Plugin comparison
Specs, price and the Dubspot Score, side by side — with our verdict on which effect to buy.
Independent score / workflow fit / buying signal
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Contenders
Mäag Audio EQ4 by Plugin Alliance / Mäag Audio. The AIR BAND EQ that opens vocals and mix tops without harshness. Simple, musical, and still everywhere on pop sessions.
UAD Pultec Passive EQ Collection includes EQP-1A, MEQ-5, and HLF-3C tube EQ emulations for musical low-end boosts, mid sculpting, and filters.
Score verdict
On the Dubspot Score, UAD Pultec Passive EQ Collection comes out ahead (8.7). That said, the right pick depends on your workflow and budget — read both reviews before deciding.
Technical matrix
| Signal | Mäag Audio EQ4 | UAD Pultec Passive EQ Collection |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199 | $39+ |
| Dubspot Score | 8.6 | 8.7 |
| Formats | VST3, AU, AAX | VST3, AU, AAX |
| Type | 6-band EQ with AIR BAND | Passive tube EQ collection |
| Signature feature | AIR BAND high-frequency lift | — |
| Formats | VST3, AU, AAX via Plugin Alliance | — |
| Platforms | macOS and Windows | — |
| Units | — | EQP-1A, MEQ-5, HLF-3C |
| Classic uses | — | Bass/kick lows, vocal air, mid power region, lo-fi filtering |
| Platform | — | Native macOS/Windows; Apollo/UAD-2 versions where licensed |
| Authorization | — | iLok account |
| Trial | — | 14-day demos available |
See the full plugin database for more comparisons.