Beef up your production toolkit with these excellent dynamic EQ plugins. Here's why you should - and how to get some of them for free.
Dynamic EQs are phenomenal. I use them all the time for precision mixing. They are for when the hard, static filter cuts and boosts won’t suffice. I’ve been fortunate enough to have had hands-on experience with many high quality EQs with some sort of dynamic capability or another over the years, so I wanted to share with you my favorites. Don’t worry if some of the bigger names aren’t in the budget right now, I have two free ones for you as well! Here’s my run-down of some of my favorite Dynamic EQs and a little bit about each of them.
Fruity Parametric EQ 2 band control points. These seven points can be moved up, down, left, or right anywhere in the spectrum. They control the shape of Fruity Parametric EQ 2’s frequency response curve. Left to right controls the frequency of the band, and up to down controls the gain of the band. Fl studio sells its tools as standalone vsts in a package called juice pack. It includes the Parametric EQ 2, as well as a bunch of other tools from FL. It's $99 which isn't that bad compared to some vsts. Definitely give that a look.
What Is A Dynamic EQ?
First, we should talk a little bit about EQs, compressors and dynamic EQs. If you already know about these concepts, feel free to skip ahead. An EQ filter is generally static. It boosts, cuts and shapes incoming frequencies in a linear fashion. A compressor is non-linear. It “reacts” to incoming signals to boost, attenuate and shape sounds being fed through it dynamically.
A dynamic EQ takes the best of both worlds and combines them in one place. An EQ that cuts, boosts, or shapes the sound depending on what is being fed into it. So instead of just a frequency node, gain, Q, and filter types we have additional tools like threshold, attack and release which can drive those EQ parameters. They react to internal or external sources.
Internal mode listens to the sound source itself; de-essing is a common application for this as an example. External mode listens to a different sound source and makes cuts or boosts the audio. Alright? Now that we have basics out of the way, let’s check out some great dynamic EQs.
Neutron 2 by iZotope
Neutron 2 is pretty much the crème-de-la-crème of Dynamic EQs. It has incredible precision and many years of world-class algorithms developed by iZotope behind it. You have the ability to turn on Dynamic Mode for any of the 12 filters and either increase or reduce the gain of the filter node. That reaction is dictated by either an internal or external sidechain audio source. Not only that, but Neutron 2 has a number of different band presets for the sidechain options making things even more precise. Add to that the “Learn” and “Masking” features which will actually show you where you might want to pay attention to and place your filter nodes and you have a truly first-class Dynamic EQ.
Web: https://www.izotope.com/en/products/mix/neutron/features-and-comparison/equalizer.html
SurferEQ 2 by Sound Radix
SurferEQ 2 is a different type of dynamic EQ than that in Neutron 2’s EQ when set up for external sidechaining. Surfer EQ, instead of responding to gain values, responds to pitch. That means the filter nodes follow the incoming pitch of a signal instead of the volume. It’s awesome. You can turn on the “Surf” function to follow the incoming audio’s pitch and you can choose which harmonic too. There are 5 main filters which can cover all the main harmonics (3, 5 ,7, 9) and the fundamental. This makes SurferEQ 2 great for precision when you are mixing similar sounds and want one to always stand out.
You have global controls for the pitch tolerance, pitch threshold, “surf time” which is how long the filter takes to move to the new pitch, as well as attack and recovery times. The filter’s gain value is more-or-less static though unless you enable GTE mode, which will use a gate, so the filter will only be active when the threshold is crossed giving you even further control.
For example, when I use the SurferEQ to carve space out of a pad for a vocal. Turning on the GTE mode and setting a good threshold means that the filter node won’t be active if there is no vocal which will let the pad remain completely full and unaltered. I only recently found out about this gem, but I’m really excited I did!
Web: https://www.soundradix.com/products/surfer-eq/
Trackspacer by Wavesfactory
I’ve been raving about this plugin for the two years I’ve known about it. It just does such a great job so quickly that it’s a must-have for all music producers! Also, the price tag isn’t too bad. Trackspacer has a 32-band dynamic EQ behind the scenes. Once you set up the sidechain you can instantly and easily carve out room for anything in the sonic spectrum. Each band reacts independently making for decently precise sound carving. You don’t have as much control of each one of those bands as you might in SurferEQ and Neutron but if you are looking for a quick and clean job, Trackspacer has you covered.
