An EQ raises or lowers the level of each frequency range. It cleans up muddy or harsh bands. A free EQ can already remove vocal muddiness and tidy the low end. This page compares 2 free EQs offered by their makers (TDR Nova, MEqualizer) using official information only.
Disclosure: this site uses affiliate programs. The fact that each product is free, and its features and formats, were checked on the makers’ official pages around 2026-10-16. Terms of distribution can change, so please check the official page before you download.
The short answer: which one?
- TDR Nova (rank A): People who want to try a dynamic EQ for free.
- MEqualizer (rank B): People who want to try an EQ with an analyzer for free.
Free EQs compared
| Product | Rank | Handling problem bands | Speed | Stereo processing | Formats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TDR Nova | A | Dynamic | Analyzer | M/S + L/R | VST3, AU, AAX |
| MEqualizer | B | 6 bands | Analyzer | M/S, L/R, surround | VST3, AU, AAX |
Ranks use the same criteria as paid products in the same category (scored from the makers’ official information only). How scores and ranks are decided is explained in How we rate.
What to look at
- Handling problem bands: The power to target and reduce boomy or harsh sounds
- Speed: Features that help you decide settings quickly
- Stereo processing: Whether the center and the sides can be processed separately
TDR Nova (Tokyo Dawn Records) | Rank A
A free parallel dynamic EQ with dynamics processing in each band. It can also work as a multiband or wideband compressor, and includes a spectrum analyzer.
- Handling problem bands: A dynamic EQ with dynamics processing in each band (free version).
- Speed: It has a spectrum analyzer. There is no automatic setting.
- Stereo processing: The official version history lists Sum/Diff (M/S) processing modes for the center and sides, and Left/Right modes that process the channels separately.
Who it is for: People who want to try a dynamic EQ for free.
Formats: VST3, AU, AAX (official information)
Score 3.5 / 5 (average of the 15 products compared: 3.1)
- Price
- Free
- Specs last checked
- 2026/09/25
- Handling problem bands
- Dynamic
- Speed
- Analyzer
- Stereo processing
- M/S + L/R
- Price (store, date)
- Not listed
Get it: Tokyo Dawn Records official site (free)
MEqualizer (MeldaProduction) | Rank B
A free 6-band EQ. Each band offers 7 filter types, and tube saturation is included.
- Handling problem bands: A 6-band static EQ.
- Speed: It has an analyzer. There are no automatic setting aids.
- Stereo processing: The official feature list includes M/S (separate processing of the center and sides), separate left/right processing and support for up to 8-channel surround.
Who it is for: People who want to try an EQ with an analyzer for free.
Formats: VST3, AU, AAX (official information)
Score 2.8 / 5 (average of the 15 products compared: 3.1)
- Price
- Free
- Specs last checked
- 2026/09/25
- Handling problem bands
- 6 bands
- Speed
- Analyzer
- Stereo processing
- M/S, L/R, surround
- Price (store, date)
- Not listed
Get it: MeldaProduction official site (free)
Tips for using free EQs
- Cutting first usually sounds more natural than boosting. Find the muddy or harsh bands before adding anything.
- To find a problem band, narrow the width, boost a lot and sweep, then decide how much to cut.
- A high-pass filter on the low end of a vocal (below about 80 Hz) keeps it from clashing with other instruments.
- Match the volume before and after the EQ and compare.
When to move to a paid one
When you need a dynamic EQ that follows the level, an analyzer display, or AI that finds problem bands, it is time to consider a paid EQ. For a comparison including paid products, with ranks on the same criteria, see EQ plug-ins compared.
From download to first use
- Open the product page on the maker’s official site and press the download button. You may be asked to register an email address or create an account.
- Choose the installer for your computer (Windows or Mac) and download it.
- Run the installer. Choose a plug-in format (VST3, AU, AAX and so on) that your DAW can load.
- Open your DAW and rescan plug-ins.
- Load the plug-in on a track insert (the place where effects are placed) and start using it.
Always download free plug-ins from the maker’s official site. Files on third-party download sites may be old or altered.
FAQ
Q. Where should I start with an EQ?
Start by cutting unneeded lows with a high-pass filter. Then find the muddy band and cut it slightly. Finally add what is missing, only a little.
Q. Is boosting or cutting better?
Cutting first is generally recommended, because boosted bands are more likely to clash when sounds are mixed.
Q. What is a dynamic EQ?
An EQ that works or rests depending on the level. It can lower a harsh band only at the moment it appears in a vocal.
Q. Is the analyzer (frequency display) useful?
It lets you see build-ups in the lows or harsh highs that are hard to hear. In the end, decide by ear. A tidy display does not always mean a good sound.
Q. How do free and paid EQs differ?
It depends on the product, but paid products tend to have more automatic suggestions and finer controls. A comparison that includes paid products is in EQ plug-ins compared.
Q. What should I check before installing?
Check that your DAW can load the plug-in format (VST3, AU, AAX and so on). Some makers require an email address or an account.
To see free plug-ins across categories, see Free plug-ins for music production.
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