TDR VOS SlickEQ

TDR VOS SlickEQ is a user-friendly mixing and mastering equalizer with exceptional sound quality. It offers three bands of EQ control (low, mid, and high) and four different EQ modes to shape your audio in unique ways. SlickEQ is the result of a collaboration with Variety of Sound and Tokyo Dawn Labs. These two legendary freeware plugin developers joined forces to create arguably one of the best free equalizers right now.

One of my favorite SlickEQ features is the “Auto Gain Compensation” mode. It maintains a consistent volume while the user adjusts the equalization and saturation. This allows me to accurately hear the impact of the applied EQ changes without worrying about volume fluctuations. Our ears perceive louder as better, so having the EQ plugin automatically compensate for the volume helps me make correct decisions when mixing.

SlickEQ also includes four different EQ curve shapes. The provided American, British, German, and Soviet modes each have different sonic characteristics, making SlickEQ a four-in-one plugin. The equalizer is fully transparent by default, but you can optionally apply non-linear behavior to color the sound. It is easy to fine-tune the harmonic content and perceived warmth using the subtle but great-sounding output saturation stage.

When using SlickEQ on the master channel, I consistently rely on the German mastering preset as my starting point. It adds a pleasing touch to the mix without sounding overwhelming.