Web: https://www.wavesfactory.com/trackspacer/
Ableton Live & Max Dynamic EQ by Joshua Casper (FREE)
I actually wrote a long tutorial on how to build your own dynamic EQ in Ableton Live using Max and Live’s devices here on Ask.Audio a while back.
You should check it out. You can follow along with the tutorial or download the completed Effect Rack for free. It only has 4 bands, but it does the trick. Plus, there’s the extra bonus of following along with the tutorial to learn more than a few things about dynamic EQs, Live and Max along the way.
You should check it out. You can follow along with the tutorial or download the completed Effect Rack for free. It only has 4 bands, but it does the trick. Plus, there’s the extra bonus of following along with the tutorial to learn more than a few things about dynamic EQs, Live and Max along the way.
Web: https://ask.audio/articles/how-to-build-a-dynamic-eq-inside-ableton-live
NOVA by Tokyo Dawn Records (Free)
This is a completely free Dynamic EQ VST and works wonders. Many people swear by it. So if you don’t have the cash and want to see what the Dynamic EQ fuss is about, this is the right option for you. The free version is the younger sibling of a much more parameter-packed bigger EQ, but it still has the Dynamic EQ part and a boat load of other goodies; Parametric equalization, Dynamic equalization, Frequency selective compression, Multi-band compression, and Wideband compression to name a few.
Web: https://www.tokyodawn.net/tdr-nova/
Disclaimer
While I have had hands-on experience with a large number of plugins, I haven’t tried them all. That means I might have missed your favorite. Not because it’s worse, but because I can’t speak from experience about it. So, if I did miss your favorite or something of note, please drop us a comment below to help us all.
Learn more about EQ and dynamics processing in the Ask.Audio Academy: https://ask.audio/academy?nleloc=new-releases
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There’s probably not a smoother EQ in the world, the shelves EQ promises reliability, commercially sound operation and a sound that is more commercial than hollywood itself.
Being well suited to movies and mastering of commercial content, the shelves EQ is by far the best solution for affecting sonics in a careful way that VSTplug has to date.
That is to say, mastering EQ’s (like the VSTplug LA bands 3) can offer a smooth response, but might hinder detail to some degree, and parametric EQ’s can affect the sound, can shape the sound so prolifically that the sound has an un-natural edge; but in contrast, the shelves equalizer provides detail, vivid depth and richness that un-surpassed.
The VSTplug shelves is possibly the most ideal vocal EQ ever constructed; but perhaps it would be best used in tandem (two iterations of the same EQ on the FX chain. One for natural body and the other for detail ).
You have 5 bands to choose from, a high pass, a peaking or low shelving filter (band1) a peaking filter (band2) and you have the choice of a high shelf or peak on the high end followed by a low pass in case your ambience distorts the sense of intimacy or closeness.
The VSTplug shelves EQ is a windows only VST2 plug-in for 32 and 64 Bit VST2 compatible DAW’s.
Changelog
+ V1.0: Initial Release
+ V1.0: Initial Release
Planned Changes
+ V1.2: Mousewheel support, Optimizations, More Presets
+ V1.2: Mousewheel support, Optimizations, More Presets
If you search for 1234, you will only find bikes with serial numbers of 1234 and serials close to that - not a bike with serial number of 12345689. Okay, fine, so maybe there are a few bikes without serial numbers, but this is rare and typical only on hand made bikes. Feb 10, 2010 I have an old straight bar 26' Hiawatha. Head badge has a serial number as well as the seat post clamp. I am trying to figure out the year/model. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Head Badge: 25 I G3 21 10 I 13A I don't know if the I's are slashes or the letter I. It is different than the. Oct 20, 2007 A good salesperson and/or bike shop will take the time to write the serial number down for you on the sales receipt. No two bikes have the same 'serial number'. You are most likely looking at a model number. Sometimes both numbers are stamped on the bottom bracket. Sep 11, 2012 Your Hiawatha may be Cleveland Welding sourced but a picture is needed to be sure as many manufacturers used similar serial numbers on their bikes. Also check to see if you have posted the complete serial number. CWC bikes often have a suffix that follows the main serial number and is important for dating the bike. ![Hiawatha bike ride Hiawatha bike ride](http://www.ratrodbikes.com/forum/proxy.php?image=http:%2F%2Fi1091.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi385%2Fradconsmoot%2Fhiawatha002.jpg&hash=86a942c93a1f272f35efdff0b7038e51)
![Hiawatha bike ride Hiawatha bike ride](http://www.ratrodbikes.com/forum/proxy.php?image=http:%2F%2Fi1091.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi385%2Fradconsmoot%2Fhiawatha002.jpg&hash=86a942c93a1f272f35efdff0b7038e51)
The VSTplug shelves is sold at https://vstplug.com, but to show some KVRaudio comradery, it won’t be sold on other sites.
