Top 9 Best Digital Equalizer/EQ Plugins For Your DAW 2024
We're currently living in the age of digital audio, and in-the-box mixing within a digital audio workstation is commonplace. Plugins are, therefore, invaluable assets for the modern audio engineer.
Equalization is considered to be one of the most important tools in the audio engineer's toolbox. So then, it makes sense how there are so many EQ plugins on the market.
Though some EQ plugins aim to emulate analog equalizers and even specific hardware EQ, there are plenty of digital EQ options to choose from. In this article, we'll consider what I believe to be the top 9 standout digital EQ plugins.
What is audio equalization? EQ is the process of adjusting the balance between frequencies within an audio signal. This process increases or decreases the relative amplitudes of some frequency bands compared to other bands with filters, boosts and cuts. EQ is used in mixing, tone shaping, crossovers, feedback control and more.
The Top 9 Best Digital EQ Plugins Are:
- FabFilter Pro-Q 3
- Sound Radix SurferEQ 2
- Voxengo PrimeEQ
- Melda MAutoDynamicEq
- Soundtheory Gullfoss
- Eiosis AirEQ
- Tokyo Dawn Records Nova GE
- DMG Audio EQuilibrium
- Wavesfactory Spectre
It should go without saying that any “top X” article is subject to bias. I would expect the next person's top 9 to be different from mine, but I hope there would be plenty of overlap.
That being said, I believe these plugins to be the best digital EQ plugin options today. The criteria I used to judge these plugins include the following:
- Sonic performance: how does the digital EQ plugin sound subjectively/objectively?
- Graphic user interface (GUI): how does the digital EQ plugin look when loaded in the DAW?
- Ease-of-use: how user-friendly is the digital EQ plugin?
- Functionality: how many different functions does it serve, and/or how many parameters are available for the digital EQ?
- Accessibility/compatibility: how easy is it to acquire the digital EQ plugin, and what are the system requirements?
To learn why they made this list, let's discuss each of the top 9 best digital EQ plugins in greater detail.
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FabFilter Pro-Q 3
First up on this list is the fabulous FabFilter Pro-Q 3. This EQ plugin is championed by professionals and amateurs alike as one of the most powerful EQ plugins ever.
Compatibility
The FabFilter Pro-Q 3 is compatible with Mac OS and Windows OS and comes in AAX Native, AAX AudioSuite, AU and VST formats.
The FabFilter Pro-Q 3 is also featured in the following My New Microphone articles:
• Top 10 Best Linear Phase EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Digital Parametric EQ Plugins For Your DAW
FabFilter's line of products may be small, but its plugins are world-class. The Pro-Q 3 digital EQ is a perfect representation of this fact.
This highly versatile EQ offers incredible sound quality and a beautiful resizable Retina user interface. Whatever you need in an EQ, this plugin has it (I've added links for more detailed articles on each EQ type/function):
- Linear phase option
- Zero-latency option
- Natural phase option
- Dynamic EQ capabilities
- Per-band mono, mid-side, stereo and surround (up to Dolby Atmos 7.1.2) processing
- Intelligent solo feature
- Auto gain option
- Fully customizable spectrum analyzer (Pre-EQ, Post-EQ and external spectrum visualization)
This fully parametric digital EQ offers up to 24 user-defined bands. Add bands as you wish and select between 9 different filter shapes with slopes from 6 dB/oct to 96 dB/oct.
The high-pass and low-pass filters even have a “brickwall” slope setting. Quickly add and adjust bands within the spectrum analyzer to achieve the exact EQ you need.
The Pro-Q 3 also provides superb EQ match functionality. Other features include optional collision detection for external spectrum visualization, piano roll EQ quantization, various display ranges, phase inversion and output level metering.
In typical FabFilter fashion, the Pro-Q 3 comes with interactive MIDI Learn, undo/redo and A/B switches, Smart Parameter Interpolation, “Help” documentation with interactive hints, sample-accurate automation, double-click text entry of parameter values and more.
With all of this power and functionality, the Pro-Q 3 uses minimal CPU and memory. Whether you need one instance or several hundred, the Pro Q-3 won't slow you down (unless you're using linear phase).
