Oxford Dynamic EQ by Sonnox dynamic EQ plugin interface

Oxford Dynamic EQ: Dynamic EQ Plugin by Sonnox

Rated 4.8/5 on Plugin Boutique (337 ratings)

Oxford Dynamic EQ is a 5-band dynamic equalizer plugin by Sonnox that applies EQ only when set frequencies exceed a threshold. It is available in VST3, AU and AAX formats.

VST3AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

Oxford Dynamic EQ is an effects plugin from Sonnox built around dynamic equalization. Instead of cutting or boosting a frequency all the time, each of its five bands reacts to the level of the signal, so processing happens only when it is needed. The plugin uses the Oxford Type-3 EQ curve with proportional-Q. Its bands can overlap without the static phase distortion or low-frequency artefacts that the developer associates with multiband compressors.

Best for

Taming boomy low mids
Softening harsh frequencies
Transient control on drums
Mid-side vocal enhancement
Stereo bus width and low-end focus
Mix space carving

Developer: Sonnox
Category: EQ
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Five bands using the Oxford Type-3 EQ curve with proportional-Q
Bands overlap without static phase distortion or low-frequency artefacts
Each band processes and detects from mono, stereo, mid or side channels
Per-band internal and external side chain controls
Upward and downward compression and expansion
Threshold-based or onset (transient) detection engagement
Clear, informative graphical user interface

03In depth

Sound Control and Band Behavior

Each of the five bands uses the Oxford Type-3 EQ curve, which Sonnox describes as one of the most musical curve types, with proportional-Q. Bands can overlap fluidly, so you can shape several frequency areas at once on a single source, an instrument group or a stereo bus.

The plugin supports upward and downward compression as well as upward and downward expansion. You can engage the effect either with a level threshold or with onset detection, which responds to transients and suits drums and percussion.

Workflow, Channel Routing and Side Chain

Every band can process and detect from mono, stereo, mid or side channels. Per-band internal and external side chain controls give you flexible routing for each band.

The developer describes the interface as clear and informative, which helps with the complex workflows usually associated with multiband dynamic plugins. Mid-side routing lets you work on the centre or the sides of a mix independently, which can be useful for vocals or for opening up low-end energy in the centre.

04Specs

Will it run?

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

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

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What is Oxford Dynamic EQ used for?

It is used to control frequencies that only become a problem at certain levels, such as boomy or harsh peaks. Each band engages only when the signal crosses its threshold, or on transients when onset detection is used.

Which formats and operating systems does Oxford Dynamic EQ support?

The plugin is available in VST3, AU and AAX formats, and runs on Windows and macOS. It is a 64-bit plugin.

What do I need to use Oxford Dynamic EQ?

It runs in Pro Tools 11 or later, or in any desktop application that supports VST3 or Audio Unit plugins. Licensing uses iLok, with two activations per licence, on an iLok 2 or iLok 3 device or through iLok Cloud.