Overloud’s EQ550 plugin models a classic hardware EQ, and you might be able to get it for free
1,000 licenses a day are being given away until 18 March
The API 550 EQ is legendary in music production circles, and it doesn’t take a genius to work out that this is the inspiration for EQ550, the latest plugin in Overloud’s Gem series. And, if you’re quick, you might be able to snag it for free.
This promises to be a “hyper-realistic” emulation, no less, but also extends on the capabilities of the original hardware. It offers five bands, continuous frequency selection and low CPU usage.
Like its hardware forebear, the EQ550 has a proportional Q design, which means that the bandwidth of the filters becomes narrow when the gain of the filter increases. So, at low settings you get a smoother tone, and the character becomes more aggressive when the gain band is raised.
Available for PC and Mac in VST/AU/AAX formats, the standard price of the EQ550 is $139. However, until 18 March, Overloud is giving away 1,000 licenses per day. You’ll need to sign up for an account on the Overloud website if you want to take advantage of this offer.
Get the MusicRadar Newsletter
Want all the hottest music and gear news, reviews, deals, features and more, direct to your inbox? Sign up here.
I’m the Deputy Editor of MusicRadar, having worked on the site since its launch in 2007. I previously spent eight years working on our sister magazine, Computer Music. I’ve been playing the piano, gigging in bands and failing to finish tracks at home for more than 30 years, 24 of which I’ve also spent writing about music and the ever-changing technology used to make it.
“I was making music completely on my own; I found it quite weird including other people in a process that felt very personal”: Rising producer Yunè Pinku on DAWs, Madonna and shaking off the cobwebs of lockdown
"This will help artists and producers who don’t have the option of hiring someone like me": Spike AI puts an AI chatbot based on chart-topping mix engineer Spike Stent inside your DAW