Luna Co. Audio has launched 4K-EQ, a free equaliser plugin for Windows, macOS, and Linux. The plugin is designed as a console EQ emulation, aiming to reproduce the sound characteristics of classic British mixing consoles within modern digital audio workstations.
The plugin, named 4K-EQ, is developed by Luna Co. Audio and is available as an open source release under the GPL-2.0 license. It is intended for use in tracking, mixing, and mastering contexts, and focuses on modelling the tonal behaviour and nonlinear characteristics associated with historic E-series and G-series console designs.
4K-EQ includes two selectable operating modes that correspond to these console variants. The Brown mode is based on E-series designs and is described as providing broader equalisation curves, fixed-Q shelves, and predominantly second-order harmonic saturation. The Black mode reflects G-series designs and offers tighter, proportional-Q responses, increased third-order harmonic content, and the ability to switch the low and high frequency bands between bell and shelf operation.
The plugin incorporates several stages of analogue-style processing. These include input transformer coloration, NE5534-style operational amplifier behaviour, output transformer harmonics in the Brown mode, and per-band saturation that is applied when gain is increased. Oversampling options are provided to support anti-aliased processing.
Feature highlights include:
- Four-band parametric equaliser with Brown and Black modes
- High-pass and low-pass filters
- Bell and shelf switching on low and high frequency bands
- 2x and 4x oversampling options
Additional functionality is included to support a range of workflows. The plugin offers mid/side processing for stereo material, an auto-gain compensation toggle, and a real-time FFT spectrum analyser. User interaction features include mouse wheel parameter control, double-click reset, and full automation support. A set of 15 factory presets is also provided.
The plugin is supplied in VST3, LV2, and AU formats, depending on platform. It has been tested by the developer on Reaper, Ardour, Carla, and in standalone operation. It is also expected to function in a variety of other digital audio workstations, including Bitwig Studio, Studio One, FL Studio, Ableton Live, Cubase, Nuendo, Logic Pro, and GarageBand.
System requirements vary by platform. Supported operating systems include Linux distributions such as Debian 12 or newer, Ubuntu 22.04 or newer, and Fedora 36 or newer, with glibc 2.36 or higher. On Windows, Windows 10 or later is required. On macOS, version 10.13 High Sierra or later is supported. A 64-bit DAW with compatible plugin support is required, and supported sample rates range from 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz.
4K-EQ is currently available as version 1.0.5 for Linux, Windows, and macOS.
4K-EQ is available as a free download. Luna Co. Audio notes that users who find the plugin helpful may choose to support ongoing development via Patreon.
Click here to find out more about the 4K-EQ plugin developed by Luna Co. Audio.
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