View product at KVRaudio marketplace
Get More info@
Rihanna rehab free mp3 skull. Download Demo
Download: Vstplug Shelves V1 Demodownloaded: 62 times, file size: 6.8 MB mb, date added: 17 Feb. 2020
The VSTplug LA bands 3 is everything that the LA bands isn’t. It works nicely, sports custom-made RBJ peaking filters and it is carefully tailored to suit to your needs.
And regarding its sonic character, it is definitely quite similar to the waves Q8 but in that it does not have parametric bands and resonance support, it is less precise. However; it is prudent to mention that this EQ is a mastering EQ, it affects the sound in broad dimension; it sounds smooth and almost airy.
So, end users may find this product less than satisfactory as a “shaping” EQ, that is to say; it’s great for one sound; especially in the case of drums but perhaps a parametric EQ might be the better choice.
It stays at about 1% CPU usage and it looks cool. It was made to represent two decades of software norms so as to feel orthodox and the working of it is meant to be no-nonsense so is to improve and accelerate workflow.
Changelog:
- V1.0: Initial Release.
- V1.1: Added HP and LP, updated Presets, improved UI.
- V1.2: Added Global Size and revamped resonance.
- V1.3: Sped up Global preset resizing.
- V1.4: Fixed 100% size size bug.
- V1.5: Updated GUI.
Planned Changes:
- V1.6: adding mousewheel support, various optimizations & universal font support.
Get More info@
Download Demo:
Download: La Bands 3 V 1 5 Demodownloaded: 38 times, file size: 0 mb, date added: 04 Mar. 2020
The william de-esser is a nice addition to any professional’s toolbox.
A windows 32-bit and 64-bit VST2 plugin, the william de-esser is a zero latency compression tool that is not for only de-essing vocals but also for the entire track. The reasons you might choose the william de-esser are:
Filter Type Selection:
- BP1: A smooth sounding RBJ bandpass filter.
- BP2: A ZDF bandpass filter with a mild grit.
- HP1: A TDF2 style filter type with smoothness and character.
- HP2: A generic C+ filter which due to its subtractive quality adds a raspiness.
Intuitive Loudness Metering:
- Choose between dBFS and the world standard LU to see where your track stands in volume level.
Speed:
- This plugin is optimized by Le Attol (Robert Ellis Langford) meticulously so as to have less impact on your hardworking CPU.
![Parametric Parametric](https://vstbase.org/uploads/posts/2016-10/14759241761475854326_purple-light.jpg)
Changelog:
- V1.0: Unreleased.
- V1.1: Added 3 new filter types (BP2, HP1, HP2).
- v1.2: Added automation support and demo.
- V1.3: Updated GUI.
Planned Changes:
- V1.4: Auto crossfading to prevent clicks during operation and especially preset change. (pending 01/25/20).
- V1.4: Mousewheel support.
Purchase:
You can purchase the william de-esser through either the KVR Marketplace or through the leattol.com partner site: https://vstplug.com
Get More info@
Download: Vstplug William De Esser V1 3 Win Vst Demodownloaded: 25 times, file size: 0 mb, date added: 04 Mar. 2020
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The LA school esquire is one of the better limiters on the market, yet it is not a brick wall limiter, instead it’s a limiter using a rarely found pumping algorithm designed to mimic sound with a linear decay (rarefaction). And this effect is only bolstered by the static ceiling (based on %).
