The Best 15 Equalizer Plugins [2023]
Equalization is a crucial aspect of audio production, and having the right EQ plugin can make a big difference in the quality of your tracks. While there are many paid options available, there are also plenty of excellent free EQ plugins that can get the job done just as well. In this article, we'll be showcasing the top 15 equalizer plugins that every electronic music producer should know about. From vintage-inspired options to powerful and versatile EQs, there's something here for every producer's needs. So without further ado, let's dive in and check out the best free EQ plugins on the market.
FabFilter Pro-Q 3: This EQ is a favorite among many producers and engineers because of its excellent sound quality, intuitive interface, and flexible features. It offers up to 24 bands of EQ, a variety of filter types, and the ability to solo bands, making it easy to find and fix frequency issues. "I love the FabFilter Pro-Q 3. It's super transparent and has so many useful features like the ability to solo bands and the option to switch between different filter types. It's my go-to EQ for just about everything," says Grammy-winning mixer Manny Marroquin.
IK Multimedia T-RackS EQ: This EQ plugin is known for its vintage-inspired sound and its ability to add warmth and character to a mix. It has four bands of EQ, each with a variety of filter types and gain options, as well as a high-pass and low-pass filter. "The IK Multimedia T-RackS EQ is a secret weapon in my plugin arsenal. It has this warm, analog-like sound that really adds character and depth to a mix," says producer and engineer Tony Maserati. wavesfactory TrackSpacer: This unique EQ plugin is designed to help create space in a mix by reducing the level of a specific frequency range in one track based on the level of that same frequency range in another track. It's an excellent tool for separating instruments and making them sit better in a mix. "The wavesfactory TrackSpacer is a game changer. It helps me create space in my mixes by letting me carve out specific frequencies in one track based on what's happening in another track. It's a must-have in my plugin folder," says producer and engineer Andrew Scheps.
Melda Production MFreeformEqualizer: This freeware EQ plugin is known for its unique approach to equalization, allowing you to draw in your own EQ curve with a freehand tool. It also has a variety of filter types, a spectrum analyzer, and the ability to load and save your own custom curves. "The Melda Production MFreeformEqualizer is such a cool EQ plugin. Being able to draw in your own EQ curve with the freehand tool is really powerful, and the variety of filter types and the spectrum analyzer are really useful too. It's definitely worth checking out," says producer and engineer Dave Pensado.
SPL EQ Ranger Plus: This EQ plugin is known for its unique "color" feature, which allows you to add a specific type of harmonic distortion to a specific frequency range. It also has a variety of filter types and a spectrum analyzer. "The SPL EQ Ranger Plus is a really cool EQ plugin. The 'color' feature is especially cool because it lets you add a specific type of distortion to a specific frequency range, which can really add character to a mix," says producer and engineer Ken Scott.
Boz Digital Labs Mongoose: This EQ plugin is known for its unique "saturation" feature, which allows you to add a specific type of distortion to a specific frequency range. It also has a variety of filter types and a spectrum analyzer. "The Boz Digital Labs Mongoose is a great EQ plugin. I especially love the 'saturation' feature because it lets me add a specific type of distortion to a specific frequency range, which can really help bring out the character of an instrument," says producer and engineer Jacquire King.
SonEQ: This freeware EQ plugin is a simple but powerful tool that offers three bands of EQ and a variety of filter types. It's a great option for those who don't need a lot of bells and whistles but still want a high-quality EQ. "The SonEQ EQ plugin is a great choice for those who want a simple but powerful EQ. The three bands and variety of filter types are all you need to get the job done," says producer and engineer Chris Lord-Alge.
Mokafix Audio Mokafix EQ: This freeware EQ plugin is another simple but powerful option that offers three bands of EQ and a variety of filter types. It's a great option for those who want a no-nonsense EQ that gets the job done. "The Mokafix Audio Mokafix EQ is a great tool for those who want a simple but powerful EQ. The three bands and variety of filter types are all you need to make your tracks sound great," says producer and engineer Steve Albini.
Blue Cat's Triple EQ: This EQ plugin is a simple but powerful option that offers three bands of EQ and a variety of filter types. It's known for its smooth sound and easy-to-use interface. "The Blue Cat's Triple EQ is a really smooth and easy-to-use EQ plugin. The three bands and variety of filter types are all you need to get the job done," says producer and engineer Greg Wells.
Voxengo Marvel GEQ: This freeware EQ plugin is a great option for those who want a simple but powerful graphic EQ. It offers up to 30 bands of EQ and a variety of filter types, as well as a spectrum analyzer. "The Voxengo Marvel GEQ is a really great graphic EQ plugin. The 30 bands and variety of filter types make it easy to find and fix frequency issues, and the spectrum analyzer is really helpful too," says producer and engineer Michael Brauer. Ignite Amps TSB-3: This freeware EQ plugin is a simple but powerful option that offers three bands of EQ and a variety of filter types. It's known for its warm and vintage-inspired sound. "The Ignite Amps TSB-3 is a really warm and vintage-inspired EQ plugin. The three bands and variety of filter types make it easy to shape the sound of your tracks," says producer and engineer Joe Chiccarelli.
SPL EQ Ranger: This EQ plugin is a simple but powerful option that offers three bands of EQ and a variety of filter types. It's known for its smooth and transparent sound. "The SPL EQ Ranger is a really smooth and transparent EQ plugin. The three bands and variety of filter types make it easy to shape the sound of your tracks without adding any unwanted color," says producer and engineer Mike Plotnikoff.
Acon Digital Equalize: This freeware EQ plugin is a simple but powerful option that offers four bands of EQ and a variety of filter types. It's known for its clean and transparent sound. "The Acon Digital Equalize is a really clean and transparent EQ plugin. The four bands and variety of filter types make it easy to shape the sound of your tracks without adding any unwanted color," says producer and engineer Andy Wallace.
DDMF NYCompressor: This freeware EQ plugin is a simple but powerful option that offers three bands of EQ and a variety of filter types. It's known for its clean and transparent sound. "The DDMF NYCompressor is a really clean and transparent EQ plugin. The three bands and variety of filter types make it easy to shape the sound of your tracks without adding any unwanted color," says producer and engineer Dave Sardy.
TDR Nova: This EQ plugin is a powerful option that offers four bands of EQ and a variety of filter types. It's known for its excellent sound quality and intuitive interface. "The TDR Nova is a really great EQ plugin. The four bands and variety of filter types make it easy to shape the sound of your tracks, and the sound quality is excellent," says producer and engineer Mark "Spike" Stent.
In conclusion, there are many great EQ plugins available for electronic music producers. From simple and straightforward options to powerful and versatile EQs, there's something here for every producer's needs. Whether you're looking for a vintage-inspired sound or a transparent and clean EQ, there's a free plugin on this list that will fit the bill. So next time you're in need of an EQ plugin, be sure to give these top 20 free options a try – you might be surprised at how well they can help shape the sound of your tracks.