EQ PA three-band EQ and preamp plugin interface by IK Multimedia

EQ PA: Three-Band Proportional Q EQ and Preamp by IK Multimedia

EQ PA is a three-band proportional Q equalizer and preamp plugin from IK Multimedia, modeled on a classic American console EQ. It runs as a VST3, VST2, AU or AAX plugin on Windows and macOS.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique

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01Overview

EQ PA is an equalizer and preamp module from IK Multimedia's T-RackS CS line. It is modeled on a three-band proportional Q EQ that became a common choice on custom modular consoles in the late 1960s and 1970s. IK Multimedia modeled the original op amp based circuitry, and the plugin adds a preamp stage with input and output controls for adding subtle coloration or heavier distortion. Its interface separates frequency and gain knobs for faster reading.

Best for

Kick drum low end
Vocal and acoustic air
Mix bus coloration
Tracking and mixing EQ
Analog-style tone shaping

Developer: IK Multimedia
Category: EQ
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Three-band proportional Q equalizer with twenty-one selectable frequencies
Per-band gain with 1 dB resolution, 1.5 dB in the upper knob range
Outer bands switchable between peaking and shelving modes
Switchable band pass filter built from high and low pass filters
Integrated preamp stage with input and output controls
Input and output settings range from clean gain to hard clipping
Separated frequency and gain knobs for a clearer interface
Available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats

03In depth

Sound Character and Band Behavior

The three bands offer twenty-one selectable frequencies, which makes settings easy to repeat between sessions. Each band's gain has 1 dB resolution, and the resolution becomes 1.5 dB in the upper part of the knob's travel, so small in-between boosts and cuts are possible.

The outer bands can switch from peaking to shelving mode. According to IK Multimedia, shelving mode can add low-end weight to kick drums around 40 to 50 Hz, and lifting high frequencies between 10 and 15 kHz can open up acoustic guitars and vocals. The proportional Q design makes boosts and cuts broader at low gain and narrower as gain increases. A switchable band pass filter, built from high and low pass filters, is also included.

Preamp Stage and Workflow

Beyond the equalizer, the module includes a preamp stage. Its input and output knobs can be set anywhere from clean gain adjustment to hard-clipped distortion, which gives a way to shape tone during tracking or mixing.

The plugin is built for the T-RackS environment and is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats. Because the Custom Shop operations are web based, an internet connection is required for those features.

04Specs

Will it run?

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

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

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does EQ PA support?

EQ PA is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats. It runs on Windows and macOS in 64-bit versions.

What do I need to run EQ PA?

On macOS you need an Apple M1 or Intel Core i5 processor, 8 GB of RAM and macOS 10.15 or newer, with macOS 11 or newer required for Apple Silicon. On Windows you need an Intel Core i5 or equivalent, 8 GB of RAM, Windows 10 (64-bit) or newer and an ASIO compatible sound card. Both systems need 9 GB of hard drive space and an OpenGL 2 compatible graphics adapter.