As a music producer, having a quality EQ (equalizer) in your plugin arsenal is truly essential. When it comes to cleaning up frequencies, enhancing specific tones, or shaping your overall mix, EQs are your best friend in getting the results you want. There are plenty of great sound-shaping tools available that won’t break the bank, so you don’t always have to spend a lot to get quality! It’s true that some free EQ VST plugins can be just as effective as the paid ones.
If you’re looking to save some money or just want to dive into the realm of free plugins, I’m here to help you out! Check out this list of some fantastic free EQ VST plugins that definitely deserve a place in your plugin folder! Alright, let’s begin!
Contents
1. TDR Nova by Tokyo Dawn Labs
Rating: 9.5/10
If you want something beyond a standard EQ, TDR Nova is definitely the way to go. This dynamic EQ is perfect for a wide range of tasks, whether you need to do some straightforward tone shaping or tackle more intricate, frequency-dependent compression and expansion. Its dynamic processing is perfect for situations where frequencies become problematic only during certain moments, such as a peaking vocal or harsh cymbals.
Pros:
- Dynamic EQ allows for precise control over problematic frequencies.
- Intuitive interface with visual feedback, making it beginner-friendly.
- Can also be used as a multi-band compressor.
Cons:
- Not as CPU-efficient as some lighter EQ plugins.
- A slight learning curve for users unfamiliar with dynamic EQs.
Reason to Buy: If you need a versatile plugin that handles both EQ and dynamics control with precision, TDR Nova is a top choice.
Reason to Avoid: If your project is CPU-heavy or you want something simpler for quick EQ adjustments, there are lighter options.
2. Luftikus by lkjb
Rating: 8.5/10
Inspired by analog hardware, Luftikus gives you that sweet, vintage warmth without the hefty price tag. It’s especially good for adding brightness or “air” to vocals, guitars, or synths without sounding harsh. With a streamlined interface, it’s easy to dial in tones that add life to your mix.
Pros:
- Analog-modeled sound that adds color to your mix.
- High-frequency boost for that elusive “air” quality.
- Simple, clean UI that’s easy to use.
Cons:
- Only offers a few bands for EQing, limiting precision.
- Lacks advanced features like dynamic EQ or a spectrum analyzer.
Reason to Buy: If you’re chasing that classic analog sound with a simple, easy-to-use EQ, Luftikus is a must-have.
Reason to Avoid: If you need more control or features like dynamic EQ, this may feel a bit limited.
3. MEqualizer by MeldaProduction
Rating: 9/10
MeldaProduction’s MEqualizer stands out for its professional-grade features in a free package. It offers six fully parametric bands, a spectrum analyzer, and automatic gain compensation. This is one of the most flexible free EQs out there, whether you’re cutting mud from the low-end or sculpting the mids and highs.
Pros:
- 6 bands of parametric EQ provide versatility.
- Built-in spectrum analyzer for visual feedback.
- Automatic gain compensation prevents volume loss when making cuts.
Cons:
- The UI can feel a bit overwhelming for beginners.
- Some features are locked behind the premium version (but not crucial for EQ).
Reason to Buy: If you want a feature-packed EQ with professional-grade options and clear visual aids, MEqualizer is hard to beat.
Reason to Avoid: If you prefer a minimalist interface, the extensive features might feel excessive.
4. SlickEQ by Tokyo Dawn Labs & Variety of Sound
Rating: 8.8/10
SlickEQ is perfect for adding warmth and character to your tracks. It’s not just a clinical EQ but one that adds a subtle analog flavor to your sound. Its “American,” “British,” and “German” EQ modes provide a variety of tonalities for various sound-shaping approaches, and its auto gain compensation feature ensures that your levels remain consistent.
Pros:
- Three EQ models that offer different sonic characters.
- Soft saturation for that analog warmth.
- Auto-gain ensures volume consistency.
Cons:
- More suited for broad tone shaping than surgical EQing.
- Limited bands compared to fully parametric options.
Reason to Buy: If you’re after that vintage, analog vibe and prefer an EQ with tonal character, SlickEQ delivers.
Reason to Avoid: If you need something for precision cutting or surgical EQ work, this might not be the best option.
