Matthias Kock has released a freeware equalizer effect called Tilt EQ, available in 32-bit and 64-bit VST/AU plugin formats for PC and Mac.
Tilt EQ is, as its name implies, a tilt equalizer with the center frequency located at 1.3 kHz. However, not everything there is to know about Tilt EQ is revealed in the title. Apart from the expected tilt equalizer functionality, the plugin also features low and high-frequency bands with adjustable gain for each band, as well as the optional linear-phase mode.
See also: Free sTilt Filter VST/AU Plugin By TBProAudioThe interface is a modern looking affair. A large knob on the left-hand side controls the tilt (marked for high and low frequencies), whereas the two knobs on the right control the high and low EQ bands. Above them are two more controls for adjusting the gain of the high and low shelves, with up to ±3 dB for the tops, and ± 6dB for the bottom end (which could be very handy for drum tracks, or curbing those bass synth sounds). Next to these is a simple Trim knob for gain control. Placed at the very top, there are two tickboxes marked “bypass” and “linear phase” which allow you to switch between the linear and minimum phase setting for the EQ, or bypass the plugin altogether.
While testing TiltEQ in my DAW, there were no stability or performance issues. Regarding its sound, this is a very smooth and transparent EQ with zero coloration. Plugins like this one are quite handy for when you need to dial in a subtle tilt to an audio track, slightly boosting the highs and taming the lows at the same time (and vice versa). This is not meant to be an instrument of audio mass destruction, but rather a subtle tool for adding shimmer or warmth to a track. Think of it as the “brightness” or “bass boost” dial on an old stereo, which coincidentally is where tilt EQs have their roots. The effect can be quite subtle but still discernible and could be a convenient tool for subtly shifting the frequency response of two clashing elements in a mix, moving them out of each other’s way.
Overall, Tilt EQ is an excellent addition to any bedroom producer’s audio plugin arsenal. The plugin is compatible with all major DAWs on PC and Mac and offers support for both 32-bit and 64-bit systems. It is a solid implementation of the tilt equalizer concept with a few useful additional features that expand its usefulness without bogging down the workflow. Please note, though, that Tilt EQ is donationware and users are encouraged to leave a tip when downloading the plugin. Even if it’s pocket change to you, every little helps independent developers like Matthias to create brilliant free plugins to be used by us bedroom producers.
Tilt EQ is available for free download via Matthias Kock’s website (8.34 MB download size, ZIP archive, 32-bit & 64-bit VST/AU plugin format for Windows & Mac OS).
Last Updated on August 3, 2017 by Tomislav Zlatic.
