8.6Great
TDR VOS SlickEQ is a free musical semi-parametric EQ from Tokyo Dawn Labs and Variety of Sound, with four EQ models and subtle output saturation stages.
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
Contenders
TDR VOS SlickEQ is a free musical semi-parametric EQ from Tokyo Dawn Labs and Variety of Sound, with four EQ models and subtle output saturation stages.
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 | TDR VOS SlickEQ | UAD Pultec Passive EQ Collection |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | $39+ |
| Dubspot Score | 8.6 | 8.7 |
| Formats | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX | VST3, AU, AAX |
| Type | Semi-parametric mixing / mastering EQ | Passive tube EQ collection |
| Price | Free | — |
| EQ models | American, British, German, Soviet | — |
| Bands | Low / Mid / High + 18 dB/oct high-pass | — |
| Formats | VST2, VST3, AU, AAX (64-bit primary) | — |
| Platforms | Windows 7+; macOS 10.9+ | — |
| Collaboration | Variety of Sound + Tokyo Dawn Labs | — |
| Manual | https://docs.tokyodawn.net/slickeq-manual/ | — |
| 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.