Digital vs. Analog Modeled EQ’s

This guide highlights the differences between digital and analog modeled EQ plugins. It also offers some general mixing tips.

One of the most fundamental processes deployed during a project is equalization. EQ’s are necessary tools every musician should have in their arsenal.

Using EQ’s to treat your music is essential for achieving clarity and depth, removing problematic frequencies, enhancing musical frequencies, balancing various elements in a mix, and shaping sounds in creative ways.

There are several types of equalizer plugins, each designed for various uses. The most common equalizers used are parametric, semi-parametric, graphic, and shelving equalizers. Equalizer plugins can also be categorized as either digital or analog emulations of classic hardware, all of which have their own characteristic sound and functionality.

With an overload of EQ types and options on the market, it can become difficult to know which type of EQ to use and why. This guide aims to highlight the differences between digital and analog modeled EQ plugins while also offering some general mixing tips.

Digital EQ’s are excellent for corrective work because they are ultra-precise, highly configurable, and the most transparent sounding.

Parametric EQ’s are the most common and flexible form of digital equalization used in music production for any corrective work or creative filtering. This equalizer offers fully configurable and adjustable frequency bands. You can also enable or disable each band to individually cut, boost, and filter frequency ranges with the highest precision. Parametric equalizers excel at shaping tones and doing surgical work like cutting harsh, unpleasant or masking frequencies with pinpoint accuracy. This type of EQ is also very transparent and doesn’t color the sound like a modeled analog EQ does when cutting and boosting frequencies. In addition, parametric EQ’s are great for more creative processing like creating different filter effects, adding movement, or shaping a sound in unique ways.

Fabfilter’s Pro-Q 2 is an excellent example of a digital parametric equalizer used to sculpt sounds with high accuracy and transparency. This fully-featured EQ sports an impressive Retina interface that’ offers 24 EQ bands, top quality linear phase operation, zero latency, unique Natural Phase modes, Mid/Side processing, variable stereo placement of EQ bands, an intelligent solo feature, optional Auto Gain, and a built-in, fully customizable spectrum analyzer.

Analog-modeled EQ’s are ideal for tonal work and sweetening. These types of EQ’s capture the warmth, character, and sound of vintage hardware equalizers. They excel at emphasizing or attenuating certain frequency bands in a broad, musical manner to achieve more clarity and punch. In addition, they are more affordable and reliable than expensive aging hardware.

With advancements in technology, plugin developers can identify the best attributes of sought-after classic hardware and accurately recreate software versions of their original analog counterparts. Many recreations also combine modern additions to meet today’s demands.

Analog-modeled EQ’s are considered to be very musical because of their ability to produce rich harmonics and simulate the desired imperfections of analog circuitry. Some EQ emulations like UAD’s Pultec EQ Collection will add desirable coloration without even turning a knob. Simply running sounds through its modeled circuitry will enhance your tracks with analog vibe.