Passive-Active Pack by Softube EQ plugin interface

Passive-Active Pack: Three EQ Plugins by Softube

Rated 4.7/5 on Plugin Boutique (991 ratings)

Passive-Active Pack is an EQ plugin collection from Softube that bundles three equalizer models, each with its own character and workflow. It is available as VST3, VST2, AU, AAX and RTAS for Windows and macOS.

VST3VST2AUAAXRTASWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

The Passive-Active Pack gathers three different equalizers in one plugin set. The Passive Equalizer is modeled on a German three-band unit and aims for a wide, open sound. The Active Equalizer is modeled on a 1970s Swiss active design and offers tighter, more focused filters for detail work. The Focusing Equalizer is an original Softube design that combines a constrained three-band EQ with built-in saturation and a guided workflow.

Best for

Bass drum fattening
Bass guitar warmth
Problem-solving EQ
Surgical frequency cuts
Mix bus tone shaping
Saturated EQ coloration

Developer: Softube
Category: EQ
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Three EQ models in one plugin pack
Passive model with wide bandwidth and warm low boost
Passive high cut with gentle 6 dB slope
Active model with tight, focused parametric filters
Active bands with gain in 2 dB steps, ±16 dB
Overlapping frequency ranges on Active bands
Focusing EQ with automatic, musically linked bands
Built-in one-knob saturation with metering

03In depth

Passive and Active EQ Character

The Passive Equalizer is built around a wide bandwidth and a warm low boost that can fatten a bass drum or bass guitar. Its high cut is a gentle 6 dB slope, and its high boost is described as open and crisp.

The Active Equalizer takes a more surgical approach. It offers low and high cut, three parametric bands with gain in 2 dB steps from -16 to +16 dB, and overlapping frequency ranges of 50–500 Hz, 380 Hz–3.8 kHz and 1.8–18 kHz. Each band can switch between a narrow and a wide Q, which suits problem solving on individual tracks.

Focusing EQ Workflow

The Focusing Equalizer limits your options on purpose. Its three bands change automatically and musically as you adjust the Low and High Cut controls, so the design makes some of the decisions for you.

It also includes a one-knob saturation control with metering and selectable saturation type. You can choose either the Passive or the Active EQ character as the basis for the sound.

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 and operating systems does Passive-Active Pack support?

It is available in VST3, VST2, AU, AAX and RTAS formats and runs on Windows and macOS. Softube notes that TDM, VENUE and RTAS are no longer supported.

What do I need to use Passive-Active Pack?

You need a compatible 64-bit host such as a VST3, AU or AAX DAW, a Softube account and an iLok account. macOS Big Sur 11 or newer and Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit) are required, and Softube recommends the VST3 format.

Which DAWs are officially tested?

Softube officially tests its plugins in the latest versions of Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, Ableton Live, Studio One and Reaper. Other 64-bit hosts should work if the system requirements are met, but they are not regularly tested.

What is the difference between the Passive and Active equalizers?

The Passive Equalizer is wide, clear and unintrusive, suited to warming and brightening. The Active Equalizer is tighter and more focused, designed for detailed corrections.