For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the FabFilter Pro-Q 3 user manual.
FabFilter
FabFilter is featured in My New Microphone's Top 11 Best Audio Plugin (VST/AU/AAX) Brands In The World.
Sound Radix SurferEQ 2
The Sound Radix SurferEQ 2 is a forward-thinking pitch-tracking equalizer plugin specialized for EQing monophonic instrument tracks.
Compatibility
The Sound Radix SurferEQ 2 is compatible with Mac OS and Windows OS and comes in AAX, AU and VST formats.
Th Sound Radix SurferEQ 2 is also featured in My New Microphone's Top 10 Best Dynamic EQ Plugins For Your DAW.
Sound Radix defines its SurferEQ 2 as a “radically musical, creative timbre shaper”. This specialized EQ plugin tracks the pitch of a monophonic instrument or a vocal source and adapts its frequency bands to suit the musical pitch in real-time.
In this way, the EQ maintains the natural harmonic profile of the source material as the notes change. While standard EQs remain static and alter the timbre of notes across an instrument's range, the SurferEQ 2 follows the musical notes, ensuring the applied EQ is always relative to the harmonic content of the current note.
Any combination of the SurferEQ 2's seven bands can be set to Surf mode (rather than static mode) to track the pitch of the monophonic audio source. The filters of these bands are based on superior algorithms, emulating asymmetrical analog filters that continue to sound natural even when pushed to the extremes.
Choose between high-pass, low-pass, shelf, bell or Sound Radix's unique four-mode harmonic filter that controls the entire harmonic series of a given note value with a single band.
In addition to following the input signal, these “surfing bands” can also be controlled via MIDI or even via a sidechain signal.
The SurferEQ 2 is an excellent tool for equalizing monophonic instruments and vocals with superior pitch detection and versatile EQ functionality.
For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the SoundRadix SurferEQ 2 user manual.
Voxengo PrimeEQ
The Voxengo PrimeEQ is a relatively simple “drag and drop” style parametric EQ plugin.
Compatibility
The Voxengo PrimeEQ is compatible with Mac OS and Windows OS and comes in AAX, AU and VST formats.
The Voxengo PrimeEQ is also featured in My New Microphone's Top 10 Best Digital Parametric EQ Plugins For Your DAW.
Voxengo designed the PrimeEQ to be user-friendly. The user interface is optimized with a differential display to show exactly how each band affects the overall EQ curve. Up to 32 individual parametric filters can be added to and dragged around the display, and there are 13 filter types to choose from.
All control points are adjustable on the overall EQ shape, further improving the already efficient workflow of the PrimeEQ.
This zero-latency equalizer plugin provides a real-time FFT spectrum analyzer for the processed audio. The transparent equalization can shape the sound of individual tracks, stereo signals and busses, and even 5.1 surround formats.
Voxengo has also included a preset manager, undo/redo history, and A/B comparison features to streamline its superb equalization further.
If you're ever stuck trying to figure something out in this plugin, there are also contextual hint messages to help you unlock the full potential of this powerful EQ plugin.
For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Voxengo PrimeEQ user manual.
Melda MAutoDynamicEq
The Melda MAutoDynamicEq, as the name would suggest, is a high-performance automatic EQ plugin with dynamic processing controls.
Compatibility
The Melda MAutoDynamicEq is compatible with Mac OS and Windows OS and comes in AAX, AU and VST formats.
The Melda Production MAutoDynamicEq is also featured in the following My New Microphone articles:
• Top 10 Best Dynamic EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Digital Parametric EQ Plugins For Your DAW
Though I tried to stay away from dynamic EQs in this list, I couldn't help myself with the MAutoDynamicEq from MeldaProductions. The combination of dynamic and automatic EQ functionality makes this plugin a top contender for the “best digital EQ plugin”.
The sound of the MAutoDynamicEq is unbelievably transparent and musical-sounding, and with so much functionality built into its design, the plugin is remarkably good-looking.
Within the resizable interface, the MAutoDynamicEq shows the results of your processing along with an integrated analyzer, sonogram, spectrum areas and more.
