TDR VOS SlickEQ is an equalizer that Tokyo Dawn Records gives away for free. An equalizer (EQ) is a tool that shapes tone by raising or lowering the amount of low, middle and high parts of a sound. This page covers how to get SlickEQ, what it can do, its supported formats and how you might use it, using only the maker’s official information.
Disclosure: this site uses affiliate programs. The fact that SlickEQ is free, and its features and formats, were checked on the maker’s official page around 2026-10-16. Terms of distribution can change, so please check the official page before you download.
How to get it
- Open the Tokyo Dawn Records product page from the “official site (free)” link below.
- In the “Free Download” section of the page, choose the file that matches your computer (Windows or Mac). The maker says you can download it with its distribution manager “TDR Collector” or from the links on the page.
- For Windows there are two kinds, “with installer” and “without installer”, and for Mac there is a package-format file.
- After installing, rescan plug-ins in your DAW (recording and production software).
- Load it on the insert (the place where you put effects) of the track you want to EQ.
Download link: Tokyo Dawn Records official site (free)
What is TDR VOS SlickEQ?
SlickEQ is an equalizer designed for use in mixing (blending many sounds together and shaping them) and mastering (final finishing adjustments). The maker describes it as a product aiming for “ease of use, musical flexibility and clean sound”. It is a joint project of Variety of Sound (Herbert Goldberg) and Tokyo Dawn Labs (Vladislav Goncharov and Fabien Schivre).
You control three bands (low, mid and high) in the traditional “semi-parametric” layout. Semi-parametric means each band lets you choose a frequency and an amount, a simple form of EQ that is quick to handle. It also has an 18 dB/octave high-pass filter (a filter that cuts low sounds).
Main features (per the manufacturer)
- Four EQ modes (per the manufacturer): There are four types, “American”, “British”, “German” and “Soviet”, each described as having its own EQ curve and behavior. There is also a selectable non-linear behavior (one that adds a light flavor to the sound).
- 3 bands plus a high-pass filter (per the manufacturer): A low, mid and high semi-parametric setup, with an 18 dB/octave high-pass added.
- Five output stages (per the manufacturer): You can choose from “Linear”, “Silky”, “Mellow”, “Deep” and “Toasted”. The saturation (processing that warms the sound with slight distortion) mechanism is described as VoS “Stateful saturation”, aimed at subtle texture rather than obvious distortion.
- Auto gain (per the manufacturer): A function that automatically compensates for the loudness difference in what you hear when EQing. When you apply an EQ, the sound can get louder and seem better, and this prevents that so you can compare fairly.
- Stereo sum and difference processing (per the manufacturer): You can apply the EQ only to the “sum” (the center-leaning component) or only to the “difference” (the left-right width component) of the stereo signal.
- 64-bit multi-rate processing (per the manufacturer): Described as a design that almost eliminates the frequency distortion, quantization distortion and aliasing that digital EQs tend to produce.
- Handy helper functions (per the manufacturer): Preset management, undo and redo, A/B comparison, copy and paste, online help, label editing and mouse-wheel operation.
The maker also has a higher-end version, “TDR VOS SlickEQ GE (Gentleman’s Edition)”, which is introduced as adding a real-time analyzer, extra filter modes and more. You can see how it differs from the free version on the paid version’s product page.
Supported formats and system requirements
- Plug-in formats: VST2, VST3, AU and AAX (from the official compatibility table; AU is listed in the Mac column)
- System requirements: Windows 7 or later, Mac OS X 10.9 or later. OpenGL support is required.
- Latest version: 1.3.9 (as shown on the official page)
A plug-in is not stand-alone software; you use it inside a host such as a DAW. It is a good idea to check before you download whether your DAW can load the format.
Who it may suit
- People who want one mixing EQ for free.
- People who want to switch between and try several EQ curves with different tones (American, British, German and Soviet).
- People who want to handle EQ and light saturation in a single plug-in.
- People who want to adjust only the stereo width a little (sum and difference processing is available).
Tips for using it
From here on, these are general ways to use equalizers.
- Cut first: Before adding, try cutting the clashing bands a little. The sound can become clearer, and you may need to add less.
- Tidy the low end with the high-pass: Using the high-pass on sounds that do not need low end, such as vocals or guitars, may clean up the low end.
- Compare with auto gain: With the volume matched, switching the EQ on and off makes it easier to judge whether it really got better.
- Try different modes: Even with the same settings, the modes are described as responding differently. Switch between them and listen to match the song or track.
- Keep the output stage modest: The saturation aims at a subtle texture. It seems best to start in a range where it does not sound forced.
Things to know before you download
- Always get free plug-ins from the maker’s official website. Files on third-party distribution sites can be outdated or tampered with.
- Choose and install a format your DAW can load (VST3, AU, AAX and so on).
- The official system requirements are Windows 7 or later and Mac OS X 10.9 or later. For whether it runs on older or newer OS versions, check the official information.
- Conditions such as account registration can change. Follow the latest guidance on the official page for the steps to get it.
FAQ
Q. Is it really free to use?
The official product page has a “Free Download” section and says it can be downloaded for free. The higher-end SlickEQ GE is a separate product.
Q. Can I use as many EQs as I like?
You can put one on each track without a problem. However, if you add a little on every track, the overall balance can easily fall apart. Start with the tracks that bother you.
Q. Can beginners use it?
With its easy-to-understand layout of three bands, it may suit an introduction to EQ. The maker also describes it as an EQ aiming for “ease of use”.
Related articles
- Free plug-ins for DTM: a roundup
- EQ plug-ins compared (paid ones included, ranked by the same criteria)
For free options
Pages about free products in this category:
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