Available for download, the BIG FrEQ from Empircal Labs is an equalizer designed for mixing and mastering appiclications. It offers both analog-style saturation in a digital form factor, and the surgical precision only digital can afford.

You’ll find six parametric bands, as well as high-shelf, low-shelf, and pass filters on both the highs and lows. Each parametric band has controls that help you address a wide range frequencies in both subtle and drastic ways. Control the Q with the Width slider, and solo each band if need be to better hear what you’re doing.

Using the Slope feature, you can dial in anything from conventional Q settings to flat-top shapes that grab frequencies in a way that tamps down resonances at the edges of the filter’s bell shape. In practice, you can use this filter shape to grab a more selective band of frequencies, doing so without causing as much noticeable ringing at the edges of the filter.

In the Finisher section, you can add analog saturation to the sound to give the results an analog-style flavor. An easy-to-read THD meter will show you how much saturation you’ve applied.

This software is compatible with both Mac and Windows platforms. It will operate in AU, AAX, and VST3 formats. Please note, iLok 2 or iLok 3 is required to use this product.