Automatic equalization is a super powerful tool in the MAutoDynamicEq plugin. This plugin does an amazing job of matching the overall EQ of an audio signal to a defined source.
The source could be a predefined analysis, a separate source recording, a user-defined EQ curve or a pre-recorded mixed or mastered track. Set up the auto EQ and let the plugin do its magic, setting up the EQ bands for you.
On the dynamic side of things, the MAutoDynamicEq features expertly crafted dynamic filters complete with sidechain control.
De-essing and bass drum enhancement are made easy without the need to reach for a compressor. This superb plugin can provide the necessary dynamic control while also offering beautiful equalization.
For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the MAutoDynamicEq support page at MeldaProduction.
Soundtheory Gullfoss
The Soundtheory Gullfoss is another standout intelligent equalizer designed to be wonderfully user-friendly.
Compatibility
The Soundtheory Gullfoss is compatible with Mac OS and Windows OS and comes in AAX, AU and VST formats.
Soundtheory programmed the Gullfoss to sound incredible and be incredibly easy to use. The super clean user interface presents users with the necessary EQ parameters, allowing for fast and effective improvement of clarity, detail, spatiality, and balance of the audio being processed.
This intelligent EQ plugin can analyze audio signals and apply EQ curves that enhance the most important audio information.
Soundtheory's proprietary computational auditory perception model effectively defines which audible elements are competing for your attention and EQs the audio signal in a way that carves out its special place in a mix.
Soundtheory takes this idea a step further, with the Gullfoss able to balance issues within a mix bus without even accessing individual problem tracks.
The internal auditory model of the Gullfoss will work to improve overall mixes with objective computations about perceived sound. As if this is too good to be true, the additional benefit of this intelligent equalization is a more consistent mix across varying listening situations.
For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Soundtheory Gullfoss user manual.
Eiosis AirEQ
The Eiosis AirEQ is a well-laid-out and user-friendly 7-band EQ plugin designed with musical, technical and sonic excellence.
Compatibility
The Eiosis AirEQ is compatible with Mac OS and Windows OS and comes in AAX, AU, VST and RTAS (32-bit only) formats.
The Eiosis AirEQ is also featured in My New Microphone's Top 10 Best Digital Parametric EQ Plugins For Your DAW.
Eiosis has developed the AirEQ to be simple, intuitive and fast. The plugin sounds incredible and is remarkably powerful, given its relative simplicity.
This plugin offers transparent EQ and zero-latency processing, affording users high-end equalization in real-time without demanding much CPU. It's deeply impressive as a tracking, mixing and mastering EQ.
The Character parameter of the AirEQ alters the resonance and shape of each band “beyond analog”. Slide the control from Water through Neutral to Fire to a variety of EQ flavours.
- Water: the smoothest sound possible, open and natural, ideal for transparency. Clear highs, compact bass and balanced mids.
- Fire: very tight and focused sound, with punch and impact, ideal for precision. Snappy mids, sharp highs and powerful lows.
- Neutral: the usual equalization curves, perfectly matched to their analog references.
Adjust the low-end and high-end intuitively with the Earth and Air parameters, respectively. Use the strength knob to bring in some of the original signal for easy parallel equalization.
For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Eiosis AirEQ user manual.
Tokyo Dawn Records Nova GE
The Tokyo Dawn Records Nova is a highly versatile and super powerful EQ plugin with impressive functionality.
Compatibility
The Tokyo Dawn Labs TDR Nova GE is compatible with Mac OS and Windows OS and comes in AAX, AU and VST formats.
The Tokyo Dawn Labs TDR Nova is also featured in the following My New Microphone articles:
• Top 10 Best Digital Parametric EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Dynamic EQ Plugins For Your DAW
Yes, I've done it again, adding a dynamic EQ to the list. The Nova is considered a parallel dynamic equalizer, combining parallel parametric EQ capabilities with a full-featured dynamic processing section.
This superb plugin has plenty of applications. It may not be the most intuitive plugin, but once you understand what's under the hood and how to use it, it becomes a forceful plugin for many tasks.
