EQ PB by IK Multimedia equalizer and preamp plugin interface

EQ PB: Discrete 4-Band Equalizer and Preamp Plugin by IK Multimedia

EQ PB is a 4-band equalizer and preamp plugin from IK Multimedia, modeled on a classic American EQ-preamp. It adds a fourth band to the simpler EQ PA and uses a proportional Q design.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

EQ PB is an effects plugin from IK Multimedia in the EQ category. It is based on the EQ-preamp module of a classic American hardware design. The developer positions it as the four-band follow-up to the three-band EQ PA. Its four peaking bands cover the audible spectrum, and the bands can overlap to create complex curves. The interface uses two knobs per band, with no complex displays, to keep the focus on adjusting the sound by ear.

Best for

Midrange shaping
Vocal mixing
Guitar EQ
Piano and strings
Dense mix balancing

Developer: IK Multimedia
Category: EQ
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Four peaking EQ bands with seven selected frequencies each
Proportional Q design that narrows bandwidth as gain increases
Low and high bands switchable to shelving mode
Two midrange bands spanning about 75 Hz to 12.5 kHz
Built-in preamp that interacts with the EQ stage
Two knobs per band with 1 dB gain steps
Clean input and output level controls when preamp is off

03In depth

Sound, Character and Proportional Q

IK Multimedia credits the sound of EQ PB to the all-discrete, custom op-amp circuit of the original hardware. Each of the four bands offers seven selected frequencies, and the bands can overlap for more complex EQ shapes.

The proportional Q design changes the bandwidth with the gain. At low gain the band has a broad, gentle shape. As gain increases or decreases toward extreme values, the Q narrows. The developer notes that this minimizes phase shifting and removes the need for a separate bandwidth control.

Band gain is stepped in 1 dB increments, with 1.5 dB steps toward the end of the throw, for finer resolution.

Preamp Interaction and Workflow

The preamp stage from the EQ PA is included. When the preamp is engaged and its gain is raised, the filter network and output transformer respond differently, which expands the range of tonal variations. When the preamp is off, the Gain and Out controls act as clean input and output levels for the EQ section.

Two midrange bands span roughly 75 Hz to 12.5 kHz with some overlap. The low and high bands can switch to shelving mode for broader adjustments. The developer suggests the midrange bands are useful for guitars, vocals, pianos and strings.

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 PB support?

EQ PB is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats.

Which operating systems can run EQ PB?

EQ PB runs on Windows and macOS. It is a 64-bit plugin.

What do I need to run EQ PB?

On macOS, the minimum is 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, it needs an Intel Core i5 or equivalent, 8 GB of RAM, Windows 10 (64-bit) or newer and an ASIO-compatible sound card. Both need 9 GB of hard drive space and an OpenGL 2 compatible graphics adapter.