V-EQ3: Analog-Style EQ Plugin by Waves

V-EQ3 is an analog-style equalizer plugin from Waves, modeled on the Neve 1066/1073 preamps, with curated frequencies for shaping vocals, instruments and bus sounds.

VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS

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01Overview

V-EQ3 is an effects plugin from Waves in the EQ subcategory. Its design follows a classic approach to tone shaping, using a small set of carefully chosen frequencies, slopes and curves rather than surgical controls. The developer describes it as a natural-sounding EQ built on a low-distortion Class A design, and it models the 1066/1073 Neve preamps. It is available in VST2, AU and AAX formats for Windows and macOS.

Best for

Vocal air boost
Bus mud reduction
Kick bus processing
Acoustic instrument brightening
Mix master coloration
Parallel EQ processing

Developer: Waves
Category: EQ
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Natural-sounding EQ with low-distortion Class A design
Models the 1066/1073 Neve preamps
Air boost at 10 or 12 kHz for vocals and acoustic instruments
10 curated midrange frequencies for vocals and instruments
Highpass filter to trim mud when feeding buses
Low-frequency shelf to add body or thin sounds
Analog circuit modeling stays active when EQ is zeroed
Phase reverse control for parallel processing

03In depth

Sound Character and Neve-Style Coloration

Waves describes V-EQ3 as an EQ that favors color over precision. The plugin models the 1066 and 1073 Neve preamps, and the developer says its Class A design keeps distortion low.

The midrange is built around 10 curated frequencies meant for vocals and instruments. Air boosts at 10 or 12 kHz add brightness to vocals and acoustic sources, while the low-frequency shelf can add body or power or thin a sound out.

Because the analog circuit modeling stays active even with the EQ zeroed, the coloration applies across the whole signal path.

Workflow and Key Controls for Mixing

The highpass filter is useful for trimming muddiness when sending sounds such as kick into buses. Pairing the EQ with the phase reverse control allows parallel processing setups.

The controls are intentionally limited, so the plugin suits quick decisions on tracks, buses and masters rather than detailed corrective work.

04Specs

Will it run?

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

Developer	Waves
Type	Plugin
Category	EQ
Formats	VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats and operating systems does V-EQ3 support?

V-EQ3 is available in VST2, AU and AAX formats. It runs on Windows and macOS.

What are the system requirements for V-EQ3?

On Mac, the listed requirements are macOS Monterey 12, Ventura 13, Sonoma 14 or Sequoia 15, with VST, AU or AAX formats. On PC, Windows 10 or later is required, with VST or AAX formats.

What is V-EQ3 best used for?

Its air boost suits vocals and acoustic instruments, the highpass filter helps clear low-end mud on buses, and the low-frequency shelf can add body or thin a sound.