TDR Nova
by Tokyo Dawn Labs · EQ · Dynamic EQ
vst3s Score 8.7/10 · rated #3 of 10 EQs
A free parallel dynamic EQ. Four parametric bands, each with its own threshold and ratio, plus high-pass and low-pass filters and a wideband compressor.
It works as a de-esser, a frequency-selective compressor, or a sidechained kick-and-bass separator. It turns up in professional sessions far more than most free plugins.
Best for: Vocals, Bass, Mix Bus, Mastering. Genres: all genres.
Keywords: dynamic, bass, kick, parallel processing, sidechain input, vocals, free, full mix, undo/redo, A/B compare, built-in analyzer, bus processing, classic, corrective, cymbals, downward expansion, external sidechain, harsh, mastering, mix bus, mixing, multi-band, polish, spectral, surgical.
What it does
TDR Nova is Tokyo Dawn Labs' free parallel dynamic equalizer: precise EQ and dynamics in one plugin.
- Bands: four dynamic EQ bands plus high-pass and low-pass filters.
- Roles: parametric EQ, dynamic EQ, frequency-selective compressor, multiband compressor and wideband compressor.
- Display: a drag-and-drop graph alongside classic knobs, with a built-in spectrum analyzer.
- Workflow: presets, undo/redo, A/B and copy/paste.
A paid version, Nova GE, adds six bands, expansion and gating on each band, more filter slopes, and a Smart Operation panel for spectral matching and resonance removal.
Source: Tokyo Dawn Labs product page
When to use it
Nova is the free way into dynamic EQ, and it holds its own in professional sessions. F6 and Pro-Q 4 offer more bands and a slicker display, and soothe3 automates the resonance work that Nova makes you set by hand.
- Best for: de-essing, taming harsh cymbals and resonant vocals, and ducking a bass frequency only when the kick hits (with an external side-chain).
- Tip: MusicRadar suggests de-essing with a band around 5 kHz, fast attack and release and a 4:1 ratio; ratios below 1:1 lift a band dynamically instead.
- Genres: all of them.
What producers say
It's routinely named the best free EQ.
- Bedroom Producers Blog rated it 98% and called it the best free EQ plugin available, praising the polished interface and quick workflow; the reviewer heard a little harshness on high boosts.
- MusicRadar found it made dynamic EQ easy to understand, and walked through de-essing, drum overhead and kick-and-bass uses.
Where to buy
- Tokyo Dawn Labs: Free
Tutorials and reviews
- TDR Nova Tutorial [Dynamic EQ by Tokyo Dawn Records]
- Using TDR Nova as a De-Esser — Dynamic EQ Tutorial
- TDR Nova: The Best FREE Dynamic EQ | Sidechain Tutorial Kick & Bass
- TDR Nova GE (Tokyo Dawn Labs)
- How to use TDR Nova for de-essing
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