MConvolutionEZ is an easy-to-use highly optimized convolution reverb. Comes with lots of impulse responses for rooms, halls, plates, guitar cabinets, effects. Convology XT is a free convolution reverb VST plugin developed by Impulse Record. It includes a collection of 70 reverb impulse responses captured from a variety of vintage hardware reverb units. Additional impulse responses are available for purchase on the developer’s website.

Pristine Space is a native audio VST plugin which allows you to use convolution reverb impulses in your audio projects. Pristine Space was mainly created for impulse reverb perfectionists: it does not implement various `combo' approaches which try to save CPU cycles by creating a synthetic reverb tail instead of performing a full convolution. Since it‘s free you can simply check if it‘s what you are looking for. There is a way to run VST plugins. A VST3 plugin, such as Element, can behave as a VST host and, in turn, can load VST2 and VST3 plugins. Still: a convolution.

50+ videos Play all Mix - Free VST - Convolution Reverb by Impulse Record YouTube Serum Tutorial - Organic Synths Like Flume / Louis The Child / Mura Masa - Duration: 13:45. SynthHacker 231,353 views. The Newest Free Plug-ins 3.3k Best Free Plug-ins 2.9k Best Free Instrument Plugins 1.3k Free Synth Plug-ins 456 Best Free Effect Plug-ins 1.6k Best Free Guitar Effects 52 Free Reverb Plug-ins 104 Free EQ Plug-ins 136 Free Plug-in Hosts 100 Free Kontakt Instruments 205 Best Free Drum VIs 115.

Foreword

A quick word on reverb. Reverb is an effect that we use to adjust audio to make it sound as if it were being played in a particular environment. For instance, an instrument played in a sound booth sounds different when it is played in an amphitheater. This is because, in the sound booth, there will be very little reverberation when compared to the amphitheater. The environment affects the reflection (echo), delay, and decay rate of the reflected sound.

The Reverb effect is an essential part of the modern music world. When producing, most of the time, you feel like there is missing something. That’s the Reverb that makes the difference. People are using Reverb to avoid the signal sound so dry when they want to achieve better transitions in the passages, but also to bring up the atmosphere to the mix.

Before the days of digital, we used to add reverb (reflection, delay, decay) to a signal by adjusting knobs on a hardware box. Think about guitar pedals and amps. Then with the digital age, we can add reverb to an audio signal using the software. We may not know the difference between algorithmic (mathematical algorithm) and convolution reverb plugins because, on the surface, it may seem that they are just different ways of adding some reverb to enhancing our sound. Well, let’s dig in a bit deeper to reveal more information about what exactly Convolution Reverb is.

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Convolution (or Sampling) Reverb is the effect and potent tool that simulates the audio environment and acoustic spaces. Even when you have less customization with convolution reverb, when we compare it to algorithmic reverb, it sounds more realistic, natural, authentic, and includes a high density of reflections. It doesn’t mean that it’s not so good, but the difference is that algorithmic reverb simulates the fundamental process of the sound meanwhile convolution reverb using impulse responses that simulates real spaces and environments (that are converted into audio files/samples.) to generate the sound. The main problem with Convolution Reverb is that it could be more CPU intensive.

How Does Convolution

Before describing the convolution reverb, let’s take a quick look at algorithmic reverb. Algorithmic reverb tools create a reverberant effect by changing the incoming signal using digital delays and filters to simulate different “reverb environments.” The incoming audio signal is digitally altered.

Convolution reverbs use sampling — the same way we sample physical instrument sound dynamics and store them in software files. Convolution reverb tools have banks of physical environment samples that are blended with the original audio signal. This is done by recording an environment’s Impulse Response (IR) to an audio signal. Our convolution reverb tool then blends (convolutes) that response sample with our audio so that it sounds as if the audio is being played in that environment.

What Are Impulse Responses, and how does it work?

An impulse sound (like a bang, pop, or longer sine wave sweep) is played in a physical space (lounge, cathedral, cave, etc.), and a recording of the response of the environment is made as a sample. So we are not sampling the initial sound. We are sampling the environment’s response to the sound – Echo, delay time, decay, harmonics, and so on. This Impulse Response Sample is then stored the same way an instrument sample is stored in our DAW’s reverb tool.

When we add a convolution reverb, we adjust the extent that we want the IR sample to be blended with the original audio file. The original audio file signal is not adjusted, as is the case with analog reverb. With the convolution reverb, the original audio file is ‘blended’ with the IR sample. With many convolution reverb IRs, the original sound and early reflections are much stronger than with algorithmic reverbs.

You do get a strong sense of sitting in real space rather than listening to a sound with a layer of reverb stuck on top. The trade-off is CPU usage. Convolution Reverbs use more computing power than analog reverbs.

How Do You Use Convolution Reverb?

Convolution Reverb Effects are used in different ways for different purposes.

You could use your convolution reverb plugin just to enhance your entire mix, or bring out an instrument in the mix. Like algorithmic reverb plugins, you can adjust your decay time, distance from the sound source, wet and dry mix, and so on. Now because convolution reverb VSTs work with samples, your IR sample does not have to be an acoustic environmental setting only. It can be another sound or instrument sample.

With this functionality, crafting original sound design possibilities are endless. For example; take a guitar power chord as your sound source and load a church bell sample as your IR sample. Your dry mix is your guitar, and your wet mix is your church bell. You have a new sound for a game. Play the church bell in reverse and see what happens!

Some plugins offer tons of IRs so that you can use only these that fit great with specific instruments (longer or shorter.) Let’s say that you need a long reverb to make the atmosphere – in the algorithmic unit, to affect the length of the sound; you have to change the parameters like – Size, Decay Time, Decay Rate, Space, Distance.

