Scroll Top

The 5 Best EQ Plugins 2024

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.

Check it out here


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.

Check it out here


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.

Check it out here


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.

Check it out here


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

Check it out here


Recent Posts

Clear Filters
Alice Phoebe Lou’s “Better”: A Nostalgic Yet Fresh Look at Love
cover (1)

Alice Phoebe Lou’s latest single, “Better,” released on November 8, 2024, is a testament to her evolving artistry and ability to craft intimate, reflective music. With its rich, analog-inspired production and thoughtful lyrics, “Better” feels like a modern-day ode to the smooth textures of 1970s vinyl, yet it remains entirely in step with the current indie music landscape.

Add Comment

Related Posts

01 Nov: When Does Spotify Wrapped Come Out?

It’s reasonable to anticipate that Wrapped 2024 will arrive around the end of November. As the year winds down, music…

10 Oct: Taylor Swift Becomes World’s Richest Female Musician, Surpassing Rihanna

Taylor Swift has officially become the world’s richest female musician, surpassing Rihanna after the extraordinary success of her Eras Tour, according to Forbes. With a net worth now estimated at $1.6 billion, Swift has firmly secured her place at the top of the music industry’s financial ladder.

09 Oct: Musician’s Census 2024: Independent Artists Face Growing AI Challenges

In a recent article titled The Musician’s Census 2024: “It’s Becoming Harder To Be An Independent Artist”, Mark Knight of Right Chord Music, in collaboration with Musosoup, reveals the difficulties faced by independent musicians. The survey, which gathered insights from 300 artists across 64 countries, highlights concerns around payment, visibility, and the evolving landscape of the music industry.

01 Oct: Mk.Gee Cancels Philadelphia Show, Citing Burnout, Treats Fans to Raising Cane’s

Philadelphia fans were left disappointed on September 28 when rising indie artist Mk.Gee canceled his highly anticipated show at the last minute. The announcement came via Mk.Gee’s Instagram story, where he apologized, explaining that he was simply burnt out and couldn’t bring himself to perform another show after a grueling schedule.

01 Oct: Frankie Valli Addresses Viral Concerns Over His Health and Lip-Syncing, Says He’s ‘Still Rocking’ at 90

Legendary singer Frankie Valli has responded to fans’ concerns about his health and the noticeable lip-syncing in his recent performances after videos of the shows went viral online.

17 May: Aminé Announces The Best Day Ever, New Portland Music Festival

Calling all festival goers to Portland rapper Aminé’s inaugural music festival, “The Best Day Ever”. This festival will take place August 10th through 11th at the McMenamins Edgefield Amphitheater in Troutdale, Oregon. Featuring a diverse mix of Hip Hop, Rap, R&B, and Dance/Electronic, this festival won’t be one to miss.

14 May: Mk.Gee’s Latest Work Sounds Better on Stage Than it Does On The Album

While the album’s production and performances are nothing short of incredible, his album received a significant boost in popularity after a viral appearance on Jimmy Kimmel. Imperfections, like his cracked voice and slightly out-of-tune guitar, enhance the potency of his performance. Amidst the backdrop of moody lighting, the haunting melody of a soprano saxophone adds to the surreal, ethereal ambiance. Fans cite this as their favorite rendition of the song, by far.

10 May: Cindy Lee has Canceled The Remainder of Their U.S. Tour with Freak Heat Waves

The news came on May 4th, after a handful of venues set to host the band announced the cancellation. Chicago music venue Empty Bottle reported the cancellations as a result of “personal reasons within the touring party.” At the time of writing, no further word has come out as to the reasons behind the tour’s cancellation, leaving fans to speculate about the artist behind the persona’s wellbeing.

26 Apr: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2024 Inductees – It’s About Time

  Dave Matthews Band Dave Matthews Band emerged as a defining force in the 1990s jam-band scene, characterized by their…

24 Apr: “I did a lot of research on Rick… I don’t believe his audience is creative people”: Jacob Collier calls Rick Rubin’s creative manifesto “absolutely false”

Musical savant Jacob Collier has been taking the music world by storm over the last few years. He started on…

23 Feb: Daft Punk’s “Discovery” Companion Movie, “INTERSTELLA 5555”

Interstella 5555

18 Feb: One Week After “Vultures,” Kanye Releases New Music

Kanye West dedicated a significant portion of 2022 and 2023 to quietly laboring on his comeback to the music scene….

ni_synthesizers_bundle_plugin_boutique

09 Oct: KOMPLETE Synthesizer Collection by Native Instruments – $89

When it comes to software, one of the best strategies is to wait for those incredible sales—because, let’s face it, digital products don’t have the same production costs as physical gear, so they often go on steep discounts. $49 is dirt cheap for the level of quality and versatility you’re getting here. If you’ve been holding off on buying premium music software, now’s the time to jump on this deal before it’s gone.