Reference 1998 Equalizer by Softube EQ plugin interface

Reference 1998 Equalizer: Modern Classic Tube EQ by Softube

Reference 1998 Equalizer is a tube-style EQ plugin from Softube with four passive, parallel bands and shelving filters that add warmth, saturation and color to mixing and mastering.

VST3VST2AUAAXRTASWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

Reference 1998 Equalizer is an equalizer plugin modeled on a modern classic tube EQ design. Its four parallel bands are built to add warmth and subtle saturation, and the tube stage is described as offering good headroom. The developer positions it for both mixing and mastering, where broad, colorful tonal shaping is the main goal. It is part of Softube's Rock & Roll Science lineage of analog-inspired processors.

Best for

Mix bus coloring
Mastering EQ
Broad tonal shaping
Low end shaping
Warm vocal EQ

Developer: Softube
Category: EQ
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Tube-style equalizer with four passive, parallel EQ bands
Warmth and saturation from each band, per the developer
Shelving filters with built-in "low end trick" curves
Broad, colorful tonal shaping suited to large moves
Positioned for both mixing and mastering
Can be loaded into the second slot of Softube's Equalizers plugin
Console 1 ready
Supports 64-bit hosts on macOS and Windows

03In depth

Sound and Character of the Reference 1998 EQ

Softube describes the EQ's four bands as passive and parallel, each adding warmth and saturation. The shelving filters are the central feature, with built-in "low end trick" shelving curves that range from wide and smooth to more distinctive shapes.

Softube describes the result as colorful and well suited to broad, sweeping tonal moves rather than surgical corrections. For producers who want coloration as much as EQ, this is the main point of the plugin.

Workflow, Compatibility and Use Cases

The plugin runs in AU, VST, VST3, AAX and RTAS formats on macOS and Windows. Softube recommends VST3 because some of its plugins have features missing from the older VST format.

Softube says the plugin is ideal for mastering and mixing. It is also compatible with the developer's Equalizers plugin, where it can be loaded into the second slot, and it is marked as Console 1 ready.

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 1998 Equalizer support?

It is available in VST3, VST2, AU, AAX and RTAS formats. It runs on both Windows and macOS in 64-bit.

What do I need to run Reference 1998 Equalizer?

You need a Softube account and an iLok account, plus a compatible 64-bit host such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, Ableton Live, Studio One or Reaper. Softube says any AU, VST, VST3 or AAX compatible host should work, though only the listed DAWs are officially tested. Softube recommends using VST3.

Can I use it with Softube's Equalizers plugin?

Yes. Softube says Reference 1998 Equalizer can be loaded into the second slot of its Equalizers plugin to combine its curves with additional dynamic and visual EQ features.