When Should I Use Convolution Reverb? (What it is good for?)

Convolution reverbs are great to apply on ambient acoustic sounds, like guitar pluck, which then can be used as a trigger for another sampled instrument like a synth sweep or can have a radical canyon echo. It’s also great to use a to achieve original ambient sounds, acoustic room for your main drum bus, or atmospheric pads, but also, it would find good use in the sound design.

Other than that, it’s great to use on your landscapes, textures, effects, overheats, hi-hats, but also anytime when you want to make your sounds more unique. It can also be used as a custom sound design for videos and games. With the two examples above, we would put a convulsion reverb on the instrument track.

Alternatively, we would put it on the final output track of a mix to give the whole arrangement an effect. It is unlikely and undesirable that we would put different convolution reverb effects on each track of a multi-track arrangement.

When To Use Rather Convolution Over Algorithmic Reverb?

Well, the safe answer is, it depends.

Convolutional Reverbs can be very natural because they are samples of real-life acoustic environments. The disadvantage is that they are more CPU intensive than algorithmic. So if you are busy with a multi-track mix, how important is it for all the tracks to have different convolution reverb effects when you might add a reverb onto the final output track?

Remember, with convolution reverb, we are blending two audio signals — the original instrument or voice with an IR sample.

For example, we can have three tracks:

1. A Choir
2. The Tenor Vocal Soloist
3. An Organ

We may want to, but some analog reverb onto the tenor soloist to make the voice fuller. Now we want two versions of the arrangement, one in a chapel and one in a cathedral. We would put our convolution reverb either on a bussed track or on the output track, then bounce the same arrangement performed in two different environments.

Various factors determine the quality and flexibility of the reverb:

The higher the sample rate of the IR, the more natural the effect, and the higher the CPU usage and potential latency issues. For more information on this subject, check How And When To Use Algorithmic And Convolution Reverb In Your Mix.

Best Convolution Reverb Plugins For Music Production In 2020 (Also FREE)

Convolution reverb plugins are useful for both music and audio post-production engineers. Which plugin you choose depends on your area of specialization and budget.

Here are ten options for you to choose from:

10. WizooVerb W5 Convolution Reverb

Windows

-Windows XP or higher
-VST 2.0-compatible host software with 5.1 surround support
-5.1 surround compatible audio hardware
-DVD-ROM drive for installation
-Internet connection (via any computer) for software activation

Mac

-Mac OS X 10.3.8 or higher
-5.1 surround compatible audio hardware
-DVD-ROM drive for installation
-Internet connection (via any computer) for software activation
-VST 2.0-compatible host software with 5.1 surround support

WizooVerb W5 claim to fame is full 5.1 surround sound, combining the authenticity of HDIR ( High Definition Impulse Response) impulse-based reverb with the of Wizoo’s A.I.R. algorithmic reverb.

All completely editable for creative expression. The plugin including 100 pre-made presets where you can choose from. Compatible with VST hosts as well as a stand-alone operation.

  • 5.1 Surround room emulation and creation with spatial accuracy
  • Freely combinable HDIR impulse response and A.I.R. algorithmic reverb technologies for early reflections and reverb tail
    HDIR (High Definition Impulse Response) technology with 15 models A.I.R. algorithmic technology
  • 150 user-editable categorized presets from high-end room emulations to surreal spaces imports IR audio files to access a virtually unlimited number of rooms
  • Graphic editing of imported IR files

Library content includes

Ambience, Basement, Booth, Cathedral Brick Wall, Cathedral Dome, Chamber Large, Chamber Medium, Chamber Small, Church Concrete, Church Wood, Concert Hall, Dance Club, Drum Booth, Drum Room, Forest Site, Opera, Orchestral Hall, Philharmonic Hall, Room Medium, Room Small, Scoring Stage, Stage, Studio Large, Studio Small, Swimming Pool.

9. Halls Of Fame 3 Free Edition Convolution Reverb

Free Convolution Reverb Vst

Windows

Windows 7+
VST and VST3 (32-bit and 64-bit)
AAX (64-bit, Pro Tools 11+)

Mac

Mac OS 10.9 – 10.15
AU, VST, VST3 (64-bit only)
AAX (64-bit, Pro Tools 11+)

  • Best Service has sampled the IR of 13 legendary hardware reverbs and combined them in one plugin with modern editing capability. From plate and spring to algorithmic reverbs, Halls Of Fame 3 (free edition) offers a limited, but sufficient for general use reverb variety for your production. The plugin offers several content packages of some of the most significant and popular reverbs of the last 50 years.
  • The majority of the presets were designed for use on vocals, but there are also several reverb settings that are good for use on drums, guitars, and other instruments.
  • Reviews on the internet are generally positive, and although the registration and installation process seems to have been frustrating for many uses. Many reviews express satisfaction with the end result when using Halls of Fame free edition. Considering that it is for free, Halls of Fame (free version) offers excellent value and quality results.

The library contains two presets of the following well-known reverb modules:

Digital Legends:

-Lex 96L
-Lex 96
-T600C
-Bric M7
-R 880
-QRS 2496.
-Even T 2016

Vintage Legends:

-EMT 240
-EMT 250
-Lex 224
-Lex 300
-Lex 480
-AKG BX 20

Overall features of each IR:

13 legendary reverbs with two presets each
Produced in stereo
Detailed Impulse Responses
Intuitive GUI with access to all important parameters

The majority of the presets were designed for use on vocals, but there are also several reverb settings that are suitable for use on drums, guitars, and various other instruments.

