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.

Blue Cat’s Triple EQ is easily one of the best free equalizer plugins you’ll find on the web. This free EQ plugin is a 3-band semi-parametric equalizer that includes a low shelf filter, a high shelf filter and a boost/cut peak filter. Add more flair to your equalizer tricks with one of the best free VST plugins in the game, the TDR Nova, which is a four-band dynamic Equalizer (EQ). 51) ToneBoosters TB Reelbus Tape Emulator You can simulate everything that forms the core of a tape machine with the TB ReelBus- from warm saturation, wow and flutter to tape hiss.

If you’re looking for the best free VST plugins in the world, I have a list of 225 of them. SonEQ by Sonimus (Windows, Mac) SonEQ is free equalizer plugin that takes parts from some vintage gear and combines them in one free plugin.

So in this article we’ll take a look at the best free EQ plugin software that money can’t buy!

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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.

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.

Free Eq Vst Best Friend

Looking for a reliable and FREE EQ for video editing? There are loads of excellent options out there and we’ve rounded up a selection of some of the best on the market right now.

On the hunt for an EQ but got no money to spend? Fear not, there are loads of free, professional-standard equalizers available, and we’ve rounded up six of the best to help you choose the one for you.

An equalizer (or EQ) plugin is a piece of software which allows you to control volume levels of specific frequencies. It’s an essential bit of kit for achieving pro audio in your videos as certain frequencies can have different uses, certain desirable or undesirable characteristics.

For example, muddy voice recording can often be remedied by cutting midrange frequencies and boosting highs, and issues such as vibrations picked up by your microphone can be banished with a simple high-pass filter.

So EQs are essential for your workflow, and luckily there are loads of great ones available for free!

If you're looking for a more advanced option and you’re happy to invest a bit of money then it might be worth checking out our article on the 5 best EQs for video makers on the market right now.

We’re starting this list with a bang. Tokyo Dawn Records’ TDR Nova is a fully featured parallel EQ which can hold its own up against many a paid-for plugin. What’s more, it can also double up as a compressor meaning this gem of a VST could be a one-stop-shop for all your audio for video processing needs.

TDR Nova is the only EQ on this list which boasts a dynamic EQ. This means that the amount frequencies are cut or boosted by can vary depending on how loud those frequencies are moment to moment. This is really useful if you’ve got some rogue frequency spikes tampering with your otherwise perfect audio.

The dynamic EQ also features wideband compression meaning that it compresses all frequencies equally – ie it’s a regular old compressor. For those not in the know, a compressor reduces the volume of audio when it crosses a certain threshold. This is really useful for smoothing out clips that have a lot of dynamic range, making your recordings more consistent.

Another little hack: you can use the dynamic EQ as a deesser by sticking a node where sibilance occurs (around 6k-7kHz). Of course you’ll get better results with a dedicated bit of kit such as the ERA De-Esser.

TDR Nova is a real powerhouse and would make a great addition to anyone’s workflow. However, if that dynamic EQ sounds a bit confusing then maybe the next EQ in our list would suit you better.

Triple EQ from Blue Cat Audio is the perfect option for anyone intimidated by the world of sound. With only three bands, this handy plugin offers everything you need to tame your audio without getting out of your depth with loads of powerful but superfluous features.

Best Eq Plugins 2020

Yeah 12 bands, AI assisted curves and dynamic nodes are great and everything, but sometimes all you need is a simple EQ to just get the job done. If you haven’t got the time to learn your way around another piece of software then this is the EQ for you.

The second offering from Tokyo Dawn Records in our list, SlickEQ is a classic three band EQ with some interesting creative options.

So far on the list we’ve only showcased digital EQs. These are great for cold and precise sound shaping allowing you to carve out frequencies accurately. SlickEQ, on the other hand, models old school hardware EQs with four different modes: American, British, German and Soviet. It also offers four different saturation modes which can warm up your sound, adding character.

Because of this, and the fact that SlickEQ doesn’t have a spectral analyser (a visual representation of the frequency adjustments you’re making), it could be a good idea to have SlickEQ in your arsenal to add flavour to your sound, and a different EQ for more precise sound sculpting.

Free Vst Equalizer Best

That being said, if you can live without a spectral analyser then SlickEQ is just as capable as any other equalizer when it comes to mixing audio and could easily be your only EQ. Free edm bass vst.

MEqualizer from MeldaProduction is a solid six-band equalizer that offers great flexibility and control when it comes to taming rogue frequencies. It comes as part of the MFreeFXBundle, an impressive collection of totally free audio plugins.

Free Eq Plugin For Audacity

However, many of the audio units in the bundle are aimed at musicians rather than video creators, so the entire collection may just use up valuable space on your hard drive if you have no plans to use them. However, this may be a price worth paying as MEqualizer is the only six band EQ on this list making it one of the most precise in our round-up, second only to the 12 band lkjb QRange. And of course, you can always delete the unwanted VSTs.

Best Free Analog Eq Vst

Interestingly ColourEQ wasn’t always freeware. Originally DDMF were selling it for $29, so it’s not just another throwaway freebie. Free r&b sound vst plugins.

Finally – a nice touch, though of course not essential – the colour of the GUI can be tailored to your personal preference, perhaps explaining DDMF’s naming decision.

Weighing in with a whopping 12 bands, the Ikjb QRange certainly wins when it comes to node numbers.

Each band can operate as a bell, shelf or cut, offering you levels of control that can’t be matched by any other EQ on this list.

That means that, if you’re a perfectionist seaking to dial in on that perfect sound, this EQ may be exactly what you need. However, as a video maker who just wants to tweak a voiceover without too much hassle, then 12 bands is most likely too many and you’re probably better off with a more restrained equalizer from this list.

If none of these options grabbed you then be sure to check out our round up of the best paid for EQs.