Tokyo Dawn Records SlickEQ free EQ plug-in: features and spec-based rating

Tokyo Dawn Records’ SlickEQ is a free EQ with three bands plus a high-pass filter, a choice of four EQ models and five output-stage textures. It is built with ease of use and warmth of sound in mind.

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 SlickEQ with 15 EQ plug-ins and rate how well it serves its purpose on three criteria. The basis is official manufacturer information.

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Summary

Among the 15 EQ plug-ins, SlickEQ is rank C. The ranks run S, A, B and C, and C is the lowest. Averaging the scores for each criterion (out of 5, with the one criterion that matters most for the purpose counted double) gives 2.3.

Things to keep in mind

• Handling problem bands (2 points): it has no function that reduces problem sounds automatically; it centers on basic tone adjustment.
• Speed (2 points): you have to decide the settings by ear.

Who it suits: people who want a quick EQ for free, with some analog-style coloration added.

Main features of SlickEQ

Four EQ models with different characters

SlickEQ is a simple EQ in which you only move the low, mid and high bands, but behind it sit four EQ models: “American”, “British”, “German” and “Soviet”. Switching models changes the shape and behavior of the curve even with the knobs in the same position, the manufacturer explains. You pick the model you like first and then move the knobs, so even people who are not used to EQ can easily hear the difference.

Five textures to choose from in the output stage

The output stage after the EQ has five options, “Linear”, “Silky”, “Mellow”, “Deep” and “Toasted”, so you can choose your own saturation (processing that softly distorts the sound to add warmth). The manufacturer explains that it aims not at obvious distortion but at the faint flavoring found in fine gear. It seems suited to uses where you want to change the character of the sound a little while applying the EQ.

Auto gain to help you compare

When you boost a sound with an EQ, it is easy to be fooled into thinking the sound got better when it only got louder. SlickEQ’s auto gain automatically compensates for the change in perceived loudness. It makes it easier to compare before and after at about the same volume, which helps you avoid overdoing it.

EQ only the sum or only the difference of the stereo signal

There is a mode that applies the EQ only to the components near the center (the sum) or only to the components spreading left and right (the difference). For example, you could lift only the highs of the spreading components a little and leave the center vocal as it is. The inside works at 64 bits, and the manufacturer explains that it is built so that the highs are less likely to distort or fold back.

The upgraded version, “SlickEQ GE”

The paid Gentleman’s Edition (GE) adds a real-time analyzer, extra filter modes, a choice of colors and a finely adjustable Tilt filter. You can try the free version first to see how it feels, and consider the upgraded version if it becomes insufficient.

Where it is useful

• Lightly adding highs to a cover vocal while also adding a warm coloration
• Quickly shaping a guitar or piano track with three bands
• Adjusting only the spread (the difference component) of the whole mix a little

Rating by criterion

Handling problem bands: 2 / 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 three bands (low, mid and high semi-parametric) and a high-pass filter. It is not a dynamic EQ (an EQ that works only when the sound gets loud).

If “handling problem bands” matters most to you, Pro-Q 4 (5 points) is a better fit.

Speed: 2 / 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 auto gain, which automatically evens out the loudness change caused by the EQ.

If “speed” matters most to you, smart:EQ 4 (5 points) is a better fit.

Stereo processing: 3 / 5

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

It has a mode that processes only the stereo “sum” (near the center) or only the “difference” (the spread).

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.

SlickEQ system requirements and getting started

Operating system	Windows 7 or later / Mac (OS X 10.9 or later). OpenGL support is required
Plug-in formats	Windows: VST2, VST3, AAX / Mac: VST2, VST3, AU, AAX
Free version	Free (a paid version with an analyzer display and more, “SlickEQ GE”, also exists)
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

• Pultec Passive EQ Collection: features and rating (rank C)
• Oxford EQ: features and rating (rank C)
• Pro-Q 4: features and rating (rank S)
• smart:EQ 4: features and rating (rank A)