The registration and installation process seems to have been frustrating for many uses.

8. Convology XT

Windows

VST2, VST3, and AAX

Mac

AU, VST2, VST3, and AAX.

  • The free version of Convology XT includes 70 Impulse Response samples from the full version, which has 2965 IR samples. The UI provides an easy way to increase or decrease the speed of the loaded impulse response with a single control parameter.
  • UI also features all the basic and advanced controls one may need when using impulse responses. In addition, true stereo 3rd party IRs, are supported by 4-channel WAV/AIF files, stored as L, R, L->R, R->L. The Impulse Responses samples included in the freeware edition of the software sound excellent and cover a broad palette of reverb types. Most of them were sampled from vintage hardware units and boutique studio effects. Convology XT also includes some guitar amp spring reverbs.
  • Increase or decrease the speed of the loaded impulse response with a single control. The UI also features all the basic and advanced controls one may need when using impulse responses.
  • The start time of the loaded IR file, the attack and release time, decay, and pre-delay, as well as the gain and mix parameters.

  • 70 CPU efficient factory IRs
  • Easy browse IR selection
  • Loads external WAV and AIF files
  • True stereo and 3rd party IR’s support
  • 4-channel WAV/AIF files, stored as L, R, L->R, R->L.
  • Low latency and zero latency modes
  • Max IR length 2min samples
  • 192 kHz sampling rate

The 80s-90s DSP 1 Basic,
The 80s-90s DSP 2 Classic,
The 80s-90s DSP 3 Pro,
Plates, Springs Bright,
Springs Boingy,
Springs Warm,
Echo Space,
Vintage Amps,
and Vintage German DSP.

The libraries are affordably priced.

7. Ableton Convolution Reverb Pro

  • Convolution Reverb Pro is part of Ableton’s Max for Live Essentials add-on packs available for Ableton users. Ableton users are automatically entitled to Convolution Reverb Pro license if you have Max for Live entitlement
  • Fuel new creative ideas and sound design with the endless possibilities of Convolution Reverb Pro zero latency and a lush, natural sound. It also includes over 200 IR’s crafted by professional acousticians, featuring places and spaces from around the world. IR’s for rare instruments and effects, including the Stocktronics RX-4000, Uniton Swissecho 2000, Farfisa Spring Reverb, BOSS RX-100, are also included.
  • The plugin also has a utility for creating your reverb samples. The IR Measurement Tool allows for the creation of personal IRs.

Windows

7 SP1, 8 or 10+

Mac

Mac OS X 10.7 or higher Wow plugins vst.

Ableton requirements

Live version 10.0 or higher
Max for Live version 6.1.9 or higher.

6. SIR3 Convolution Reverb

First, an upgrade from Sir2 to Sir3 is available.

Should you upgrade?

Yes. If you use your Sir2 often in your productions.

Why should you consider buying or upgrading?

  • The plugin was improved in every aspect. Flexible modulation allows for the transformation of certain parts (head or tail section) of the audio in the time domain. The envelope processing was also expanded.
  • SIR3 now comes with 33 excellent HDIR samples made by Pinguin Ingenieurbüro. The models are renown for their dynamic range and their natural fidelity.CPU consumption is minimal, and latency is non-existent. For a quick overview of this amazing reverb plugin, go to the Audio Tools SIR3 website, select the “manual” tab, and go to the overview page. There you will see a graphic of the UI showing all the major functionality.

Windows

32 and 64-bit
VST, VST3, AAX

Mac

32 and 64-bit
VST, VST3, AU, AAX

Sir3, SIR, WAV, AIF, FLAC, OGG

5. MConvolutionMB

  • MConvolutionEZ is a freeware convolution reverb plugin by MeldaProduction. MConvolutionMB is the big brother and demonstrates the difference between freeware and industry depth needed to work in the music industry today.
  • MConvolutionMB integrated file manager lets you seamlessly choose between the internal IR library or your own WAV, FLAC, or MP3 files. The only limitation on the length of your IR sample is CPU. You will need to spend some time with this plugin. It will split your audio into six bands. Each band can have two IR reverbs applied with or without modulation.
  • The modulation effect can be automated by the audio dynamics.

Windows

Vista, 7, 8, 10+, (32-bit or 64-bit)
VST, VST3, AAX compatible host (32-bit or 64-bit)

MAC

macOS (10.9+ 64-bit only)
VST, VST3, AU, AAX compatible host

Linux

Not supported, but it is apparently possible to run the plugins via Wine.

4. Waves IRL, IR31, IR-360, IR-Live

Windows

Windows 10+, 64-bit
Screen Resolution: Minimum: 1024×768. Recommended: 1280×1024 / 1600×1024

Mac

OS 10.12.6 upward
Screen Resolution: Minimum: 1024×768 Recommended: 1280×1024 / 1600×1024

*USB displays are not supported as the primary display.

For the sake of the post, we’ve decided to put Waves plugins together. The Waves IR-1, IR-L, and IR-360 plugins includes high-quality IR samples of acoustical spaces and synthetic reverbs. Other than that, it allows the user to adjust many parameters of these reverbs. The Waves IR-1, IR-L, and IR-360 Convolution Reverb plug-ins have many shared features, and in this article, we will simply refer to them all as the IR-series. Short product-specific features are described under each product heading below.

The Waves IR-series are designed to fill the gap between synthetic digital reverberation and sampled convolution reverbs. They feature convolution-based reverb samples with total control of the parameters. A feature of The IR-series is that the parametric adjustments to the IR samples are calculated offline so that the CPU overhead is minimized. They are then blended with the audio. The result is that you have the natural, high-quality sound of sampled space acoustics with control to shape the sound to your needs.