The drag-and-drop display makes things easy with the Nova GE. Combine this functionality with the classic virtual knobs, and users can quickly dial in parameters in several ways.
This plugin features 4 dynamic EQ bands along with high and low-pass filters. These filters can be utilized for general parametric EQ, dynamic EQ, frequency-selective compression (i.e. de-essing), multiband compression, wideband compression and more.
Use the Mix knob to attain parallel EQ and take full advantage of the preset manager, undo/redo, A/B comparison, detailed documentation, copy & paste, and other top-notch functions.
For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Tokyo Dawn Records Nova GE user manual.
DMG Audio EQuilibrium
The DMG Audio EQuilibrium is a custom-designed EQ tool for audio professionals, drawing upon 50 years of EQ heritage.
Compatibility
The DMG Audio EQuilibrium is compatible with Mac OS and Windows OS and comes in AAX, AU and VST formats.
The DMG Audio is also featured in My New Microphone's Top 10 Best Digital Parametric EQ Plugins For Your DAW.
DMG Audio's EQuilibrium is an excellent user-adaptable EQ with an impressive feature set, capable of handling all critical equalization applications. It demands very little CPU and can be selected to work in FIR mode, Linear, Analogue, Minimum, Zero-Latency Analogue or even Free Phase control.
This plugin has 32 fully parametric bands of EQ with adjustable Q and a ±36 dB gain range. Choose between peak, high-pass, low-pass, shelf, bells or notch filters in digital or analog styles. Use it in stereo, mid-side or even surround sound.
Configure the user interface to benefit your specific workflow. Choose the analyzer style or spectrograph in the display and set up a piano roll for instrument equalization, among many other features.
To cover all the features of this spectacular EQ plugin, I would need an entirely separate article. For more information on this top pick, check out the user manual in the link in the following paragraph.
For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the DMG Audio EQuilibrium user manual.
Wavesfactory Spectre
The Wavesfactory Spectre is a two-for-one plugin combining the best features of graphical parametric EQ with those of a sonic enhancer. Along with outstanding EQ functionality, the Spectre offers amazing saturation to improve the audio's sound and clarity.
Compatibility
The Wavesfactory Spectre is compatible with Mac OS and Windows OS and comes in AAX, AU and VST formats.
Let's think of the Wavesfactory Spectre as a bonus “digital EQ” plugin. Though it works in similar ways to an EQ, this special processor isn't exactly an equalizer.
Rather, the Wavesfactory Spectre works as a sort of multiband saturator and 5-band parallel graphic equalizer.
The plugin will analyze two distinct signals: the input signal and the EQed signal. It will then process the difference between the two signals, introducing harmonic content according to the selected high-quality saturation algorithm.
There are 10 algorithms, each based on classic analog recording hardware. The options are tube, warm tube, solid, tape, diode, class B, bit, digital, rectify, and half rectify.
There are also 3 saturation modes, subtle, medium and aggressive, that will affect the overall sound of the plugin.
Though distortion is largely the purpose of this plugin, the Spectre features optional 4x and 16x oversampling modes that offer pristine audio quality with no aliasing. In other words, it produced good distortion while eliminating bad distortion.
The plugin can process mono, stereo, left, right, mid and side channels on each band independently. With the de-emphasis feature, the Spectre can even compensate for EQ boosts after the saturation stage, adding multiband saturation to the signal without changing the overall levels of the audio signal.
Ultimately, the Spectre works like a digital graphic EQ but produces results as if an EQ and saturator were mixed together.
For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Wavesfactory Spectre user manual.
Former Top Digital EQ Plugin Picks
Here are plugins that used to be on this list and the reasons they are no longer.
Sonible smart:EQ 2 (Discontinued/Upgraded)
The Sonible smart:EQ 2 (discontinued/upgraded to version 4), as the name suggests, is an intelligent EQ plugin. It sounds amazing and works effectively to EQ the appropriate frequencies for nearly all situations. It was featured in this article in 2021 (original publishing year).
Compatibility
The Sonible smart:EQ 2 is compatible with Mac OS and Windows OS and comes in AAX, AU and VST formats.
