The new developer 13x Audio has released its dynamic EQ with up to 24 bands, AURORA, as a completely free plug-in that needs no account registration or license key. The official site explains that “there is no paid version and no feature limits; what is distributed is the finished version”, and as of September 24, 2026 it was still being offered free.
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How to get it
- Go to the “AURORA” product page on the 13x Audio official site (13x.audio).
- Click the download button on the page. You do not need to create an account, and entering an email address (newsletter sign-up) is optional.
- Download the installer for your operating system (Windows: VST3 / CLAP; macOS: VST3 / AU / CLAP; Linux: VST3 / CLAP / LV2).
- Run the installer to install the plug-in.
- Rescan plug-ins in your DAW and load AURORA. The official site also lists the SHA-256 hash of each distributed file, so you can check that the downloaded file has not been tampered with.
Get AURORA free on the official site
What kind of product is it?
AURORA is a dynamic parametric EQ that can use up to 24 bands. According to the official site, it has a real-time spectrum analyzer display, mid/side processing, and a “Smart Ops” function that helps suppress resonances and de-ess. It is said to work offline, with no license key or activation procedure at all.
Who it suits
- People who want to dynamically suppress harsh resonances and sibilance in vocals and instruments within what is free
- People who want to try EQ processing that moves with the level, which a many-band static EQ cannot handle
- Beginners in music production who want to see how a dynamic EQ feels before spending any money
How it differs from similar products
Most EQ plug-ins that come with a DAW or are given away free are “static EQs”, where the characteristics you set are always applied the same way. AURORA is a dynamic EQ that processes dynamically only the bands that exceed a threshold, and it stands out as a free plug-in that supports even 24 bands and mid/side processing. A dynamic EQ is a method often used in higher-end paid plug-ins, so being able to check the features for free is worth keeping in mind as an option. EQs overall are compared in EQ plug-ins compared, and other free products are in Free plug-ins for music production.
Cautions when getting it
- As of September 2026, 13x Audio is a new developer that offers AURORA as its main product. Check the official site’s announcements for its future update policy and for whether the distribution will continue.
- The supported formats are VST3 / AU / CLAP / LV2, and VST2 is not supported. If you use an old DAW, check the supported formats beforehand.
- The supported formats differ by OS (for example, Windows has only VST3 / CLAP and no AU). Check the official site’s compatibility table before installing.
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