Opal
by Acustica Audio · EQ · Mastering EQ
Not rated yet
Opal is an equalizer sampled from the Oram Sonics Hi-Def 55 Limited Edition EQ, with 8 overlapping bands per channel.
An MS version adds mid/side, pan and spread controls; KVR lists it at €119 (about $135.12).
Best for: Mix Bus, Mastering, Vocals, Acoustic Instruments. Genres: all genres.
Keywords: mastering, mid/side, inspired by, mixing, wide, full mix, British console, broad-strokes, bus processing, mix bus, musical, sampled hardware, static, vocals.
What it does
Opal is Acustica Audio's official recreation of the Oram Sonics Hi-Def 55 Limited Edition Equalizer, designed by engineer John Oram. It is the EQ half of Acustica's Oram pair (the compressor is the separate Opal Comp), and the developer pitches it as offering "more flexibility than ever before" compared with the hardware.
- 8 bands: eight overlapping bands per channel, mixing shelf and bell curves, so neighbouring bands can be layered for broad tonal moves.
- Detail: the Detail function carried over from the Hi-Def 55.
- Standard version: follows the original hardware design and layout.
- Opal MS: an extended version that adds a preamp input trim, mid/side processing, pan and spread controls, and independent output for each channel.
- Sampled hardware: built on Acustica's Acqua sampling engine, so the curves and the console-style color come from the measured unit.
KVR lists version 2.3.5. Neither page read stated demo availability.
Source: Acustica Audio product page
When to use it
Opal sits closer to the analog group of rated EQs, the Pultec Passive EQ Collection, PuigTec EQs and Manley Massive Passive EQ, which add broad analog color with few bands, than to Pro-Q 4 and TDR Nova, precise digital tools for surgical and dynamic work. It gives you eight overlapping bands, which allows more detailed shaping than a Pultec. Its nearer rival for adding air and polish is Mäag Audio EQ4, which has far fewer bands. Opal's MS version makes it a practical choice for mid/side mastering moves with hardware character.
- Best for: musical tone shaping with British console-style color on buses, stems and masters.
- Genres: any.
- Look elsewhere if: you need surgical or dynamic EQ; Pro-Q 4 or TDR Nova are better.
Where to buy
- Acustica Audio: $135.12 (€119 converted to USD (ECB rate, 29 Sep 2026); price as listed on KVR)
Tutorials and reviews
- Acustica Audio Opal - Oram Sonics Hi-Def 55 Limited Ed. EQ plugin demo on drums
- Acustica Audio Opal Hi-Def 55 Limited Edition Mastering EQ VST Plugin
- Acustica Audio Opal EQ quick Hardware Oram Hi Def55 Comparison!
- Mixorcist Episode 22: Acustica Audio Opal
- NEW!!! Acustica Audio OPAL the Future is HERE!!!
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