound popularized in the ’60s and ’70s. The plugin is divided into two sections, the 550A and 550B. The former features 3 bands with 5 frequency each. The latter has 4 overlapping EQ bands with 7 frequency centers each. If you’re thinking about grabbing this one, there’s no better time than Black Friday. It’s currently marked down from $249 to just $29 on Waves’ site! Hurry up!
Oxford SuprEsser by Sonnox ($122)
Lastly, we have the Oxford SuprEsser by Sonnox. If it wasn’t clear by its cheeky name, this plugin doubles as a DeEsser and Dynamic EQ. Its main purpose is to suppress harsh sounds and overtones in a mix. Admittedly, its user interface looks a bit outdated compared to the flash of the EQuilibrium and elegance of the FabFilter Pro-Q 2. But what this plugin lacks in aesthetic appeal it makes up for in functionality. This is the perfect tool for shaping vocals and cutting out hissing sibilant sounds or violent plosives. It’s also effective at smoothing out harsh cymbal hits and removing clicks, pops, and crackles. You have more control here than with a typical DeEsser. In short, if it sticks out like a sore thumb, the SuprEsser can shut it down easily.
Conclusion
Truth be told, there are many more fantastic EQ plugins for Windows and Mac out there. These are just 11 of the best. You can spend a long time with any of these free or paid programs and get a lot out of them. Whether you’re just starting out or you have years of experience and want to add more tools to your arsenal, take your pick. Getting good at EQing takes time, practice, and a lot of experimentation. The more you practice with plugins like these, the better you’ll get. So, what are you waiting for?
Mixing vocals is one of the most important jobs in music production. To do it well you’ll need a handful of quality plugins.
But if you’re on a tight budget you’re probably looking for the best free vocal plugins that won’t break the bank.
Luckily there are plenty of vocal mixing plugins you can download at no cost from generous developers.
Vocal processing is a delicate task that requires a few different plugin types for a polished sound.
In this article I’ll walk through each one, explain why it’s important and recommend the best options to download for free.
Here is the essential guide to free plugins for vocals.
1. Vocal tuning plugins
Vocal pitch correction has become an important part of modern vocal production. Before you even start mixing you might need to use this plugin type to refine your vocals and get the right sound.
Whether you’re after subtle performance enhancement or dramatic T-Pain effects, it’s worth having a good vocal tuner in your plugin folder.
Here are some free options to consider:
Auburn Sounds Graillon
Auburn Sounds Graillon is a live vocal changer that can transform vocal timbre and create robotic hard tuning sounds.
The free tier gives you access to a stripped down version of the paid plugin with pitch shifting and pitch correction.
Melda MAutoPitch
Melda MAutoPitch is another automated pitch correction option with a simple interface. This one is capable of some more subtle effects as well as classic hard tuning.
Voloco
Voloco is probably the simplest vocal tuning plugin out there. Choose the key, scale and tuning type and adjust the intensity with the correction amount.
Hot tip: Vocal pitch correction is one of the few plugin types without a full-featured free alternative. If you can stretch your budget slightly, Auto-Tune Access is the cheapest version of Auto-Tune ever.
2. Vocal EQ plugins
Once you start working on balancing the vocal in your mix you’ll need a good equalizer plugin.
This is the plugin type you’ll use to clean up issues and sculpt the frequency balance so your vocal sounds more pleasing in the mix.
But pro vocal chains often include more than one EQ. That’s why I’ve listed a few options that each play different roles in a mix:
TDR Nova
TDR Nova is a sophisticated digital-style EQ for surgical sculpting and problem solving.
This type of EQ might appear first in your vocal effects chain if there are any frequency issues that need to be resolved before other mixing tasks.
If you need to clean up excessive low end, reduce resonances or soften clicks and artifacts, TDR Nova is a perfect choice.
Ignite Amps PTeq-X
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Ignite Amps PTeq-x is an analog style EQ based on the analog Pultec EQP-1A hardware.
This legendary vintage equalizer is many engineer’s first choice for vocal sculpting. Its gentle and musical curves are perfect for adding character, sparkle, or midrange cut.
Hot tip: Vocal EQ plugins are often used in different positions in the signal chain. Character EQ like the PT-EQx should go after any dynamics processing you choose to do—more on that in the next section!
Analog Obsession Britchannel
Another classic processor many pro engineers use on vocals is the legendary EQ found in Neve mixing consoles.
Analog Obsession Britchannel brings a 1073-style channel to your DAW, complete with preamp gain modelling for extra sweet character.
3. Vocal compressor plugins
Compression is the next essential task in vocal mixing.
It means controlling the dynamics of the vocal so it sits nicely in the mix even during quiet passages.
It’s a big subject in music production so head over to our in-depth guide if you don’t have a handle on it yet.
Every compressor plugin has a unique character. Trying to list them all would take too long.
But to get you started, here are some favorites for vocal duties you can download for free:
Hot tip: Vocal compression is often done in stages in a process called serial compression. This means using one compressor after another to act on different parts of the signal or introduce different qualities. The compressors listed here can work on their own or together in series.
Analog Obsession FETish
You can never go wrong with the classic sound of an 1176 FET compressor. One of the most popular dynamics processors of all time, the 1176 is fast, punchy and perfect for controlling the aggressive transients in an active vocal performance.
You can never go wrong with the classic sound of an 1176 FET compressor.
Analog Obsession FETish is another great plugin take on this sound that’s available for free.
Analog Obsession LA-LA
If there’s one compressor style that’s most known for vocals, it’s the optical LA-2A compressor.