The IR-series library offers a set of high-definition IR’s. Waves paid special attention and care to the IR recording part of the product development by means of a special recording setup and method. The approach delivers an exceptional signal-to-noise ratio, very low harmonic distortion, and wide frequency bandwidth (20Hz-32kHz). The resulting IRs offer optimal sonic depth and dimension. This methodology for taking acoustical IR measurements was developed by Waves in collaboration with Professor Angelo Farina of the University of Parma in Italy.

More Info

Impulse responses samples were recorded in world-famous buildings, concert halls, auditoriums, and studios. IR1 has the ability to manipulate the acoustic environment in a very real way that can take your recordings “out there’ literally. IR1 comes with over 100 spaces and places.

It lets you capture the sonic characteristics of your favorite rooms and hardware, and shape the reverbs with precision. Everybody wants to play the big rooms. With the IR1, you’re there.

IR360

More Info

IR 360 is IR1, with 5.1 surround.

All major motion pictures with 5.1 Surround sound requires spatial simulation that makes for a believable experience. Only the accuracy and complete control of convolution reverb audio manipulation will do it. That is why top sound engineers use Waves IR360. This fantastic audio processor delivers the impact of surround sound using the cutting-edge science of IR convolution technology.

IR-L

More Info

The IR-L is essentially an IR-1 with fewer controls and adjustment options
Do you need to recreate the authentic sound of actual acoustic spaces? Then there is no alternative to the realism and flexibility of the IR-L.

IR-Live

More Info

Waves IR-Live is a convolution reverb designed for the dynamic environment of live performances where the sound engineer needs quick and quick results with easy access to mission-critical controls. IR-Live includes presets by leading Front-of-House engineers, providing the go-to reverb sounds they’ve developed over their years of professional experience. Fully compatible with the Waves IR1 impulse response library, IR-Live brings the world’s most fabulous venues and hardware straight to you, all with real-time, low-latency performance.

3. Fog Convolver

  • Convolver is a convolution reverb processor built on an impulse response engine and library with 254 presets and 254 IRs
  • True Stereo Mode
  • Lightweight real-time Convolution Engine
  • Impulse Response Export (drag to DAW, export to WAV)
  • Preset Browser with customizable categories and tags
  • Add reverberation, create custom sound design, and apply an acoustic impulse sample captured from audio equipment.
  • The factory bank features Impulse responses made from spaces, analog and digital equipment, speakers, organic sources, and more.

Potential buyers just need to be aware that it doesn’t offer (or claim to provide) the usual convolution staple of high-end reverb, for that, you’ll need to import your own IRs.

Windows

XP SP2, 7, 8, 10+
32 and 64 bit
VST2 or AAX
Requires 170 MB

Mac

OS X 10.7 – macOS 10.13
VST2, AU, or AAX
32-bit and 64-bit host
Requires 190 MB

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2. Reverberate 2

  • Quite a technical UI with two IR processors
  • A feature in Reverberate 2 that sets it apart from all others is the Fusion option. Generally, we get a realistic audio acoustic snapshot, but they are ‘frozen in time’ samples. In real spaces, moving air, audiences, and other factors introduce constant variation in characteristics. Algorithmic reverbs can introduce modulation to mimic these variations. But modulating the characteristics of an IR is very processor-intensive working in real-time. Liquidsonics addresses this issue with an IR format that contains multiple IR snapshots in a single IR file.
  • Introducing Fusion-IR – Fusion-IR sample process captures the evolving character of time-varying reverbs using multiple true-stereo reverb streams.

Windows

Windows XP or higher

Mac

Mac 10.7 or higher
VST 2.4, AU, AAX
32-bit or 64-bit DAWs
500 MB disk space
Fusion-IRs require up to 20 GB

1. Altiverb 7 Regular

  • Quality IR samples of real spaces from Sydney Opera House to the cockpit of a Jumbo Jet. Altiverb 7 is more CPU efficient than some Convolution Reverb Plug-ins receive regular new IR sample updates at no extra cost.
  • The IR library is arranged into categories, and there is a visual representation of the space you are working with. The categories are:
  • Music Space – famous concert halls, auditoriums, and studios
  • Experimental – e.g., hand clap as a chord
  • Stage Positioning – speakers and mic’s positions
  • Gates and Delays – synced to the project tempo
  • Brightness and Chaos – synthetic reverb and modulation on top of IR.

There are two versions of Altiverb:

Altiverb Regular

Stereo input and output
96 kHz sampling rates
Windows – AAX Native, VST.
Mac OS X – AAX Native, AU, MAS, VST, RTAS.

Stereo and 5.1 surround input and output
Up to 384 kHz sampling rates
TDM plug-in for Pro Tools HD 10, 9, 8
Windows – AAX Native, VST,RTAS.
Mac OS X – AAX Native, AU, MAS, VST, RTAS,TDM.

If you intend to use a convolution reverb as a primary tool in your workflow, Altiverb it’s well worth the investment. Altiverb with the regular updates gives the most extensive selection of IR’s and effects. This plugin delivers much cheaper, conventional reverbs, producing long reverb tails in huge spaces and sounds very realistic. It has warmth, excellent transparency, and separation, and the reverb tail flow out of the original recording does not give the impression of being superimposed or stuck in the end.

Drum kit and percussion tracks sound tremendous played through some of the shorter IRs. It is the way the original recording blends with the applied acoustic IR that makes the final result so realistic. Choral arrangements placed in various churches are transformed into the real thing.

