Equalizer

Name: Equalizer
Price: 99 USD
Author: Wavesfactory

by Wavesfactory · EQ · Automatic dynamic tone shaper

Not rated yet

Equalizer analyzes a track and constantly applies boosts and cuts to balance its tone, reducing excesses and filling in deficiencies with zero latency.

It can run from a single knob, with tilt, mid/side, attack and release, delta listening and drawable per-band amounts for finer control.

Best for: Vocals, Mix Bus, Mastering, Acoustic Instruments, Keys & Synths. Genres: all genres.

Keywords: low latency, zero-latency, beginner-friendly, bus processing, mastering, mid/side, mixing, vocals, corrective, full mix, samples & loops, sidechain input, simple, single knob, auto-gain, bright, flat UI, gentle, harsh, minimal controls, mix bus, resizable UI, static.

What it does

Equalizer "intelligently and dynamically balances your tracks," deciding where to boost or cut to make a source sound more natural. It works in the time domain, so it adds no latency and suits live use as well as mixing and mastering.

Dynamic balancing: constant EQ changes based on the input signal, aimed at harshness, dullness and resonances.
Controls: mid/side processing, a tilt knob for brightness, attack and release, separate cut and boost with delta audition, mix, and output gain with auto-gain.
Drawable response: draw on the spectrum to set how much each band is processed, or disable bands.
Sidechain and HQ mode: version 1.0.2 added a sidechain input and an HQ mode that updates filters every sample, with an Offline Only option that enables HQ just for rendering.
Interface: resizable vector graphics, presets and an in-plugin auto updater.

Source: Wavesfactory product page

When to use it

Equalizer rebalances the whole spectrum continuously with almost no setup, and adds as well as cuts. Unlike sonible smart:EQ 4, which analyzes a track and sets a static corrective curve, it keeps rebalancing; unlike oeksound soothe3, which targets resonances specifically, it works on the whole spectrum. Where iZotope Tonal Balance Control 3 shows how a mix compares with a target, Equalizer does the rebalancing itself.

Best for: evening out vocals and acoustic recordings, taming harsh or dull tracks, and gentle final balancing on a bus or master.
Genres: general-purpose across all genres.
Look elsewhere if: you want surgical, static EQ moves or a vintage-style tone EQ; a standard parametric suits better.
Standout: zero-latency, per-sample dynamic balancing that both boosts and cuts, run from one knob.

What producers say

MusicRadar found it capable and easy, as long as it is used with some restraint.

MusicRadar (2024) Andy Jones called it "A surprisingly capable and very easy to use EQ" and likened it to having "the ability to take over your self-driving car."
Gripe: the same review said it needs subtle application when used in mix processing.