Reference 1956 Equalizer by Softube passive EQ plugin interface

Reference 1956 Equalizer: Passive EQ Plugin by Softube

Reference 1956 Equalizer is a passive EQ plugin from Softube, modeled on a classic hardware design that uses resistors, capacitors and chokes rather than op-amps or transistors. It adds stereo operation, Mid/Side processing and separate channel gain controls.

VST3VST2AUAAXRTASWindowsmacOS64-bit

AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique

Download Now

Opens the store in a new tab

01Overview

Softube's Reference 1956 Equalizer is built around the minimum-phase passive EQ design that has stayed popular for decades. Cuts and boosts are made with passive components, and the output passes through a tube amp stage. The developer says the plugin keeps the character of the original circuit while adding features the hardware never had. It is available in VST3, VST2, AU, AAX and RTAS formats for Windows and macOS.

Best for

Broad low-end shaping
Mix bus tone coloring
Mid/Side stereo EQ
Vocal and guitar tone
Corrective plus vibey EQ

Developer: Softube
Category: EQ
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Passive EQ circuit modeled on a classic hardware design
Minimum-phase passive EQ with a tube amp output stage
Stereo functionality for stereo tracks and buses
Additional frequency selections beyond the original layout
Headroom control in the Extended Features panel
Built-in Mid/Side processing
Separate gain controls for each channel
Works in the second slot of Softube's Equalizers plugin
Console 1 Ready

03In depth

Passive EQ Sound and Character

Softube describes the Reference 1956 Equalizer as a model of a classic passive design. Because the cuts and boosts come from resistors, capacitors and chokes, the developer positions it as a tool for broad, musical tone shaping rather than surgical correction.

The Headroom control sits in the Extended Features panel. According to Softube, it exaggerates the thick low-end character associated with the transformers, giving you a way to push the bottom end further than the basic controls allow.

Stereo, Mid/Side and Workflow Options

Beyond the original hardware layout, the plugin adds stereo functionality, additional frequency selections, built-in Mid/Side processing and separate gain controls for the two channels. These options let you treat a stereo mix or a center and sides signal independently.

The plugin can also be loaded into the second slot of Softube's Equalizers plugin, which adds visualizations and up to 20 bands of modern curves to the passive stage.

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 Reference 1956 Equalizer support?

Reference 1956 Equalizer is available in VST3, VST2, AU, AAX and RTAS formats. It runs on Windows and macOS and is a 64-bit plugin.

What do I need to run Reference 1956 Equalizer?

You need a Softube account and an iLok account, plus a 64-bit host that supports AU, VST, VST3 or AAX. Softube lists macOS Big Sur 11 through Ventura 13 and Windows 10 or 11 as supported systems.

Which DAWs has Softube tested the plugin in?

Softube says it officially tests its plugins in the latest versions of Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, Ableton Live, Studio One and Reaper. The developer recommends using the VST3 format.