After using Altiverb, you will struggle to go back to using conventional digital reverb tools.

Conclusion

The free options such as Convology XT and MConvolutionEZ are great when starting with convolution reverb effects. You will likely need to move onto larger IR libraries and more control as you become more proficient and your deliverables more demanding. Low budget and occasional use convolution reverb option, Waves’ IR1 could definitely suffice. Reverberate 2 offers some unique features and more in-depth control than many other plugins in that price range. For more information about Reverb, feel free to check this post on How to Use Reverb In Your Mix.

You may face several scenarios while mixing and mastering which may include the use of an equalizer, having a transparent display to analyze what you are adding or subtracting with the EQ, multiple EQ bands, and proper CPU usage is what to look for in an EQ.

But with that said every piece of software and hardware alike creates and outputs a slightly different sound meaning they all have unique timbres and uses. Alongside that, there are some rather expensive plugins we may see online, which aren’t out of our reaches but we don’t know what we need until we need it right? Well, this is why its best to try some free EQ’s first to see what it is you like within an EQ and what it maybe you are looking for.

We become ever so comfortable with our stock plugins, they do the simple tasks for us (sometimes), they don’t run our computer into the ground, and they for sure are pretty basic. Well, this is the issue most people come to, they want a better EQ, or they want a change of visuals.

EQ History – ‘The first EQ was first used by John Volkman working at RCA in the 1920s”

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  1. DDMF Colour EQ info & download
  2. SPL Free Ranger info & download
  3. Analog Obsession STEQ v2 info & download
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More Info & Download

Specifications:

  • 64-bit processing
  • Low-CPU Usage
  • Customizable GUI
  • Great warm sound
  • 5 Bands
  • Resizable Window

Features & When To Use:

Colour EQ is a 64-bit EQ plugin that offers 5 ”super parametric” bands to manipulate the frequency range. This is exceedingly handy when wanting to use more than one band in one instance; the intuitive gain knobs on the five bands allow for perfect mixing of these bands when mixing and mastering.

Using the two different types of curves, Colour EQ offers a warm sound that you just wouldn’t get from your stock EQ.

Having a bright visual display helps you to craft and mould your bands to preference.

A great way to use this plugin is when you are not getting enough warmth in your low, mid/mids, Colour EQ will add a great sense of warmth throughout the selected bands. Another cool way to use this plugin is to use two different setups with two different curve types; you can use modified versions of the EQ for selected times in your mixdowns to add the feeling of a change in energy in a breakdown or drop.

Colour EQ is a great tool to have in your arsenal for mixing and mastering, plus you may find many uses in your day-to-day production.

Compatibility:

Windows VST (32/64 bit), Windows/Mac RTAS, and Mac VST/AU format (Intel, OSX 10.5 and higher)

More Info & Download

Specifications:

  • Four useful bands
  • Volume knob
  • Great sound
  • Four buttons to switch between EQ settings

Features & When To Use:

With a sleek, minimalistic design Free Ranger is a powerful EQ.

With a mid-band (150Hz – 7kHz), fixed high (10kHz), low shelf (80Hz) SPL have kept things very simple so anyone can EQ with ease.

Free Ranger gives the feel of the world-renowned API 560 EQ but offers this all for free!

Free Ranger is a bodybuilder for your sounds while mixing and a gentle touch when mastering, this plugin makes EQing fun, quick and easy.

You may find yourself using the four different EQ settings and incorporate them into your mixdowns. Using them to create different feels and vibes can give your masters that final touch you’ve been looking for.

This is a must-have!

Compatibility:

macOS 10.9 through 10.15, Windows 7-10

More Info & Download

Specifications:

  • mid-band (150Hz – 7kHz)
  • fixed high (10kHz)
  • low shelf (80Hz)
  • Optical compressor knob
  • Added preamp

Features & When To Use:

Simplicity is key with EQ work in the mix or master, and this plugin keeps that in mind through and through.

With a very easy to use GUI STEQ 2 has a powerful but simple way of delivering a small form factor EQ to your DAW.

This EQ gives off old school retro vibe, precise, clean, and adds a lot of detail to the mid-range.

STEQ 2 is excellent for tonal rebalancing due to the broadness of the three bands creating a pure blend between the frequency ranges.

Using this to add punch to claps and snares is also a good use. But be careful when adding to full bus groups.

This EQ from Analog Obsession is an excellent tool to keep at your disposal when thinking about doing some tasks during your mix, or why not change up those stock plugins for free.

Compatibility

WiN, OSX AU VST, VST3

More Info & Download

Specifications:

Great for:

  • Parametric equalization
  • Dynamic equalization
  • Frequency selective compression
  • Multi-band compression
  • Wideband compression
  • Features & When To Use:

    Nova is a parallel dynamic EQ; each band has a dedicated, dynamic section giving the user full flexibility.

    Giving the option to drag and move bands in the visual GUI individually or group, this provides a natural form factor way to get results.

    Using the multiband compression built into Nova your be able to manipulate your EQ even further, this will be displayed in the visual GUI with real-time feedback of the compression process. (subtly decrease the threshold to hear the difference)

    In mix and mastering, you can use Nova to visually see where you may have audio issues to fix and makes it very easy to apply these changes with the drag and change feature.

    The dynamic EQ is a handy tool to have in practice when mixing down full compositions – use it to bring down or up frequencies only when they reach a specific volume.

    Nova is a heavyweight EQ with a lot under the hood all for free!

    Compatibility:

    Win XP SP2 or above, Mac OS X 10.7 or above.