5. Blue Cat’s Triple EQ by Blue Cat Audio
Rating: 8/10
For those looking for a simple, lightweight EQ for quick adjustments, Blue Cat’s Triple EQ is the go-to. It’s a semi-parametric, 3-band EQ that’s perfect for quick tone-shaping tasks, whether you’re on the move or need to make basic adjustments without diving too deep into parameters.
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to use.
- Clean interface for quick, intuitive EQ adjustments.
- Option to link all three bands for single-filter control.
Cons:
- Only three bands, limiting flexibility.
- Lacks advanced features like spectrum analysis or dynamic EQ.
Reason to Buy: If you need a no-fuss, lightweight EQ for quick tone tweaks, Blue Cat’s Triple EQ is perfect for the job.
Reason to Avoid: If you need more control and precision, its three bands might not cut it for complex mixes.
Visit the Blue Cat Audio Website
6. Voxengo Overtone GEQ
Rating: 7.8/10
The Voxengo Overtone GEQ is unique in that it focuses on harmonic enhancement, making it a great option for mixing and mastering. With 7 bands and a harmonic coloration option, it’s perfect for adding depth and character to your sound.
Pros:
- Harmonic enhancement for a rich, warm sound.
- 7-band graphic EQ with a visual curve.
- Great for adding color to vocals and instruments.
Cons:
- Not as precise as fully parametric EQs.
- Harmonic coloration might not work for all genres or tracks.
Reason to Buy: If you want a free EQ that adds harmonic richness, particularly to vocals or instruments, Voxengo Overtone GEQ excels.
Reason to Avoid: If you need surgical control over frequencies, it’s better to look elsewhere.
7. ReaEQ by Cockos
Rating: 8.2/10
Coming from the same team that created the Reaper DAW, ReaEQ is an excellent, fully parametric EQ that’s part of the ReaPlugs suite. It’s clean, transparent, and allows you to add as many bands as you need—perfect for precision EQ work.
Pros:
- Unlimited bands for precision EQing.
- Transparent, clean sound with no added color.
- Lightweight and part of a useful free suite of plugins.
Cons:
- The interface is utilitarian and not as sleek as some competitors.
- Lacks advanced features like dynamic EQ or harmonic coloration.
Reason to Buy: If you need a reliable, clean, and efficient parametric EQ for surgical tone shaping, ReaEQ is fantastic.
Reason to Avoid: If you prefer a more visually appealing interface or added tonal color, it may feel a bit sterile.
8. SonEQ by Sonimus
Rating: 8.7/10
SonEQ is a hybrid EQ that combines both parametric and semi-parametric features, giving you flexibility in tone shaping. What makes this plugin stand out is its ability to add warmth and richness to your tracks, especially in the low-end, while maintaining a smooth and musical sound. The high-frequency band, often referred to as the “air” band, adds a nice sheen, making it perfect for vocals or instruments that need to shine.
Pros:
- Adds warmth and character, especially in the low-end.
- Hybrid design gives you both parametric and semi-parametric control.
- Analog-style EQ with a vintage sound.
Cons:
- Limited bands compared to other parametric EQs.
- Not as transparent, as it tends to color the sound.
Reason to Buy: If you’re looking for an EQ that adds character and warmth to your mixes, particularly for vocals, drums, and bass, SonEQ is an excellent choice.
Reason to Avoid: If you’re aiming for a clean, uncolored sound, SonEQ might not be the best option for more surgical tasks.
Final Thoughts
These free EQ VST plugins provide a wide range of options, from vintage analog tones to precise digital control. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned producer, there’s a free EQ plugin here for every type of project. Here’s a quick recap of who these EQs are best suited for:
- TDR Nova: For dynamic EQing and solving complex mix problems.
- Luftikus: For analog warmth and a silky top-end.
- MEqualizer: For those who want a feature-packed EQ with great visual feedback.
- SlickEQ: For adding analog warmth with a simple, intuitive interface.
- Blue Cat’s Triple EQ: For quick, simple EQ adjustments with minimal fuss.
- Voxengo Overtone GEQ: For harmonic enhancement and mastering duties.
- ReaEQ: For clean, transparent, parametric EQ with unlimited bands.
- SonEQ: For adding character and vintage warmth to your mix.
The best part? All these EQs are completely free, so give these EQs a try and start shaping your sound like a pro—without spending a single penny!
