EQ560

EQ560 is a faithful digital emulation of the 1967 classic API 560 10-Band graphic equalizer. Its low CPU usage and extremely small memory footprint make it perfect for use on multiple channels across the mix without any performance drop. The distinct ‘Proportional Q’ feature intuitively widens the filter bandwidth at lower boost/cut levels and narrows it at higher settings. This makes for a unique and musical EQ curve resembling vintage equalizers.

What impresses me most about EQ560 is its versatility. Whether I’m enhancing the crunch of a gritty bass synth, refining the top end of a vocal, or reducing boominess in an acoustic guitar track, the EQ560 steps up to the task. This ‘can’t-go-wrong’ characteristic makes EQ560 a favorite of mine for quickly fixing clashing frequencies in a busy mix. Though it could benefit from a gain knob for more comfortable gain staging, the pros unquestionably outweigh the cons.

Its simplicity, usability, and exceptional sound make it one of the best free EQs on the market.