Lil FrEQ by Softube EQ plugin interface with large white knobs and blue markings

Empirical Labs Lil FrEQ: Analog-Style EQ Plugin by Softube

Rated 4.8/5 on Plugin Boutique (33 ratings)

Lil FrEQ is a native EQ plugin from Softube, modeled on the Empirical Labs Lil FrEQ hardware. It combines four fully parametric bands with a DS de-esser section and an 18 dB/octave high-pass filter.

VST3VST2AUAAXRTASWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

Softube's Lil FrEQ brings the Empirical Labs hardware equalizer into the DAW. The developer describes it as an analog-style EQ with a punchy, warm character and a set of processing sections that go beyond a standard equalizer. Its eight sections include filter, shelving and de-essing functions, each with its own bypass switch. The plugin is available in VST3, VST2, AU, AAX and RTAS formats for Windows and macOS.

Best for

Vocal de-essing
Punchy drum shaping
Cymbal taming
Acoustic guitar mixing
Bass and snare shaping
Tape-style high-end smoothing

Developer: Softube
Category: EQ
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Native plugin modeled on the Empirical Labs Lil FrEQ hardware
Four fully parametric bands: LF, Lo Mid, Hi Mid and HF
Gain range of plus or minus 14 dB per parametric band
Low and high shelving EQ sections
Vintage-style high-pass filter at 18 dB per octave
DS section with de-essing, soft-knee limiting and HF LIM mode
Input gain after meter with clip indicator
Individual bypass on all bands and sections

03In depth

Sound and Processing Sections

Lil FrEQ offers four fully parametric EQ bands covering LF, Lo Mid, Hi Mid and HF, each with gain up to plus or minus 14 dB, frequency and bandwidth (Q) controls. Bandwidth ranges from very wide to very narrow. Low and high shelving EQ sections are included alongside the parametric bands.

A vintage-style high-pass filter rolls off at 18 dB per octave. Input gain sits after the meter and includes a clip indicator, so you can see when the signal is overdriving the input stage.

The DS De-Esser Section and Workflow

The DS section is a de-esser based on the same design as Empirical Labs' DerrEsser. Softube says it combines tunable filters with a level-independent high-frequency detection circuit to restrain sibilance and sharp transients. It can also act as a soft-knee high-frequency limiter and includes a tape-style HF LIM setting.

Each band and section has an individual bypass, so you can compare the effect of any single section quickly while adjusting the others. The developer describes the interface as using blue markings that reflect the vintage British EQ style of the hardware.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	Softube
Type	Plugin
Category	EQ
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX, RTAS
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does Lil FrEQ support?

Lil FrEQ is available in VST3, VST2, AU, AAX and RTAS formats. It runs on Windows and macOS in 64-bit.

What do I need to use Lil FrEQ?

You need a compatible 64-bit host such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, Ableton Live, Studio One or Reaper, a Softube account and an iLok account. Supported operating systems are macOS Big Sur, Monterey and Ventura, and Windows 10 or 11.

Does Lil FrEQ include a de-esser?

Yes. The DS section is a de-esser that uses a level-independent high-frequency detection circuit. It is based on the same design as Empirical Labs' DerrEsser.