The bx_digital V2 from Brainworx is a state-of-the-art digital mastering processor that provides a mastering-class eleven-band equalizer, mid/side de-esser, mono-maker and intelligent bass- and presence-shifters, plus extra mid/side features such as pan and stereo width control. The software delivers all of the functions of the company’s Modus EQ bx1 hardware, including the M/S-solo-buttons, and several additional functions such as Auto Listen, etc.

The plug-in comprises three modes. Conventional left and right stereo mode for stereo/dual mono applications, and a stereo mode with a built-in M/S-matrix, mainly used for stereo mastering purposes. A three-channel mode (stereo plus one mono channel) is provided for surround mastering and recording studios purposes. An M/S-recording mode uses two individual microphone signals to create a highly mono-compatible stereo signal, mainly used for orchestral recordings, choirs or for recording acoustic instruments in general.

The bx_ dynEQ V2 from Brainworx is a dynamic EQ plug-in using innovative M/S features and an Inverse Mode that allows for results not possible with standard EQs. A dynamic EQ is a filter that is not limited to a specific gain level, but which changes gain settings according to the dynamics of a trigger signal. This trigger signal can be the whole signal running through the plug-in or just a filtered part of that signal, using the internal filtered sidechain.

The plug-in comprises three parts: bx_dynEQ mono, bx_dynEQ stereo (L/R) and bx_dynEQ stereo (M/S). The M/S mode features a “cross-feed” setting which allows the mid and side signals to “trigger” each other. A comprehensive selection of filter types is included. Preset knobs in the GUI enable the engineer to easily find starting points for any desired processing. In addition to being an EQ, the software can also function as a dynamics processor.

bx_hybrid V2 from Brainworx is an eleven-band EQ plug-in, but with a multitude of selectable filter types, including shelving, high- and low-pass and notch filters, and peak bands. The software is particularly suited to mixing and mastering and when used in conjunction with an Avid ICON console, all controls can be mapped to the center section EQ of the controller. Additional filters include sweepable bass and presence shifter EQs with control of shifters available via joysticks, including the ICON surround panners.

For further control of the stereo image, various Mid/Side modes are available depending on the type of configuration used. Individual bypass switches are available for almost every feature, as is in the stereo version extensive individual metering for left/right and M/S levels. A switchable EQ panel provides multi-mode EQ displays, such as actual EQ curves, bypassed curves, left and right channels and Auto Listen modes. The plug-in is fully automatable.

The museq from elysia is a native based plug-in that closely emulates the company’s hardware EQ, including the high- and low- cut filters with resonance and the Warm Mode sound shaper. The plug-in adds some extras, like the integrated M/S matrix for mid and side processing, the ability to link both channels for more convenient stereo operation, and dedicated output level controllers for adapting user settings to the available headroom.

The license includes two plug-ins. The full master version includes all the functions, while a slightly reduced mix version is perfect for quick and easy setup. All the major plug-in formats are supported for both 32- and 64-bit operating systems.

The EQ4 from Maag Audio is an emulation of the company’s 500 series EQ module and provides six bands of EQ. Like the hardware, the plug-in delivers transparency and a top end presence while maintaining the natural sound behind the mix. EQ adjustments cause minimal phase shift.

The AIR BAND interacts with the other bands as well as the other bands with each other. The summing of the band-passes and the AIR BAND is the essential part of the design, needed to ensure that the integrity of the sound is maintained.

The SPL EQ Ranger Vol. 1 from SPL consists of three graphic EQ plug-in emulations, based upon the company’s respective SPL RackPack series analog hardware modules. The package includes Bass Ranger, Vox Ranger and Full Ranger. While Bass Ranger and Vox Ranger process specific frequency ranges, the Full Ranger module complements them with a set of filter bands that covers the whole frequency range.

Unlike static graphic EQs that use the same center frequencies in repeating octaves, the Ranger EQ modules are designed to work with specific instruments and their different frequency ranges. This allows for more effective instrument separation in a mix. A “Settings” feature can store four sets of adjustments that can be recalled with a single click and additionally automated within host software for applying different parameters to different parts of a song.

The Passeq from SPL is an emulation of the company’s analog hardware unit, and unlike other passive EQs, delivers three-bands for both boost and cut stages. A similarity shared with these types of EQs is the use of fixed (switchable) frequency points within each band. The Passeq provides twelve switchable frequencies per band, and since boost and cut frequencies are not identical, the result is a total of seventy-two frequencies per channel, more than enough for the most elaborate EQ curves.

The software programming faithfully reproduces the unique sound of the original hardware, with the complex interactions between each single filter reproduced in detail. Intrinsic to passive filter designs is that the signal always runs through the whole network. Whenever the settings change, interactions take place between the filters which adds to the characteristic sound of these types of EQs.

Additionally, internal code supports mouse wheel control for the rotary controls. Place the mouse cursor over a control and move the scroll wheel to adjust the setting.