DMG Audio EQuilibrium EQ plug-in: features and spec-based rating

DMG Audio’s EQuilibrium is a full-featured EQ for mastering, with up to 32 bands, a choice of phase behavior including linear phase (a method that does not shift the timing of the sound), circuits modeled on classic units, and support for M/S (a method that separates the center from the sides) and surround.

An EQ (equalizer) adjusts the amount of low and high frequencies in a sound. You use it to clear up a muddy voice or reduce sounds that hurt the ears.

In this article we compare EQuilibrium with 15 EQ plug-ins and rate how well it serves its purpose on three criteria. The basis is official manufacturer information.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, SoundBounty may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices and sale information are as of the date we checked them and can change.

Summary

Among the 15 EQ plug-ins, EQuilibrium is rank A. The ranks run S, A, B and C, and A is second from the top. Averaging the scores for each criterion (out of 5, with the one criterion that matters most for the purpose counted double) gives 3.5.

Strengths

• Stereo processing (5 points): you can adjust the center vocal and the backing track spread to the sides separately.

Who it suits: people who want to manage phase and even Mid/Side in detail when finishing a mix or mastering.

Main features of EQuilibrium

32 bands and plenty of filters

EQuilibrium is an EQ with up to 32 bands, and each band can be a peak (bell), high-pass, low-pass, high shelf, low shelf or notch (a filter that cuts a narrow band). Q can be moved from 0.1 to 50, and gain within a range of ±36 dB. The slope of the high-pass and low-pass filters can be chosen from 6 dB/oct to 48 dB/oct, which is useful when you want to decide in detail how to tidy up the lows or cut unwanted highs.

Choose how phase is handled

In FIR mode you can choose, band by band, how phase is handled: linear phase, analog-style, minimum, analog-style with zero latency, or free. You could use them selectively for mastering, where you want to avoid timing shifts, or when you want to avoid phase problems after layering sounds recorded with several microphones. The manufacturer explains that the engine load can be switched from a light mode to a high-quality mode.

Models based on the circuits of classic units

Besides the clean curves of a purely digital EQ, you can also choose curves modeled on the circuits of historic analog EQs. Within the same plug-in you can switch between digital for tidy results and a circuit model when you want a little color.

M/S, left/right and surround

For stereo sources, each band can process the center (Mid), the sides (Side) or the whole signal. It also supports an L/R mode, which EQs left and right separately, and surround up to DTS 7.1. It is handy for mastering-style adjustments such as shaping only the stereo width.

Clear analysis and a flexible screen

You can choose analysis displays such as 1/3-octave, 1/12-octave and spectrograph, an Autolisten mode that helps you find the frequency you want to change, and a K-meter-style display. The manufacturer explains that the screen layout can be rearranged to suit your work with a setup wizard.

Video: “Introducing DMGAudio EQuilibrium” (official DMGAudio YouTube channel; narration in English) Watch on YouTube

Where it is useful

• Giving a finished stereo mix of a cover song a last touch with an EQ that does not disturb phase
• Tidying up the lows of layered guitar tracks while avoiding phase shifts
• Lifting only the stereo width (Side) a little to add spread to the mix

Rating by criterion

Handling problem bands: 3 / 5

We check whether you can target and fix only the sounds that bother you, such as boominess or harshness.

It is a static EQ with up to 32 bands and a choice of phase behavior, such as linear phase (processing that does not shift timing) and zero latency.

Speed: 3 / 5

We check whether it has features that get you to a good setting quickly, such as automatic settings and a function that matches a reference sound.

It has a high-resolution spectrum analyzer and an Autolisten mode that makes frequencies easy to find.

Stereo processing: 5 / 5

We check whether you can adjust the center sound (such as the vocal) and the sound spread to the sides separately.

It supports M/S (Mid, Side or the whole signal can be chosen), L/R (left and right separately) and surround processing up to DTS 7.1.

How we score (EQ plug-ins)

Criterion	Basis	5 pt	4 pt	3 pt	2 pt	1 pt
Handling problem bands	The power to target and reduce boomy or harsh sounds	Dynamic EQ, plus processing that reacts only to specific frequencies inside a band	Dynamic EQ (works only when the sound gets loud), or separate processing of the attack and the sustained sound	A static EQ with many bands, or with a choice of processing quality such as linear phase	A static EQ with few bands	—
Speed	Features that help you decide settings quickly	AI balances the sound automatically and can also reduce overlap between tracks	Automatic EQ settings or EQ match, plus other aids	One aid, such as EQ match	Analyzer (a visual display of the sound) only	No aids listed
Stereo processing	Whether the center and the sides can be processed separately	Supports M/S, separate left/right and surround	Supports M/S plus either separate left/right or surround	M/S only	—	Not mentioned on the official page

Each criterion is scored from 1 to 5 on how well the product serves one goal: balancing the sound of vocals and backing tracks in a mix. Scores follow the conditions in the table above, and the rank is based on an average in which "Handling problem bands" counts double. The basis is official manufacturer information. Sound quality and CPU load are not measured, so they are not scored; reviews from trade magazines are introduced in the articles for reference. Price is not part of the score. Features that cannot be confirmed from the manufacturer's or a retailer's description are scored as if absent. The "OBS (streaming)" column in the table shows whether the official page lists the VST2 format that the streaming software OBS Studio can use (○). OBS does not support the VST3 format. It is not part of the score.

EQuilibrium system requirements and getting started

Operating system	Windows (Vista / 7 / 8 / 10) / Mac (OS 10.7 or later)
Plug-in formats	Windows: VST, VST3, AAX / Mac: VST, VST3, AU, AAX
Trial	Demo available (a demo license is sent by email)
OBS (streaming)	Works as it is (VST2 is listed)

Checked on the manufacturer’s official pages on October 17, 2026. How to use plug-ins in the OBS streaming software is explained in How to use VST3 plug-ins in OBS.

Compared with other EQ plug-ins

Click a heading to sort. On a phone, the table scrolls sideways.

Read next

• smart:EQ 4: features and rating (rank A)
• MAutoEqualizer: features and rating (rank A)
• Pro-Q 4: features and rating (rank S)
• MEqualizer: features and rating (rank B)