TDR Nova
Tokyo Dawn Labs · Free
TDR Nova is Tokyo Dawn Labs' free parallel dynamic equalizer for parametric EQ, dynamic EQ, multiband compression, and wideband dynamics.
A free parallel dynamic EQ that covers parametric EQ, dynamic EQ, and multiband compression well enough to stay on pro mix templates forever.
Idéal pour: Mix and mastering engineers who need a free dynamic EQ for vocals, harshness, and bus tone control.
Pros
- Free parallel dynamic EQ with four dynamic bands plus HP/LP
- Covers parametric EQ, dynamic EQ, multiband and wideband compression
- Equal-loudness helpers keep A/B decisions honest
- Modern formats including VST3, AU, AAX and Apple Silicon
Cons
- Free version has fewer bands and dynamics modes than Nova GE
- UI is precise but denser than a simple stock parametric EQ
- Not a one-click resonance hunter like soothe2/soothe3
Aperçu
TDR Nova is Tokyo Dawn Labs' free parallel dynamic equalizer, and it is one of the rare freeware tools that earns a permanent slot on professional templates. On the surface it looks like a parametric EQ. Under each band sits a full dynamics section, so the same plugin can behave as static EQ, dynamic EQ, frequency-selective compression, multiband compression, or a wideband compressor. Four dynamic bands plus high-pass and low-pass filters cover most everyday mix jobs.
It excels at targeted control. Harsh vocal sibilance, ringing guitars, spiky cymbals, and bus density problems all respond well when a band only ducks when the threshold is crossed. The equal-loudness helpers keep you from falling for the "louder is better" trap while you tweak. Workflow extras — presets, undo/redo, A/B, and a WYSIWYG spectrum display — feel closer to commercial tools than to abandoned freeware. Current builds include VST3, AAX, and native Apple Silicon support.
The trade-offs are scope and convenience. The free edition has fewer bands and fewer dynamics modes than Nova GE. It will not match FabFilter Pro-Q 4's drag-and-drop UX or soothe's automatic resonance hunting. The interface is precise but busy if you only need a quick high shelf. For pure set-and-forget resonance cleanup, soothe2/soothe3 remain category leaders.
Against its alternatives, Pro-Q 4 is the paid workflow king. soothe2 and soothe3 specialize in automatic harshness. sonible smart:EQ 4 leans AI-assisted tonal balance. Choose free Nova when you want serious dynamic EQ without a budget, and graduate to GE or Pro-Q when the free feature set starts to limit you.
Spécifications
- Type
- Parallel dynamic equalizer
- Version
- 2.2.2
- Bands
- 4 dynamic EQ bands + high-pass and low-pass sections
- Use cases
- Parametric EQ, dynamic EQ, frequency-selective / multiband / wideband compression
- Formats
- VST2, VST3, AAX (Win 64-bit); VST2, VST3, AU, AAX (Mac 64-bit)
- System
- Windows 7+; macOS 10.9+; OpenGL support
- Paid upgrade
- TDR Nova GE (Gentleman's Edition) adds bands and dynamics modes
Dernière vérification 2026-07-09
FAQ
Is TDR Nova free?
Yes. The standard TDR Nova is free from Tokyo Dawn Labs. A paid Gentleman's Edition (GE) adds more bands and advanced dynamics options.
What can TDR Nova do?
It works as a parametric EQ, dynamic EQ, frequency-selective compressor, multiband compressor, and wideband compressor — each band has a full dynamics section.
What formats does TDR Nova support?
VST2, VST3, and AAX on Windows (64-bit) and VST2, VST3, AU, and AAX on macOS, including native Apple Silicon support in current versions.
TDR Nova vs FabFilter Pro-Q 4?
Pro-Q 4 is a premium paid EQ with unmatched workflow, spectrum tools, and dynamic bands. Nova is free and already covers a huge amount of dynamic EQ and multiband work for zero cost.
Concurrents directs
TDR Nova vs — head-to-head specs, price, and Dubspot Score.