SmackLabs has announced the release of SL84, a freeware console equalizer in 32-bit VST plugin format for Windows-based digital audio workstations.
SL84 is SmackLabs’ take on the 80 series Neve console EQ. According to the developers, it looks and, more importantly, sounds like the original. Instead of trying to emulate the Neve sound using DSP algorithms, SmackLabs decided to take a different route with SL84.
See also: Free SL63x Compressor VST Plugin By SmackLabs!This freeware VST plugin for Windows uses impulse responses to capture not just the frequency response of the hardware unit, but also the non-linear quirks such as any dynamic change or sonic distortion that occurs while adjusting the controls. This means the behavior of the EQ will be different depending on the amplitude and other characteristics of the input source.
SL84 has dials for low cut, high cut, low shelf, high shelf, and a mid-frequency band control with optional Hi-Q toggle. The higher Q setting would be useful for more surgical cutting, as opposed to boosting which typically sounds better at a lower Q. The frequency selection points for all of the dials are fixed. For younger producers that are used to more modern graphic equalizers, you may find this somewhat limiting, but the restricted options preserve both the sound and workflow of the original units. The plugin also comes with a bypass button for the filter and EQ for easy A/B comparisons with the original input source.
Although currently only available for Windows, this plugin is free to download without registration and promises to be a low-CPU option for an expensive vintage sound. Unfortunately, there are no audio demos on the website, so you’ll need to download the plugin if you want to hear it in action. Thankfully, the plugin is a completely free download on the developer’s website, no strings attached.
SL84 is available for free download via SmackLabs (5.30 MB download size, DLL file, 32-bit VST plugin format for Windows).
5 Comments
JoeHF
onMaybe it’s just me (and hey, I’m just the peanut gallery), but the Low and High shelving icons over the knobs seem backwards. Maybe put the HPF on the left, too, to go along with the rest of the left-to-right flow. But nice looking GUI in general.
JoeHF
onNvm my last comment–I guess the icon orientations are Neve-esque. (Shows what I know.)
Mansardian
onThis one is a fine one, but there are two plugins from him which impressed me a lot more: the Neve Portico emulations. They eat up some CPU power but for getting that sound it’s more than okay. The compressor is fabulous on the master bus, at least as long as you stay in the sweet spot which is where the gain reduction meter seems to do nothing beside a constant -2db light. An occasional twinkle of the -4db light is acceptable. In this range this compressor is incredible as a mix glue. The Eq just works as well, adding transparency and open highs just by touching the gain knob a tiny bit. Highly recommended!! And the best of all: they are free.
Igor
onDo you have a link or a company that makes them please?
luciddrums
onoh my .. I so want something similar for Mac OS