    More Info & Download

    Specifications:

    • Low CPU & RAM
    • Fast and highly configurable
    • Portable – copy & run
    • Resizeable GUI

    Features & When To Use:

    ReaEQ may look basic, but under the hood, there is a lot to offer.

    Being able to have as many bands as you wish is a massive bonus, you also have the ability to change all of these bands to one of the following (shelves, bands, LPF, HPF, notch, bandpass, allpass).

    With a stripped-back GUI, it keeps you focused on the task at hand, not over complicating things but giving you the power of an audio god at your fingertips.

    With a tremendous real-time visual display, this gives you the eyes and ear focus that you need when EQ in the mix.

    Phasing is a big issue when mixing, ReaEQ gives you a ‘Show Phase’ button which will show you in your display what frequencies are being affected by the band.

    When mastering you may wish to keep all bands in one EQ patch, with ReaEQ you can do this.

    Stripped back and powerful ReaEQ is a favorite among many producers across a wide range of genres.

    Compatibility:

    WIN 32, WIN 64

    More Info & Download

    Specifications:

    • Semi-parametric EQ
    • +/- 40dB Range per band
    • MIDI control and automation support
    • Real-time display
    • All sample rates supported

    Features & When To Use:

    The Triple EQ is a three-band semi-parametric equaliser.

    With a simple and easy to read visual display of the frequencies in real-time, you will have a clear display of the EQ in front of your eyes.

    Alongside the huge +/- 40 dB range, Triple EQ has a bandwidth of .01 to 5 Octaves!

    An exciting feature with Triple EQ is that you can link two bands together using the ‘Link Channels’ feature. This will allow you to use them in unison; combine this with the automaton support to create quick and easy modulation. This is a great way to change an EQ while in the mix with complex automation.

    Using the linking feature to create movement and progression within your mixdowns makes Triple EQ a threat.

    Fully customisable shapes make this a different tool when deep in the mix or master, you will find many uses for the dynamic bands you can create—having dynamic bands that you are able to manipulate helps when visually your EQ and how it may affect the whole frequency range.

    Check this one out for a small form factor powerful EQ!

    Compatibility:

    Windows 7 to 10, Mac OS 10.7 or newer.

    Find mac address download free.

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    • Difference Between Active EQ, Passive EQ and Dynamic EQ

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    Specifications:

    • Low & High Band – Shelf
    • Mid Band – Proportional Q Peak
    • HP & LP Filter – Constant
    • Low CPU usage

    Features & When To Use:

    We have another FREE plugin from Analog Obsession!

    This time is bringing you Merica an emulation of the API 550A console equaliser.

    A simple three-band EQ delivers a lot of power to your mixes and masters. Selectively choose which frequency your band boosts or cuts with the option to the right of the knobs.

    All bands kept simple and easy to get to grips with.

    Meica also has a nifty and very much needed output knob, there will be no issues with clipping in the digital domain when mastering with this plugin.

    A larger than appearing sound Merica is an excellent EQ plugin to use when in the mixdowns and masters.

    Given that the EQ it emulates is an industry-standard plugin this small form, powerful, easy to use, and was coded by one man! Merica is a must grab for all audio creatives looking to upgrade their stock EQ plugins.

    Compatibility:

    VST Win, VST3 Win, VST Mac, VST3 Mac, AU Mac

    More Info & Download

    Specifications:

    • Four bands (20 Hz to 20 kHz)
    • Small form factor (ability to make larger if wanted)
    • High & Low cuts range is 6 and 48 dB/octave
    • Included frequency analyser

    Features & When To Use:

    TinyQ is a small form factor EQ.

    Giving the user a stripped-back interface TinyQ offers a solution to a simple job.

    Having too many settings can become overwhelming; TinyQ does what it says on the tin and doesn’t make your job any harder.

    Keeping things simple when mixing down whole groups is essential – finding yourself using CPU heavy EQ, or a stock plugin just might not cut it for you. TinyEQ is excellent for doing those necessary but straightforward EQ tasks!

    With the recent addition of built-in frequency analyzer, it makes EQ even easier when getting stuck into your mixes or masters.

    Create awesome sounding band curves.

    Great emphasis on keeping things simple goes a long way with TinyQ; the team has made a great EQ that does everything it needs to in one small package. With four bands plus high pass/low pass filters, you won’t be looking any further for your day to day EQ needs.

    Compatibility:

    Windows 7 or later, macOS 10.7 or later (both 64 bit)

    More Info & Download

    • Three-band Equalizer, Low, Mid, High.
    • 2 Musical Filters, High-Pass Low-Pass.
    • Preamp stage with a bass booster.
    • 64-bit floating-point precision.
    • Up to 192kHz sample rates supported.

    Features & When To Use:

    SonEQ has 3 bands, low (20 Hz – 100 Hz), mid (150 Hz – 4 kHz), high (6 kHz – 15 kHz). Combined with a high pass and low pass filter, plus a ‘Mid-high Q’ this means when it’s on your band its narrow and when deactivated will cause it to be wider. This indicated by the red light.

    Giving the user a lot of ways to EQ but keeping things user-friendly is what SonEQ does best.

    Having the volume meter is very hand when mixing with any EQ, it gives the visual display of when things are getting a bit heated for your output.

    SonEQ also gives you the full control of your input and output levels. This comes in handy when you are mixing your tracks with heavy effects, causing the overall levels to become louder than 0.0dB; this is where adjusting both the input and output parameters will solve the issue.

    With this plugin being free for all to use we don’t see any reason why this shouldn’t be ready to deploy at the click of a finger, whether it’s beefing up the mix with the built-in bass boost preamp staging or adding a touch of colour to the highs this plugin has you covered.

