Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. Prices were checked on the date shown and may change.
An introduction to Metric Halo MH Sonic EQ v4, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
Sonic EQ is the Original Digital Mastering EQ. Now available for your 64-bit DAW for the first time!
— Metric Halo official site
What is MH Sonic EQ v4?
MH Sonic EQ v4 is a six-band fully parametric equalizer from Metric Halo. It descends from an EQ that Dr. James A. Moorer developed for Lucasfilm's SoundDroid project, which was later extended for Sonic Solutions mastering systems and is now available as a plugin for 64-bit DAWs.
In 2007 it was rebuilt for the Sonic Studio 30x interfaces designed by Metric Halo, and the current plugin carries that lineage forward. It pairs an updated low-noise 64-bit state-space structure with the core Sonic EQ coefficients.
Every band can use 2nd- to 8th-order filters, giving slopes of up to 48 dB per octave, plus detailed control over filter ripple inside and outside the band. That makes it suited to adjusting a specific range while leaving the surrounding material alone.
The listed uses go well beyond mastering: recording, remixing, post-production, live sound, and restoration work. Dedicated tools such as RIAA encode/decode and DC removal are included for transferring records and early digital formats.
Six fully parametric bands
All six bands offer frequency, gain and width control. The state-space EQ structure lets you handle fine mastering moves and track clean-up on the same screen.
Slopes up to 48 dB/octave
Every band supports filters up to 8th order for steep band shaping. This helps when you want to target one range with less effect on neighboring frequencies.
Up to 16x oversampling
You can choose oversampling up to 16x. That lets you trade processing quality against CPU load depending on the task.
RIAA and de-emphasis bands
Dedicated RIAA encode/decode and digital de-emphasis bands, plus DC removal, are included. They are useful when transferring vinyl or early digital recordings.
Built-in SpectraFoo analysis and meters
SpectraFoo spectrum analysis, level meters and a scalable gain-reduction meter are built in, so you can see the frequency balance while moving the curve.
Presets and resizable UI
Many presets are included and the interface can be resized. MH Preset Manager shares presets across Windows and Mac.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Bands | 6 (fully parametric) |
| Filter order | 2nd to 8th (up to 48 dB/octave) |
| Oversampling | Up to 16x |
| Formats | AU, VST2, VST3, AAX Native |
| macOS | macOS 10.10 or newer (Intel or Apple Silicon; AU, VST 2/3 or AAX; 64-bit) |
| Windows | Windows 7 or newer (Intel processor; VST or AAX; 64-bit) |
| Licensing | An iLok.com account is required for licensing (an iLok dongle is optional; iLok Cloud also works). One license covers both platforms and includes two activations |
What is included and system requirements
- MH Sonic EQ v4 plugin (AU, VST2, VST3, AAX Native)
- A large preset library
- MH Preset Manager
- SpectraFoo analysis and level meters (built into the plugin)
- A free, fully functional 30-day trial is offered on the maker's site
How to use it
- Create an iLok.com account and register your license to it after purchase.
- Run the installer and rescan plugins in your DAW.
- Insert MH Sonic EQ v4 on the track or bus you want to equalize.
- Start by loading a preset to see what kind of curve it produces.
- While playing back, watch the SpectraFoo display and move the band that covers the range you want to adjust.
- Choose the filter order (slope) and oversampling setting as needed.
- Use the A/B snapshots to compare before and after.
- Save settings you like with MH Preset Manager and recall them on other songs.
Mastering
It may suit finishing work where you want to adjust a specific range only a little. High-order slopes and ripple control could help you work without disturbing the surrounding bands.
Post-production and narration
It could be used to carve away unwanted ranges from recorded voice or effects. Steep slopes may make it easier to keep the range the voice needs while tidying the rest.
Transferring records and older sources
With RIAA decode, DC removal and de-emphasis bands, it may come in handy when digitizing vinyl or early digital recordings.
Home-studio track clean-up
It may suit shaping the low and high ends of vocals and instruments so they find their place in a song, using the analyzer as a guide.
Who it may suit
- People who want precise control over frequency ranges in mastering or finishing
- People who restore audio or transfer vinyl and older recordings
- People who like to adjust EQ while watching a spectrum display
- People building a set of Metric Halo v4 plugins
Good to know before you buy
- An iLok.com account is required for authorization (the dongle is optional).
- Supported on 64-bit macOS 10.10 or newer and Windows 7 or newer.
- It is also part of the maker's Production Bundle, which the maker offers as a bundled purchase.
- v4 adds VST3 on both macOS and Windows, including Apple Silicon native support, so it runs in major VST hosts such as Cubase and Nuendo.
- Shared v4 additions include undo/redo, A/B snapshots with snapshot blend, common header-bar controls, and copy-and-paste of settings between plugin instances.
How it differs from similar products
We do not pick a winner; the official figures are placed side by side.
MH TransientControl v4
Sonic EQ is a six-band EQ with slopes up to 48 dB/octave, listed at $199 by the maker. TransientControl v4 adjusts attack, sustain and release with three gain controls and is listed at $179. One shapes frequency balance, the other shapes the time envelope of a sound.
Price
$199 (Metric Halo official site, checked 2026-10-27). Prices can vary by region and promotion, so check the official page before buying.
See MH Sonic EQ v4 on the product page
Sources: minet.jp mhsecure.com (checked 2026-10-27)
Comments