EQ will make or break a song, and picking a great EQ plugin is the first step in making, not breaking, a song. From transparent surgical EQs to characterful analog emulations, these tools represent the pinnacle of audio processing technology, catering to the diverse needs of modern producers and engineers. Let’s delve into the features and merits that distinguish these plugins as industry-leading solutions for shaping and refining audio content.
These are the top 5 EQ plugins available in 2024:
1: FabFilter Pro-Q 3 (Best Overall)
The FabFilter Pro-Q series is the industry standard. If you watch a production tutorial, odds are they’re using a plugin from the FabFilter Pro-Q series, and this is the newest – and best- one yet.
Top-quality linear phase operation in addition to the zero latency and unique Natural Phase modes, smooth dynamic EQ, per-band mid/side processing, full surround support (up to Dolby Atmos 7.1.2), an intelligent solo feature, optional Auto Gain and a built-in, fully customizable spectrum analyzer.
FabFilter Pro-Q 3 is designed to help you achieve your sound in the quickest way possible. Via the large interactive EQ display, you can create bands where you need them, enable dynamic EQ for any band, and select and edit multiple bands at once.
Unique features like Spectrum Grab, Full Screen mode and EQ Match will speed up your workflow even more.
This is our favorite EQ plugin.
2: Sonnox Toolbox Claro (Best For Musicians)
Claro is one of the must intuitive EQ plugin’s we’ve ever used. “Specifically designed to offer “Vibe first, detail later”, Claro has three distinct views which help to build your EQ intuition and confidence without interrupting the flow.” It encourages large movements first and refining later. That way you don’t stop your creative flow while producing.
Claro is a comprehensive EQ plugin that serves the production process from composition to final mix, with three distinct views, progressively adding deeper insight and precision to prevent mud, clutter, or harshness, helping you blend your tracks into a clear and balanced mix.
It features a PRODUCE, TWEAK and MIX view, each with unique features that accelerate your workflow throughout that specific process.
3: Pultec Passive EQ Collection (Best Analog Sound)
The first analog emulation on this list and the best one money can buy. Throw it on anything to give it that analog warmth that’s so often missing from digital emulations. It sounds especially good on guitars and keyboards, but we tend to use it on everything.
Breathe analog life into your vocals, drums, guitars, and synths with legendary vintage tube EQs used to sculpt over 70 years of popular music. Simply run a full mix or single instrument through these EQs and hear the stunning Pultec analog magic for yourself.
These astonishingly accurate EQs are nearly indistinguishable from the original analog hardware, giving you the same rich tones used by the producers of John Mayer, Daft Punk, Mariah Carey, and more.
4: Sonible smart:EQ 4 (Best Presets)
An AI-powered algorithm adjusts frequencies based on custom sound profiles or reference tracks. This plugin is centered around ease-of-use, and is best for producers who want to work fast.
Unlike conventional EQs that leave the context of a mix out of any processing, smart:EQ 4 pushes towards a holistic approach. For an optimized workflow, multiple instances of smart:EQ 4 can even be remotely controlled from a single plug-in window, allowing to always keep the bigger picture in mind when mixing.
5: TDR Nova GE (Best Value)
NOVA GE is a parallel dynamic equalizer. Appearing in the familiar layout of a parametric equalizer, the plugin also includes flexible dynamics processing options allowing the coverage of an impressively wide range of applications. Be it a master lacking density, the drum bus asking for more crispiness, or a sibilance problem in your perfect take: NOVA has an elegant musical answer.
In addition, an advanced “Smart Operation” panel offers a unique way of automating and orchestrating the plugin for spectral matching, resonance removal and much more.
The best part is, it’s just $30 $20