    Compatibility:

    Mac OSX 10.6 or newer – Windows XP or newer

    More Info & Download

    Specifications:

    • Three equalisation modules
    • Stereo/Mono switching
    • Four different tube types
    • Global input/output level control

    Features & When To Use:

    PTEq-X is a digital emulation of three famous vintage EQ.

    Equipped with three EQ modules comprised of mid-range (2kHZ – 7 kHz), low-frequency (20Hz – 150Hz), high-frequency (3kHz – 16kHz).

    Using the mid-range module, you can use the low, mid parameter (top left) to effect the lower mid frequencies. Alternatively use the high mid setting (top right) to cause-effect to these frequencies.

    Moving down the EQ, we have our second module, which is PEQ1A EQ (Low & High). This comes with a bunch of parameters to mould your EQ patches perfectly to your source.

    Finally, this is all topped off with the HL3C module; this is a low-cut accompanied by a high-cut.

    You can also use the ‘Oversampling’ feature to reduce aliasing.

    Use the “Tube” switch to apply or deactivate the tube amp.

    Using the input and output levels will give you the ability to control any nasty peaks brought in or out of the EQ.

    PTEq-X is a combination of some of the best analogue EQ’s to exist, plus its FREE!! We recommend this one for a great addition to your EQ arsenal.

    Compatibility:

    Windows 7 – 10 32 and 64 bit. OS X 10.7 64 bit

    More Info & Download

    Specifications:

    • 6 Band mid-range EQ
    • Presets built-in
    • Algorithms based on famous analogue gear
    • Designed for mixing and mastering

    Features & When To Use:

    Pushtec 5+1A is a versatile mid-range program EQ that has mixing and mastering at its heart.

    This plugin offers six bands, all offering a fantastic sounding boost through all parameters.

    A vast selection of plugins makes it easy for users to start with something super effective and tweak to their liking.

    “B/W” stands for bandwidth, this allows you to tweak the selected band and adjust to your preference.

    A friendly and straightforward GUI keeps this EQ a smaller form factor but with a lot of power. Being designed for mixing and mastering be assured that this plugin delivers best when applied to a whole group or a master channel.

    Giving instant sparkle to a mix or a very much needed bass boost this FREE plugin has you covered!

    Compatibility:

    Win 7 or higher only

    More Info & Download

    Specifications:

    • 12 bands
    • peak, shelf and cut filter
    • Cut filters (12, 24 and 48 dB/oct steepness)
    • Stereo/Left/Right/Mid/Side routing for each band
    • A global gain for loudness adjustments
    • Resizable GUI

    Features & When To Use:

    QRange is a very straight forward, user friendly, and effective EQ for mixing and mastering.

    Giving the user an intuitive click and drag feature makes EQ work easy and more controllable.

    With a choice of twelve bands, there is excellent room for doing additive plus subtractive EQ all in one plugin patch. Each band has. Selection of up to five different types (peak, low-shelf, high-shelf, low cut, and high cut).

    Built into the frequency spectrum, you have the power to change it to pre or post. ‘Pre’ will let you see what the frequency range looks likes before the EQ is applied, whereas ‘Post’ will allow you to see it after the EQ has taken effect.

    Offering the ability to users to save and load their own presets makes it easy to bring back some of your favourite patches while working on a mix or master.

    It has to be said lkjb QRange is a must-have FREE EQ plugin.

    Compatibility:

    Win 7 or higher, macOS 10.7 or higher

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    Specifications:

    • Semiparametric EQ layout
    • Three bands combined with 18dB/Oct high-pass filter
    • Four EQ models: “American”, “British”, “German” and “Soviet” with optional non-linearity
    • Five output stages: “Linear”, “Silky”, “Mellow”, “Deep” and “Toasted”
    • Saturation algorithms by VoS (“Stateful saturation”)

    Features & When To Use:

    TDR’s Slick EQ provides a recognizable analogue sound.

    Using three bands that bring together four different EQ models.

    Both low and high bands are coupled with a cut and bell feature allowing for comfortable band changing.

    Auto gain estimates the gain change caused by the current EQ settings; this makes it great to compare your EQ setting during the mix. There is also an ‘EQ Sat’ button; this will activate the saturator which is very intelligently paired to your EQ bands. This will add harmonics when boosting and remain passive when cutting.

    Being able to save your favourite EQ settings for a later mix or master can be done within the plugin. Coupled with a undo/redo button you never miss that sweet spot for your bands, alternatively set up two different EQs with the A/B switch.

    Slick EQ gives a very stripped back interface meaning you don’t get caught up with the visuals when doing equalising, providing a focus on what your hearing. This EQ shouldn’t be overlooked, with great coding, algorithms, settings, and excellent sounding types SlickEQ delivers more than you would expect from a FREE plugin.

    Compatibility:

    Win 32 bit VST2, VST3, Win 64bit VST2, VST3, AAX
    Mac VST2, VST3, AU, AAX 64 bit

    More Info & Download

    Specifications:

    • Seven band EQ
    • Highpass/lowpass
    • Stereo/mono options
    • Left/right options
    • Output level

    Features & When To Use:

    Manda Audio brings us 7Q.

    7Q is an emulation of the beloved ‘Classic EQ’ which became discontinued, the team came together and brought the community back a redesigned version.

    7Q takes off all the fancy parts and gives you the bare basics; this is what gives this a place on our list. With 7Q giving you the ability to apply your EQ to the left or right or both channels, you can independently EQ both sides of the stereo field.

    Each band can be additive or subtractive. Keeping easy to use format is what this plugin does best; it doesn’t over-complicate the task at hand but assists your needs along the way wether mix or master.

