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An introduction to Mäag Audio (Plugin Alliance) EQ4, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
The Mäag Audio EQ4 is a musical EQ, not a surgical EQ, making it ideal for sweetening tracks.
— Mäag Audio (Plugin Alliance) official site
What is EQ4?
EQ4 is a Plugin Alliance plug-in based on the Mäag Audio hardware equalizer. The maker presents it as a vocal EQ built around its AIR BAND, and notes that 2024 updates improved usability and added a black user interface option.
The official description calls it a musical EQ rather than a surgical one, suited to sweetening tracks. Its design is said to produce very low phase shift, preserving the character of the original mix while enhancing the airy high frequencies.
The structure consists of five fixed-frequency band-pass bands, the AIR BAND, and a SUB BAND that reaches down to 10 Hz. The AIR BAND is a high shelf boost available at 2.5, 5, 10, 20 or 40 kHz.
The plug-in version adds a LEVEL TRIM control not found on the hardware. It also offers a resizable GUI, a switchable Black Edition faceplate, undo/redo and bank selection.
AIR BAND
A high-shelf boost selectable at 2.5, 5, 10, 20 or 40 kHz. The maker says it can enhance sources from vocals to the mix bus.
SUB BAND (10 Hz)
A sub band reaching 10 Hz for controlling or enhancing low-end rumble on bass instruments and the mix bus, according to the maker.
Fixed-frequency band-pass EQ
Fixed-frequency band-pass filters are described as enabling phase-coherent EQing. Unlike a freely sweepable parametric EQ, settings are selected quickly from fixed choices.
LEVEL TRIM
A plug-in-only feature that turns down the overall gain, useful for balancing the output after boosting.
Easy-recall controls
Detent controls make settings easy to recall: ALT/click toggles between a reset for each band and the last state, making it easy to bypass individual bands.
Resizable GUI and Black Edition
The GUI can be scaled and switched to a black faceplate, useful on small screens or for higher contrast.
Undo/Redo and banks
Undo/redo and ABCD bank selection were added, helping you compare settings while adjusting.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Price (maker) | USD 115 |
| Bands | Five fixed-frequency band-pass bands plus AIR BAND and SUB BAND (10 Hz) |
| AIR BAND | 2.5k / 5k / 10k / 20k / 40 kHz |
| Formats | AAX AudioSuite, AAX DSP, AAX Native, AU, VST2, VST3 |
| OS | macOS 26 down to 13 / Windows 11 down to 10 |
| CPU | Mac: Intel or Apple Silicon / PC: x64-compatible |
| Display | 1440 x 900 or 1280 x 960 or higher |
| Memory | 2 GB RAM |
| Latest version | 1.16.1 (Aug 26, 2024) |
What is included and system requirements
- Formats: AAX AudioSuite, AAX DSP, AAX Native, AU, VST2, VST3
- OS: macOS 26 down to 13, Windows 11 down to 10
- Mac: Intel or Apple Silicon / PC: x64-compatible CPU
- Display 1440 x 900 or 1280 x 960 or higher, 2 GB RAM
- Downloaded and installed through the Installation Manager shared by Plugin Alliance products
- The official page states it is included in CORE and PRO subscriptions
How to use it
- Purchase through your Plugin Alliance account (or use a subscription).
- Download the Installation Manager and install EQ4 in the formats you need.
- Authorize the license.
- Insert EQ4 on a vocal track or bus in your DAW.
- Choose an AIR BAND frequency and boost gradually to find the amount of top-end air.
- Add the five bands and SUB BAND as needed.
- Use LEVEL TRIM to compensate for added level.
- Compare settings with banks and undo/redo, and change the size and look to taste.
Adding air to vocals
The AIR BAND may be worth trying when you want a bit more top-end openness on a home-recorded vocal.
Finishing the mix bus
The maker says it can be used on the mix bus; a gentle boost may help shape the overall top end.
Adjusting bass lows
The SUB BAND may be an option for adjusting the lowest range of bass.
Shaping drums and guitars
The maker lists drums and guitars as uses. Selecting from fixed frequencies may suit quick texture shaping.
Who it may suit
- People who want to add air to vocal high frequencies
- Users who prefer choosing from fixed settings to decide quickly
- Those looking for an EQ for mix-bus finishing
- Plugin Alliance subscribers
Good to know before you buy
- The official page indicates it is included in CORE and PRO subscriptions.
- Because it is a fixed-frequency, selectable EQ, another EQ may suit cases where you need freely adjustable frequencies.
- Supported on Windows 10 or later and macOS 13 or later (official listing).
- A Plugin Alliance account is needed to manage the license.
- The maker presents it as based on the Mäag Audio EQ4 hardware.
Price
$115 (Mäag Audio (Plugin Alliance) official site, checked 2026-10-27). Prices can vary by region and promotion, so check the official page before buying.
Sources: plugin-alliance.com (checked 2026-10-27)
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