This intelligent EQ plugin utilizes Sonible's proprietary smart:engine learning engine and artificial intelligence to correct tonal imbalances in audio signals with incredible precision and dependability. The Sonible smart:EQ 2 effectively analyzes the audio and generates a custom EQ curve to produce a natural-sounding balance.
Though the sonic possibilities are virtually endless, the smart:EQ 2 is incredibly focused on achieving the best results with the fastest workflow. A few parameter adjustments will allow the smart:EQ 2 to augment the detail and clarity of a mix with ease.
Not only is the A.I. expedient in analyzing and producing results, but the intuitive user interface is also a blessing for improving workflow speed. With easily accessible controls and a high-definition analyzer (with pre, post and pre/post settings), we can efficiently get the results we're after in a fraction of the time it would take with classic EQ units.
The smart:EQ 2 offers plenty of filter options and even includes mid-side processing.
The smart:EQ 2 comes with several profiles (presets) for content-aware audio processing and allows users to save their own. These profiles will provide a superb starting point for EQ and adapt to the audio signal in question to generate professional results with a simple click of a button.
iZotope Ozone 9 Equalizer Module (Discontinued/Upgraded)
The iZotope Ozone 9 Equalizer Module (disconintued/upgraded to version 11) was part of iZotope's famed Ozone mastering suite. It was featured in this article from 2021 (original publishing year) to 2022.
Compatibility
The iZotope Ozone 9 is compatible with Mac OS and Windows OS and comes in AAX, AU and VST formats.
iZotope's Ozone 9 actually contains three different EQ modules: the Equalizer, Dynamic EQ and Vintage EQ. Though all three of these EQs are excellent in their own right, in this article about standard digital-style EQ plugins, we'll focus specifically on the Equalizer module.
The Ozone 9 Equalizer Module is a versatile EQ combining asymmetrical analog-matched filters with high-precision digital linear phase filters. Whether we're the gentle warmth of analog-style EQ or the surgical exactness of digital-style EQ, the Ozone 9 Equalizer will deliver superior results without fail.
The Equalizer Module offers up to 8 bands, each with a variety of fully adjustable filter shapes. Choose from Baxandall bass and treble, API-inspired proportional Q, band shelf, and resonant high and low shelf filters, along with FIR (finite impulse response) filters for ultra-precise linear-phase equalization.
Within the Ozone 9 mastering suite, we can use the Equalizer for the initial shaping of the master bus and follow it up with the Post-EQ later in the signal chain. Of course, the Equalizer Module can also be used on its own to EQ individual tracks or mix buses with superb results.
Use the Ozone 9 in stereo (left/right) or mid-side processing modes to ensure the stereo field is being EQed to your exact liking.
Determining the best equalizer for your audio needs takes time, knowledge and effort. For this reason, I've created My New Microphone's Comprehensive Equalizer Buyer's Guide. Check it out for help in determining your next EQ purchases.
Choosing the best audio plugins for your DAW can be a challenging task. For this reason, I've created My New Microphone's Comprehensive Audio Plugins Buyer's Guide. Check it out for help in determining your next audio plugin purchases.
Other Top Audio Plugin Articles
Here are additional My New Microphone articles regarding the best audio plugins by type:
• Top 11 Best Distortion Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Saturation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Digital Parametric EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Dynamic EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 8 Best Graphic EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Linear Phase EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Parametric EQ Emulation Plugins For DAWs
• Top 8 Best Passive EQ Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Digital Compressor Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best FET Compressor Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Optical Compressor Emulation Plugins
• Top 10 Best Multiband Compressor Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Variable-Mu Compressor Emulation Plugins
• Top 11 Best VCA Compressor Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Limiter Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Channel Strip Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Chorus Modulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 9 Best Flanger Modulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 9 Best Phaser Modulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Tremolo Modulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Analog Delay Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Digital Delay Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Tape Delay Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 12 Best Reverb Plugins (Spring, Plate, Algorithmic, Convolution)
• Top 9 Best Stereo Imaging Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Guitar Amp Simulator Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 7 Best Noise Reduction Plugins For Your DAW
Leave A Comment!
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