Analog Obsession has released MPReq, a free analog-style equalizer effect in VST, AU, and AAX plugin formats for compatible digital audio workstations on PC and Mac.
MPReq is inspired by vintage microphone preamp and EQ models from the 1950s. The features seem to be loosely based on the Pultec EQP-1A hardware equalizer, although Analog Obsession’s freeware plugin features two fixed frequency bands (set to 100 Hz and 12 kHz) and lacks the bandwidth adjustment parameter from the original. The saturation and non-linear behavior of old hardware amplifiers are carefully emulated, though, making MPReq a viable tool for adding warmth and applying a vintage vibe to processed audio.
See also: Download FREE Temper Phase Distortion VST/AU Plugin ($10 Value)Overall, MPReq sounds very good. The tube amp output can be bypassed completely if you only want the clean EQ sound, although I much prefer using the plugin with the tube stage turned on. The applied saturation is very pleasant sounding. One major drawback of this plugin, though, is the low-end frequency roll-off which can’t be bypassed. The developer explains that this is quite simply the nature of old school amplifiers and there are no plans to add a bypass switch for the high-pass filter in the future. With that in mind, MPReq is most certainly not suitable for processing bass-heavy material like bass guitars, synth basslines, etc. It could still work well on electric guitars, female vocals, and other types of audio material that aren’t bass-intensive.
All in all, Analog Obsession has created a great little freeware vintage EQ which, unfortunately, isn’t very versatile. My recommendation is to download it and test it on a couple of finished projects to see if the low-end filtering is a dealbreaker for you. If not, this little gem is a keeper. The effect is compatible with all VST, AU, and AAX plugin hosts on PC and Mac.
MPReq is available for free download via Analog Obsession (10.3 MB download size, ZIP archive, 32-bit & 64-bit VST/AU/AAX plugin formats for Windows & macOS).
12 Comments
RR
onUnfortunately, ss of right now, the download links do not work.
Tomislav Zlatic
onHopefully, it’s just a temporary issue. I downloaded the Windows VST less than 10 minutes ago and it worked just fine. But yeah, the link seems to be broken atm.
Michael
onHi,
The other Free Plugins (Fetish, FiltEQ and LCF) are removed from the Analog Obsession Website !!, Why ?
MPReq can NOT downloaded, it comes a Login Site.
Anything on Analog Obsession is wrong at the moment, i don`t know why.
Michael
onHi, again
On Analog Obsesson is today a Account Registration needed to Download Updates for MPReq, but…
I have the version from yesterday and it has the date from 14 March and need 56 % CPU Power as single Instance (64-bit).
The File i have downloaded for a few minutes are from 17 March an need 99 % CPU Power !!!
I say it again, Anything is wrong by Analog Obsession :-(
Tomislav Zlatic
onI tried the download today, everything seems to be back online!
Johannes
onI definetly agree on the cpu usage problem. My single instance uses 16%, which is probably the most consuming plugin on my i5 dual core (compared to Wave Arts Tube, which is also consuming much: 6%)
Eric
onBe aware they are not using https
Johannes
onThanks for reviewing this, I will try that later. But the nonbypassable high pass sounds not that great. Don’t get the point of rebuilding hardware with their drawbacks, wouldn’t be wondering if they will indroduce emulation of ocassional ground loop in further updates.
Tomislav Zlatic
onI agree, being able to bypass the HP filter would make the plugin much more versatile.
Krisse
onYou Need to have a account to Analog Obsession to download this
Tomislav Zlatic
onSeems like the direct download links are back online now.
Michael
onYes and today the other lost Freebies are also back again
BESURE-N87 (Free MIC Emulation)
http://analogobsession.com/product/besure-n87/
FETISH (Free FET-Style Compressor)
http://analogobsession.com/product/fetish/
FILTEQ (Free 3-Band EQ)
http://analogobsession.com/product/filteq/
LCF (Free Vintage Solid State LC High/Lowpass Filter)
http://analogobsession.com/product/lcf/
MPReq (Free MIC Pre-Amp and 2-Band Program EQ)
http://analogobsession.com/product/mpreq/