Changelog
V2:
+ Added LU detection (soon adding optional DBFS and RMS support)
V2:
+ Added LU detection (soon adding optional DBFS and RMS support)
V1.6:
+ Improved the behavior of the pumping limiter by individualizing the dB detector type to threshold.
+ Enhanced the levels of pseudo morph ism because it looks neato and keen.
+ Improved the behavior of the pumping limiter by individualizing the dB detector type to threshold.
+ Enhanced the levels of pseudo morph ism because it looks neato and keen.
V1.5:
+ Reduced CPU usage (thanks Cytosonic & Aliasant).
+ Changed design (thanks Robert for color advice).
+ Reduced CPU usage (thanks Cytosonic & Aliasant).
+ Changed design (thanks Robert for color advice).
V1.4:
+ New refresh rate algorithm reduces lag.
+ Reduced CPU usage.
+ New refresh rate algorithm reduces lag.
+ Reduced CPU usage.
V1.3:
+ Better Logo Aesthetics
+ Named Presets.
+ Better Logo Aesthetics
+ Named Presets.
V1.2:
+ Better math (Now Using Ruby);
+ Peak calculation using slide and line primitive
+ Rough solution for attack and release now applied.
+ Better math (Now Using Ruby);
+ Peak calculation using slide and line primitive
+ Rough solution for attack and release now applied.
![Fruity Fruity](https://www.tokyodawn.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/nova-1.png)
Planned
+ Plug-in preset manager (Will require installer)
+ Extensive youtube tutorials
+ PDF user guide
+ Upwards limiting
+ Rational Mapping of threshold and ratio;
(To include three decimal places in the first 5 increments – More control)
+ Mouse wheel Support
+ Plug-in preset manager (Will require installer)
+ Extensive youtube tutorials
+ PDF user guide
+ Upwards limiting
+ Rational Mapping of threshold and ratio;
(To include three decimal places in the first 5 increments – More control)
+ Mouse wheel Support
Get More info@leattol
Download: Vstplug Esquiredownloaded: 126 times, file size: 7.40 mb mb, date added: 24 Nov. 2019
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The LA bands 2 is a fantastic equalizer, exceeding the colour and quality of most any commercial equalizer on the market. Due to its superior construction, LA bands 2 outperforms and outshines the competition by being easy on the CPU.
Free Fruity Parametric Eq 2
Changelog
V 1.2:
+ Improved GUI and speed.
V 1.3:
+ Improved FL Studio 12/20 Support
+ Removed Redraw Bug.
V 1.4:
+ Fixed refresh Rate, reduced CPU use.
V 1.2:
+ Improved GUI and speed.
V 1.3:
+ Improved FL Studio 12/20 Support
+ Removed Redraw Bug.
V 1.4:
+ Fixed refresh Rate, reduced CPU use.
Get More info@
Download: La Bands 2 1 4 VstFruity Parametric Eq 2 Vst Download Fl Studio
downloaded: 375 times, file size: 0 mb, date added: 05 Oct. 2019
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The VSTplug governor (32 & 64 Bit VST2 Win) is a simple way to change decibel levels, both in the sense of averaging the lows, and carefully controlling the amplitude of the peaks.
Changelog
V 1.0:
+ initial release
V 1.1:
+ 64 Bit bug fixes
V1.2:
+ Algorithm definition and averaging changes.
V 1.0:
+ initial release
V 1.1:
+ 64 Bit bug fixes
V1.2:
+ Algorithm definition and averaging changes.
Planned
+ Pumping mode (gentler reduction only)
+ LUFS integration for greater readout accuracy
+ dBFS / LUFS average LU and True Peak readings on 3 scales
+ Pumping mode (gentler reduction only)
+ LUFS integration for greater readout accuracy
+ dBFS / LUFS average LU and True Peak readings on 3 scales
Get More info@
Download: Vstplug Governor 102Parametric Eq Free Download
downloaded: 445 times, file size: 0 mb, date added: 05 Oct. 2019