This is the buttery smooth vintage compressor powered by photocell and tube gain stages. It’s known for its gradual attack time and gentle release that beautifully compliment a great vocal.
Once again, Analog Obsession offers a compelling take on the LA-2A that you can download for free. But with so many excellent plugins in their bundle, consider supporting them if you download them all!
Hot tip:Subscribe to the LANDR Newsletter to get all the best free plugins updates in your inbox.
4. Vocal saturation plugins
Sometimes a vocal needs something a little extra to sit properly in a mix. In those cases, saturation is another tool in your vocal mixing toolbox to consider.
This plugin type adds gentle harmonic distortion that can wake up midrange frequencies and make a sound pop in the mix.
Hot tip: Saturation is a strong effect that many producers blend in gently on a bus. Try this if you need another layer of control over your vocal saturation
Sometimes a vocal needs something a little extra to sit properly in a mix. In those cases, saturation is another tool in your vocal mixing toolbox to consider.
Here are some great free saturation plugins to consider:
Klanghelm IVGI
Klanghelm is a respected plugin manufacturer that offers stripped-down versions of their flagship plugins for free.
IVGI is a single mode from their SDRR multi-saturator.
It adds a satisfying layer of harmonic distortion that can bring a dull vocal forward in the mix
Softube Saturation Knob
Sometimes a plugin doesn’t need to be complicated to be helpful in a mix.
That’s the case with the single parameter Softube Saturation Knob. Simply crank it up to add smooth saturation and punch.
5. Vocal de-esser plugins
De-essers are a plugin type with a very specific job in vocal mixing. They reduce the distracting effect of the ‘S’ syllable in a singer’s performance.
Certain vocalists and singing styles can create a sharp sibilance sound in combination with certain microphones.
De-esser plugins are how you reduce it. In essence, a de-esser is a compressor that only acts on a narrow range of the frequency spectrum where the sibilance occurs.
De-essers should be placed after any gain reduction or frequency boosting processors that add to the negative effects of sibilance.
Techivation T-De-Esser
Techivation is T-De-Esser is a straightforward free de-esser plugin that gets the job done.
Simply select a frequency range, set sharpness and intensity and dial in the amount of effect you need to smooth out your vocals.
Hot tip: Most DAWs come bundled with a perfectly good de-esser for cleaning up vocals. Try your native plugin bundle before rushing to download a free de-esser.
6. Vocal widener plugins
Once you’ve gotten your vocals to sit in your mix, you’ll want to start working with creative effects to make them stand out.
These vocal effects are typically used in parallel on an aux return channel for a subtle blend.
One of the most satisfying send effects on vocals is chorusing, detuning or doubling.
These plugins thicken the vocal sound and make them seem wider in the stereo field.
Here some nice free options:
Acon Digital Multiply
Acon Digital Multiply is a great free chorus plugin that’s perfect for adding swirling stereo modulation to a vocal track.
Add up to 6 voices of chorus and shape the sound with the onboard EQ to get the ideal vocal modulation.
Izotope Vocal Doubler
Vocal doubling has a long history in music production. It’s a natural way of thickening the vocal sound by recording additional takes on top of a lead vocal.
The modulation comes from the natural imperfections in the singer’s overdubs, but you can get a similar effect with plugins like Izotope Vocal Doubler.
Plus, it’s faster than singing your parts again!
Best Free Eq Plugin Macbook
7. Vocal delay plugins
Next up are your ambience effects. These are the processors that give your vocals a sense of space and dimension in the mix.
Delay is a type of spatial effect you’ll hear in most vocal mixes. It’s the echoing repeats that fade into the background behind the main vocal.
Hot tip: Even if you can’t distinctly hear the effect of a vocal delay plugin in the mix, subtle repeats contribute nicely to the ambience and often make the vocal blend better into the texture.
ValhallaDSP FreqEcho
ValhallaDSP FreqEcho is a simple but powerful delay plugin that can do more than you might think from it’s simple UI.
The frequency control lets you take it from pristine digital repeats to lo-fi filtered madness at the touch of a dial.
TAL Dub-II
TAL Dub-2 is a retro-style delay that models the stylish dirty delays from old-school dub reggae.
With powerful controls for saturation and modulation, you can build any analog-style delay you can imagine.
8. Vocal reverb plugins
Finally, reverb is essential in any vocal mix. This is the effect that simulates the reflections from rigid surfaces that situate a sound in its physical environment.
The quality of the reverberation gives your brain clues about where the sound takes place.
For example, a long diffuse reverb might evoke a large concert hall while a short, ringy decay could be a tiled bathroom.
That’s why producers take pains to choose the perfect vocal reverb plugin for the mix.
Here are a few plugins to help you do it for free:
Dragonfly Reverbs
The Dragonfly bundle of free reverb plugins covers all the important styles of reverb for your mix.
From rooms and early reflections to sumptuous plates and halls, the Dragonfly suite has a smooth, sophisticated sound that’s quite impressive for a free plugin.
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OrilRiver
OrilRiver is another favorite when it comes to free reverb effects.
The latest version is updated to work on Mac and PC and delivers great sound with minimal CPU load.
TAL Reverb-2
TAL Reverb-2 is a classic reverb with a dreamy, enveloping sound.
If you need a larger than life reverb with lush diffusion, this is a great free option.
Freedom of choice
Free Passive Eq Vst
There are plenty of different approaches when it comes to mixing vocals. But most of them require plugins from a handful of these categories.
Whether you’re looking to build an entire vocal chain or just try something new, there’s a plugin on this list to help you get the sound you need.
Now that you’ve downloaded a few great free plugins, get back to your DAW and keep mixing.