    Low memory and CPU usage make it easy to have multiple instances in your projects without having your computer meltdown.

    7Q is a nifty EQ that is awesome for giving your sounds a little crisp boost before running into your other plugins within the chain.

    Compatibility:

    Win VST 32/64 bit, AAX 32/64 bit
    Mac VST, AU, AAX

    More Info & Download

    Specifications:

    • HP: 10hz – 1khz / sweepable Q
    • Low Shelf: 30hz – 500hz
    • Low Mid: 70hz – 2khz / sweepable Q
    • High Mid: 500hz – 6k / sweepable Q
    • High Shelf: 1.5k – 18k
    • Phase switch
    • Output level
    • 64-bit internal processing
    • Formats: 64bit VST, VST3, AU and AAX
    • Version: 3.2
    • Legacy 32bit installers

    Features & When To Use:

    EQ1A is a FREE analog-style EQ with a clever algorithm giving you minimal phase coloration.

    This plugin has initially been paid to use the plugin, but the developers have decided to give it to us all for FREE!

    EQ1A allows you to use broad bands to shape your sounds or outputs in a clean, crisp and phase-corrected way.

    Being able to save you presets within the plugin makes it very easy to pull back that EQ you made on the last mix. 4-band parametric equalizer with an additional HP filter with variable resonance gives a wide range of settings to play with while keeping everything simple and user friendly.

    EQ1A does what it says on the tin for FREE!

    Using this within mixing or mastering may help you when wanting to add a hefty highpass or when looking to give some warmth to your mid ranges.

    It has to be said with a great look, and low CPU usage EQ1A is an excellent addition to your plugins.

    Compatibility:

    Win, Mac

    More Info & Download

    Specifications:

    • 16-band graphic equalizing
    • +/- 12 dB gain range per band
    • Channel grouping
    • Preset manager
    • Contextual hint messages
    • Freehand drawing mode
    • Stereo and multi-channel processing
    • Mid/side processing
    • Undo/redo history
    • All sample rates support
    • Linear-phase equalizing
    • Internal channel routing
    • 64-bit floating-point processing

    Features & When To Use:

    Voxengo is notorious for doing some excellent free plugins.

    This addition is the Marvel GEQ, which is a fifteen band linear phase EQ.

    There is a routing tab that allows you to affect the signals mid/sides independently. (orange slides)

    Convolution Reverb Vst Free

    Also giving full independence to the mid/side output level, becoming very useful when mixing and mastering.

    Bypass feature makes it simple to hear what your EQ is doing to your sound source. Alternatively, decide between two EQ setups with the A/B mode.

    For quick EQ drawing, you can hold ‘Ctrl or Cmd’ and click across the EQ drawing in your fader settings with the click of a mouse.

    Having a stripped back form factor with enough controls to complement your mixing tasks this plugin has to be our list today.

    Convolution Reverb Impulses Free

    Compatibility:

    VST Win, VST3 Win, VST Mac, VST3 Mac, AU Mac

    More Info & Download

    Specifications:

    • Three-band EQ
    • High, mid, low
    • Presets tab
    • Output level
    • Very simple to use

    Features & When To Use:

    BASIQ is a three-band EQ.

    It keeps in mind that EQ work for mixing and mastering doesn’t have to be a headache or over complicated.

    BASIQ is a design similar to the classic ‘Baxandall Equalizer’ which is knowns for its natural-sounding shelves and HiFi quality responses.

    Adding a smooth, gradual shimmer or warmth instead of a surgical sharpness is what BASIQ does best. Use on groups or a master chain to subtly but significantly add character with the turn of a knob.

    With some added presets you be able to get a quick change in tone with the click of a button.

    The small form factor makes this BASIQ a powerful tool to be used within the mix or master.

    Compatibility:

    Win, Mac, VST, AU, 64 bit

    With all of that said, grabbing all 17 plugins wouldn’t do you any harm, but we want to break down our top 3 picks!

    In our top spot, we have Colour EQ by DDMF.

    This plugin brings so many features that you would expect from pay to use plugins but all for FREE! Another fresh point is that the curves you can create with this cannot be done on other EQ plugins, giving Colour EQ a versatile approach.

    Low-CPU – Usage Customisable GUI – Great warm sound – 5 Bands

    Coming in second is Nova by TDR.

    Parametric, dynamic EQ, and multiband compression are all built into an excellent looking FREE plugin.

    Nova has a built-in dynamic EQ parameter when mixing, and mastering using a dynamic EQ is crucial sometimes. Having this all in one plugin for free is hugely commendable to the team who developed this plugin!

    Convolution Reverb Free Vst

    Parametric equalization – Dynamic equalization – Frequency selective compression – Multi-band compression – Wideband compression

    And finally, our last top pick is ‘Triple’ by Blue Cat.

    This awesome plugin has so many features you just wouldn’t expect a FREE plugin to have.

    With a fresh interface and drag and click feature to make EQing even more natural Triple is a powerful EQ.

    Semi-parametric EQ – +/- 40dB Range per band – MIDI control and automation support – Real-time display

    Today we have covered a lot of great FREE EQs for mixing and mastering. Amazingly, we have developers putting out all of these plugins for producers/sound engineers to level out the playing field. As we have all seen these ‘not to name’ brands releasing rather expensive EQs that we just can’t fork out for, but with the way, music has progressed today in the digital domain it has become much more accessible for creatives to share their ideas and effects for free.

    With that said, they all have their benefits and downsides, but with them all being free, there is no reason you can’t pick them up and use these in your mixes or masters today!