HoRNet offers the SW34EQ MK2 (19,99€) equalizer plugin as a FREE download for 24 hours only. The offer ends on July 5th, 2023.
SW34EQ MK2 is based on the channel strip EQs from the Sound Workshop Series 34 console (thank you to BPB reader Johannes Mazur for the info!), which was manufactured in the 1980s. It’s a musical-sounding EQ with smooth curves and optional analog-style saturation to enhance the sound of your mix.
The developer modeled the plugin to match the sound of the Sound Workshop console as closely as possible. It’s a gentle equalizer that works for applying broad tonal shaping. You can use it for mixing or even as a subtle sound sweetener when mastering your track.
The plugin offers four parametric EQ bands, a pair of filters (high-pass and low-pass), and input/output gain settings. It also features a saturation stage and analog hiss simulation, both of which can be turned off.
The saturation and hiss are based on the original Sound Workshop console. It sounds very gentle, even at higher gain settings, but I loved how it magically puts the bass into focus by subtly adding harmonics. It also sounded great on acoustic guitars and drums.
The Auto Input Level mode makes adjusting the input signal’s gain easy. On the other hand, the Link Output Level knob will link the Input and Output gain controls so that you can easily apply more saturation without increasing the output volume.
So, you’re getting a slick and musical-sounding EQ that will also let you saturate the signal. If you’re a fan of vintage 80s consoles, this plugin will allow you to emulate that exact sound in the comfort of your DAW.
SW34EQ MK2 is not a highly-precise surgical EQ like TDR Nova. Instead, you’ll use this type of EQ to gently shape the channels in your mix and add some glue and sweetness to the master channel.
We recently featured the best free equalizer plugins on BPB, and SW34EQ MK2 would definitely be included if it were a freeware plugin. It’s not, though. The plugin normally costs 19,99€, but you can download it for free during this special offer.
By the way, this isn’t the first time SW34EQ MK2 has been given away for free.
HoRNet already offered it as a limited-time freebie in March 2020. If you missed that deal, here’s another chance to download this excellent equalizer without spending any money.
The free download offer lasts for 24 hours only (20 hours left at the time of writing this article). The deal will expire on July 5th at 12:00 PM (GMT+2), so act fast.
SW34EQ MK2 is compatible with VST, VST3, AU, and AAX plugin hosts on Windows and macOS. Both 32-bit and 64-bit digital audio workstations are supported.
UPDATE: The free download offer has expired.
Download: SW34EQ MK2
More:
9 Comments
Tomislav Zlatic
onA big THANK YOU to BPB readers Aris, Numanoid, and Christian H. for the info!
Chris Stevens
onYou do phenomenal work on your site TOMISLAV!
Tomislav Zlatic
onThank you so much, Chris!
Michal Ochedowski
onIt’s a good sounding eq, but don’t expect VU meters to do their job properly. A bug reported and confirmed by developer a long time ago. It’s never been fixed. I’m not trying to take away from anyone’s experience, especially with a free plugin. I only wish someone would’ve warned me about it.
Johannes Mazur
onI never experienced that bug. Can you describe the bug?
Michal Ochedowski
onHere is the easiest way to notice the VU meter’s erratic behavior. Take a kick drum sample and play it in a loop. In my case VU meter spontaneously displays different values. Sometimes it’s -6, sometimes 0 and sometimes +3 on the meter. I tried it many times with different samples.
Johannes
onConfirmed. The range during my tests was between +3 and 0 but still,…
However, that’s just a rough 5 LED-meter to indicate when I get into saturation. I agree, it is a bit weird, but I couldn’t care less in this case as each channel in my DAW comes with a super precise metering built in anyway.
Johannes Mazur
onHi Tomislav, a little correction:
This is NOT an API EQ. It is based on a different console that has some similarities but still has its own character. It is a “Sound Workshop Series 34”. Hence the plugin’s name (SW34EQ).
Best,
Johannes
Tomislav Zlatic
onThank you for the correction! Much appreciated. I will update the info in the article.