EQ is one of the key tools in a mix engineer’s toolbox. Whether it is a dedicated outboard unit, built inline into a console’s channel, or a plug-in, EQ can be the first tool we reach for when our tracks are in need of some TLC in the tone and timbre department.
Here at Production Expert we’ve had the privilege of testing many and varied EQs ranging from simple one knob style EQ plug-ins through to complex outboard EQs, all of which are tools worth checking out. If you are in the market for a new EQ, whether it is hardware or software, then check out our test and reviews of some great EQ tools you can buy today for you studio…
In this on-test article, Julian Rodgers tries this innovative AI driven EQ, designed to guide the user without taking away control. Is this equaliser FAST or not?
In this exclusive first look video we show you a selection of new features in FabFilter Pro-Q 3 including dynamic EQ, brick wall filter slopes, per band m/s, invert gain, tilt slope, Q-gain interaction and the new analyzer which displays the full EQ spectrum from other Pro-Q 3 instances in your sessions.
UnderToneAudio’s MPEQ-1 channel strip features a Swiss Army Knife style 4 band parametric EQ section and glorious sounding mic pre. In this test we provide you an up close and personal overview of the device supported by some uninterrupted audio examples of this comprehensive outboard EQ in action.
In this video for Production Expert, Technical Editor James Ivey takes a look at the Neve 8803 Dual Channel Equaliser. The 8803 is a hand-wired unit built in the companies UK factory based on the EQ section of the Neve 88RS console. James puts it to work on Bass, Acoustic Guitars, Vocals and a full stereo mix to see what the 8803 EQ has to offer.
T-Racks 5 is the latest version of IK Multimedia's popular plug-in suite. It features a wealth of great sounding EQs, dynamics and effects. The latest version of T-Racks 5 debuted a new standalone mastering application along with four new modules. We take a look at Master Match, which automatically matches the sound of the songs you are mastering with up to three source tracks used as reference tracks, it's very good.
In this video review for Production Expert, Pro Tools Expert Technical Editor James Ivey takes a look at the new Neve 1073DPX two-channel mic preamp with EQ.
In this review Julian Rodgers takes a look at the RZ062 equaliser plug-in. A model of a vintage European valve equaliser which is particularly well suited to use of busses and for mastering.
In this video review for Production Expert, Technical Editor James Ivey takes a look at the new Chroma 500 series mic pre/line preamp. The Chroma offers the same A & N modes of mojo mic pre circuit found on its big brother the Silver Bullet but adds the ability to add your own flavour of tone shaping with a "Colour" module.
In this review, we take a look at Smart:EQ Live, Sonbiles latest A.I. EQ plug-in. Developed predominately for live music applications, we test its capabilities in DAW music mixing applications.
The Magnum-K is a single channel (mono) 1u dynamics rack unit that features two types of compressors and one Maag EQ2 section.
In part 2 of this video review for Pro Tools Expert, Technical Editor James Ivey looks at the Silver Bullet by Louder Than Liftoff in Mix mode. James uses the A and N tone blending circuits on a Drum buss, bass and full rhythm section mix to demonstrate the power of this stunning 2U rack unit. James also awards the Silver Bullet Pro Tools Expert Editors Choice for its originality and amazing tone shaping abilities.
In this video for Pro Tools Expert, Technical Editor James Ivey takes a look at the Silver Bullet by Louder Than Liftoff. In this part 1 of 2, James takes us around the unit, explaining the 4 different modes of operation and uses the Silver Bullet in Tracking and Mic Pre mode to show off the Silver Bullets powerful tone blending capabilities.
In this video review, Pro Tools Expert Team Member Julian Rodgers tries the new Sonnox Dynamic EQ. Using a vocal from "Floodlights" by Corinna Jane, he uses the Dynamic EQ to tame harsh upper mids and control stray plosives.
In this review for Production Expert, Pro Tools Expert Technical Editor James Ivey talks a look at the new McDSP 6034 Ultimate Multi-Band Compressor.
In this video for Pro Tools Expert, Technical Editor James Ivey takes a look at the new Virtual Tube Collection (VTC) by Slate Digital. Steven at the team at Slate have collected together some of the finest valve (Tube) gear and worked there magic to create 3 very subtle but very useful additions to the Slate Virtual Mix Rack (VMR) family.
Blue Cat's MB-7 plug-in is similar to Blue Cat's Patchwork plug-in as both host AU and VST plug-ins for use in Pro Tools. The MB-7 is different as it features extended mixer controls.
In this video review, Pro Tools Expert Deputy Editor Dan Cooper takes a look at frei:raum By Sonible. Frei:raum is an innovative EQ plug-in consisting three main tools called Entropy, Smart EQ & Proximity EQ that intelligently shapes audio fast. This is a review of the bundle with these three EQ units - Each unit can be purchased separately.
Transgressor features independent EQs for transient and sustain, giving users the ability to quickly focus drum hits such as kick drums and toms in a mix.
In this extended review video for Pro Tools Expert, Technical Editor James Ivey takes a look at the EQ designed specifically for drums, DF-Q by Drumforge.
Watch the video to see how the trademark Surf feature works and to hear how Surfer EQ2 can attenuate the low-end energy below the fundamental notes sung by a female using a combination of the Surf feature and the new dynamics processing.
In this exclusive video review Pro Tools Expert team member Dan Cooper takes a look at a new mixing plug-in by iZotope - Neutron.
In this video review Pro Tools Expert team member Dan Cooper takes a look at the Trident A-Range EQ plug-in by Softube.
In this video review/overview Pro Tools Expert team member Dan Cooper takes a look at the eight extra AIR plug-ins found in the AIR Creative FX Collection Plus bundle.
In this review Paul Drew checks out the British Class A emulation for Softube Console One and awards it Editors Choice.
Russ takes a look at the McDSP Ultimate Channel Strip Plugin.
In this video review Pro Tools Expert team member Dan Cooper takes a look at The Boz Digital Mixing Bundle, an exclusive bundle only available from our friends at Plugin Boutique.