Eventide EQuivocate – Graphic EQ For Mixing and Mastering Software (Download)

Available for download, Eventide’s EQuivocate is software designed for mixing and mastering applications. It’s a graphic EQ, though not your usual graphic EQ: The 26 filters offered here are distributed along the Mel Spectrum, meaning they are shaped and spaced to approximate the critical band-filters already present in your ears. Being so closely tied to the scientific principles that guide how humans listen, EQuivocate aims to make the equalization process quicker, easier, and more intuitive.

EQuivocate utilizes linear phase filters that sound arguably more naturalistic and transparent than conventional EQs—in fact, linear phase EQ has often been described as akin to lowering or raising the fader on frequency bands. The nastier elements of linear phase equalization, including pre-ringing and other time-domain artifacts, have been mitigated in EQuivocate, rendering the equalizer suitable for use in mastering, where such artifacts are often undesirable, as they can smear the image.

Other features are on hand to make equalization an effective process, such as Match EQ to help you get your overall mix closer to a reference track. As EQuivocate’s Match EQ function uses the Mel Spectrum critical bands to achieve its function, the plug-in aims to provide a truer match, since it won’t be plotting out and accounting for EQ curves outside of the Spectrum.

Another useful feature is the ability to draw in complete EQ curves using your mouse, as well as an automatic leveling button that keeps the output level the same, no matter how you’ve equalized the signal. Band-specific soloing is also available, as is the means to add or remove more filters to further customize the curve.

This software is compatible with Mac and Windows computers, and will work within AU, AAX and VST formats. An iLok account is required to activate EQuivocate, though you need not purchase their dongle.