Delivering frequency-conscious envelope-following volume modulation with greater precision than a multiband compressor, dynamic EQ is the answer to all kinds of mixing and mastering problems, from level-triggered attenuating of problematic resonances and unmasking of clashing instruments, to kick/bass management, de-essing and cymbal control. Surprisingly, given its endless utility, there aren’t actually that many dynamic EQ plugins on the market, but here we’ve rounded up what we think are five of the best. Note that we’ve not included ‘intelligent’ EQs in this particular list – Soothe, Gullfoss et al – as we’ll be covering those in a separate round-up.

Tokyo Dawn Records NOVA GE

One of the most powerful professional EQs – dynamic or otherwise – on the market, yet also one of the most affordable, NOVA GE (Gentleman’s Edition) enables up to six parametric/shelving frequency bands (topped and tailed with high- and low-pass filters) to be freely mixed between dynamic and static behaviour. With ratio controls ranging from 0.5:1 to inf:1, both compression and expansion are on the cards; and the dynamics sidechain can be keyed internally or by an external source. Additionally, switching to Wide Band mode turns the whole thing into a compressor with the very handy ability to exclude chosen frequencies from processing; while the Smart Operations panel serves as an intelligent ‘engineering assistant’, analysing the input signal and suggesting EQ settings based on a specified task: reference matching, resonance neutralising, or just establishing a good starting point for manual tweaking.

Whether deployed for mixing, mastering, bus processing or simply sculpting single tracks, NOVA GE’s flexible and finely honed dynamics shaping toolset truly covers all bases. And remarkably, you can actually get the majority of its functionality in four-band format for free via the ‘non-GE’ edition of NOVA, from which the Gentleman’s Edition is an upgrade. Be warned, though: to try it is to buy it…

Sound Radix SurferEQ 2

Standing apart from the others in our list, but included as an ingenious variant on their core concept, SurferEQ 2 is perhaps best thought of as the ‘horizontal’ equivalent to dynamic EQ. While each band in a regular dynamic EQ modulates gain in response to the volume level coming in at its covered frequencies, SurferEQ’s bands instead shift left and right in order to track the pitch of a monophonic instrumental or vocal line, making it possible to tackle peaky resonances or other issues that might move around within the performance. You get five bands, plus high- and low-pass filters, each of which can be independently set to ‘Surf’ or static mode, and although all of them are bell-shaped by default, the outer two are switchable to shelving modes. Further to that, the centre band offers the Harmonic Filter option, which dials in notches/peaks at all harmonics of the selected frequency in any of eight styles. A degree of actual dynamic detection comes into play with the Spectral Gate (GTE) function, too, with which individual bands can be set to engage or disengage when the input signal exceeds a globally-set threshold.

Incredibly useful for the fluid fixing up of basses, vocals, lead synths and other single-voice elements, SurferEQ is a one-of-a-kind miracle plugin that nails its very particular use case.

FabFilter Pro-Q 3

With SurferEQ 2 in our critical rear view mirror, we can ponder momentarily on pitch tracking being just about the only frequency-manipulating trick that FabFilter’s industry standard equaliser can’t pull off, and place a bet on it arriving in version 4. For now, though, dynamic EQ is, of course, very much counted among Pro-Q 3’s headline features: every one of its up-to-24 bands is individually empowered to operate as such, with the intuitive Range control sweeping from compression to expansion, the default Auto Threshold function reducing setup friction nicely, and the sidechain input facilitating triggering by an external signal. Dynamic mode is only available to the Bell and Shelf filter types, but beyond that, a comprehensive array of filter shapes at roll-offs up to 96dB/octave, mid-side and surround routing, Linear, Zero and Natural phase modes, and a raft of other selling points – as ably summarised in Dan Cooper’s review – make this one absolutely essential. But you already knew that.

Sonnox Oxford Dynamic EQ

Revered by pros the world over for its flawless transparency, speedy workflow and support for AAX DSP, Sonnox’s stunning dynamic EQ not only makes basic volume-responsive frequency shaping a cinch to apply and tweak, but also boasts a few unique features that put it in a class of its own. Central to the overall character and feel of the plugin is the implementation of the Type 3 Oxford EQ model for every one of its five overlapping peak/shelving bands – a well-established proportional-Q circuit (widening the Q as the gain increases) that yields a more ‘musical’ sound – and the ability to have the detector respond to transients, rather than the overall volume level, which is seriously helpful when working with drums. Also welcome are the Offset handles associated with each band in the interactive display, which make it easy to quickly shift the gain up and down without altering the dynamic response.

As well as all that, you can configure each band to compress or expand (upwards or downwards); feed the detection and processing inputs from mono, stereo, mid or side channels; and filter the per-band sidechain inputs independently of the EQ itself. It’s an approachable and versatile dynamic equaliser for mixing and mastering, and you can find out more about it in Julian’s review.

Waves F6 Floating-Band Dynamic EQ

Last but not least, Waves’ entrant is the very definition of a dependable workhorse plugin, presenting six bands of straight-up, frill-free dynamic equalisation in a friendly and attractive interface, with all the fundamentals in place. We’re talking peaking and shelving options on every band, flanking high- and low-pass filters, compression and expansion ranging, mid-side processing, external sidechain with separate filtering, auto release, a beautifully animated frequency analyser, and a sound and workflow that can’t be faulted. It’s also crazy cheap, thanks to Waves’ extremely generous constant discounting, although you will eventually have to pay more through their Waves Update Plan if you want to keep it up to date and compatible with new operating systems.

At face value, though, F6 is an undeniable bargain and a superb dynamic EQ in every sense.

What’s your favourite dynamic EQ and why? Let us know in the comments.