We’ve been getting some real plug-ins gems to review recently in the Pro Tools Expert office, in fact some of the best EQs around, here are 5 from Russ for music and 4 from Mike for post that you should definitely check out.

Music

1. Maag EQ4 - AAX Native, AAX DSP, RTAS and UAD Powered
   Available both in native and UAD powered format this is perhaps one of the sweetest EQs around, famous for its AIR band, those looking for some fairy dust to add to their mixes should not miss this one.
2. Abbey Road Brilliance Pack - AAX Native, AAX DSP, and RTAS
   Softube have re-released this pack of three simple to use, but super sweet vintage classics, if you’ve got vocals you can’t sit in a mix, this may be the set you are looking for. More
3. McDSP 6020 Ultimate EQ - AAX Native, AAX DSP, and RTAS
   The 6020 Ultimate EQ is a collection of ten equalizer models using the popular 500 module format, there’s something for every application in this baby without making it a jack of all trades and master of none. More
4. Softube Focusing Equalizer  - AAX Native, AAX DSP, and RTAS
   Part of the Softube Passive/Active bundle, this one is a go-to equalizer in my arsenal when I need to sort out a frisky vocal that won’t behave, but equally at home dealing with other material. More
5. UAD Pultec Passive EQ Collection - UAD Powered
   In particular the EQP-1A, famous for being a go-to trick for top producers and engineers who want to add something very special to the bottom on of either single tracks or entire mixes. More

Post

Here is my view from a post perspective. It could be argued that Post users use EQ as much, if not more, for fixing problems rather than as a creative tool.

1. Avid EQIII - AAX Native, AAX DSP, and RTAS
   I do not want to discount this plug-in. It is available in both Native and DSP formats, the EQ that comes with Pro Tools is a very useful tool. More here But if you want more from an EQ plug-in then check these out…..
2. Sonnox - AAX Native, AAX DSP, RTAS and UAD Powered
   The Oxford EQ is based on the original EQ section of the Sony OXF-R3 large format digital mixing console. The variable slope low and high pass filters are great for starting to clean up tracks. More
3. Flux - AAX Native, AAX DSP, and RTAS
   The Epure v3 plug-in is another great sounding eq with a very good GUI too. As time is often very tight in the post workflow, ease of use is a key factor in choosing your tools. More
4. Waves - AAX Native and RTAS
   The Renaissance EQ is an old favourite of mine but I use it less and less but only because their isn’t a DSP version of it anymore and for those post users that have invested in the HDX hardware we want DSP versions of as many plug-ins as possible. More

So are any of these in your list, if not then what is in your list?