Top 10 EQ plugins of 2022: the best of the best!

In this article, we’re going to look at ten of the very best equalizer plugins of 2022! Equalizers are one of the most widely used mixing tools, since they can help remove problematic frequencies from your mix and bring out the best in your instruments. However, choosing from all the different plugins that are out there can be quite difficult! In order to find the best EQ plugin for you, you need to know what makes an EQ plugin good in the first place. Luckily, there are certain characteristics that nearly all the best equalizers share in common, and we’ll discuss them in detail in this article!

1. 1 – SSL X-EQ4
   
   

SSL is one of those companies that have been around for a while, but never really made it in the digital age. I think this plugin is a good representation of what they do best and it's perfect for those vintage styles that are becoming more popular. As far as price, it's not cheap at $299 and there isn't a demo available, but if you're looking to spend some money on quality, SSL X-EQ4 is worth a look.

The Soundtoys Sie-Q is an EQ with a number of different flavors which allow you to change how your sound responds to different frequencies. This is especially helpful for vocals where the vocals can be too bassy or too tinny without adjusting their frequency response.

1. 2 – FabFilter Pro‐Q4

FabFilter Pro-Q4 is a great plugin, and while it may not be as popular as some others, this one is a favorite among many. It's straightforward design makes it easy to understand what you're doing and how to use it, but there are still a ton of settings you can play around with to find your perfect sound.

The presets that come with this plugin are all very high quality, so if you're in need of a quick fix or just want to add some polish to your track quickly, they'll do the trick. The only complaint I have about this plugin is that I wish it had a bit more versatility in terms of input sources.

1. 3 – Slate Digital VBC Virtual Buss Compressor

Slate Digital VBC Virtual Buss Compressor is a must-have for any recording studio. It is an essential tool for tracking, mixing, and mastering engineers. The dynamics processor has six different algorithms to choose from, so it is always easy to find one that will work for your specific project. This plugin can be used on individual tracks or on busses.

1. 4 – Plugin Alliance Maag EQ5 Pristine Equalizer Module

The Maag Audio EQ4 is a parametric equalizer plugin with six bands. You can adjust each band's frequency, gain, and width to sculpt your sound. The design offers a flat frequency response and is optimized for minimal phase shift and maximum transparency. It also has an in-built highpass and lowpass filter on each band. 

The Maag Audio EQ4 is great for those who are interested in creating their own sound through sculpting their tracks to perfection. If you're looking for an all-in-one solution to any sound, this equalizer plugin should be at the top of your list.

1. 5 – Universal Audio Teletronix LA2A Classic Audio Leveling Amplifier Emulator

Brainworx bx_digital V2 Equalizer Plug-In is a digital equalizer plug-in that has a variety of great features and an intuitive interface. This plug-in was modeled after classic analog gear, but with all the modern goodness baked in. It is one of my favorite EQs because it can really enhance your sound. It has a very smooth and natural sound, and sounds good on everything from drums to vocals to guitars.

The interface is very easy to navigate with some beautiful graphics. One thing I love about this plug-in is how quickly you can dive into things without having to fiddle around with filters or anything like that just to hear what you want.

1. 6 – Brainworx bx_digital V2 Equalizer Plug‐In

A digital equalizer is a powerful tool for shaping the sound of your tracks, and Brainworx’s bx_digital V2 plug-in provides an excellent set of tools. You can use this plug-in on any track in your session, which is handy if you want to adjust EQ settings on individual instruments or groups. One thing I really like about this plug-in is that it has a fast response time and low latency, so it never gets in the way when you’re trying to make adjustments or switch between sounds. It also has a great set of presets and presets for vocals, drums, synths, guitars, etc.

1. 7 – Soundtoys Echoboy Delay/Spectrum Analyzer Plug‐in

The Soundtoys Echoboy Delay/Spectrum Analyzer is a powerful delay effect that can also work as an audio spectrum analyzer. It provides you with three different modes for use. The first mode is for delay, where it allows you to set up specific frequencies and delays for each frequency. The second mode is for using it as a spectrum analyzer and the third is for pitch-shifting your audio without changing its tempo.

1. 8 – Waves Gold Bundle 5 Plug‐in Pack Featuring Renaissance Channel, GTR Solo, H‐Comp Hybrid Compressor/Limiter, CLA‐76 Compressor/ Limiter Plug‐ins And More

Wave's Gold Bundle 5 plug-in pack is a great way to get started with some of their most popular plug-ins. Plug-ins included in this pack are: Renaissance Channel, GTR Solo, H‐Comp Hybrid Compressor/Limiter, CLA‐76 Compressor/Limiter Plug‐ins And More. With Waves Gold Bundle 5 you can get your hands on some of their top quality plug-ins and make your mix sound pro with ease.

1. 9 – Slate Digital FG-X Pro Mixer Plug‐In Suite Featuring FG-X Analog Channel Strip, FG-N Nonlinear Processor, FG Reverb Plug‐ins And More

Slate Digital FG-X Pro Mixer Plug-In Suite is a great way to get that analog sound and make your mix sound the way you want it to. This suite is packed with features, like easy to use 3D interface, presets, and FX. You can use it in any flavor of Pultec you wish or tune up your sounds with an Eiosis AirEQ or Luftikus plug-in. The price might be a little steep but if you need your mix sounding just right, then this plug-in suite is for you.

1. 10 – Softube Console 1T Live Mixing System For Total Control Of Your Session And Studio

The Console 1T is a very simple and straightforward plug-in that makes mixing a lot easier. You can easily make adjustments to your sound in real time. You can also save presets for each song, which is great if you have songs that require different eq settings.

In conclusion, it was hard to limit this list to just 10 out of all the great eq plugins available on the market right now, but these are some of my favorites so far.