EQ1979
Key Features
- Frequency-accurate Neve 1073 console strip emulation with three processing stages: input drive, inductor EQ, and high-pass filter
- Transformer-based input saturation ranging from subtle smooth drive to aggressive asymmetric clipping with third and fifth harmonic boosting
- Three-band inductor EQ section with low shelf, mid band, and high shelf filters recreating the original 1073 frequency response
- Third-order high-pass filter for precise low-end cleanup without affecting the mid and high frequency character
- Advanced analog modeling with asymmetrical bias, noise sources, and non-linearities for authentic hardware behavior
- Toggleable internal electronics noise simulation (added in v1.02) for choosing between full analog realism and clean operation
- Designed by Fluidshell with a GUI featuring the iconic red drive knob inspired by the original Neve console
Description
EQ1979 by Belles Ondes is a stereo analog console strip emulation modeled after the Neve 1073, the British Class-A preamp and equalizer credited with shaping the sound of classic rock records by Queen, The Rolling Stones, and countless others. It delivers three processing stages in a single plugin: input drive, inductor-based EQ, and a high-pass filter.
The input saturation stage emulates a transformer-based analog amplifier, ranging from smooth subtle drive to full asymmetric clipping. It boosts third and fifth harmonics while introducing full-spectrum asymmetrical saturation for that distinctively warm Neve character.
The three-band EQ section recreates the original hardware's frequency response through modeled inductor filters: a low shelf, mid band, and high shelf. A separate third-order high-pass filter handles low-end cleanup.
Advanced analog modeling includes asymmetrical bias, noise sources, and non-linearities that capture the unpredictable behavior of real hardware. Version 1.02 added a control to disable the internal electronics noise simulation for cleaner operation.
Bedroom Producers Blog describes it as a superb preamp for anyone trading a little transparency for incredibly musical analog nostalgia. Gearnews positioned it as a free alternative to costly 1073 emulations like the Waves Scheps 73 and Universal Audio 1073 Collection.
EQ1979 runs on macOS 10.8+ (Intel only, no Apple Silicon) and Windows 10+ in VST3 and AU formats. The download is approximately 8 MB.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which EQ plugin emulates the sound of the Neve 1073?
EQ1979 by Belles Ondes is a frequency-accurate emulation of the Neve 1073 console strip. It models the input transformer saturation, inductor-based three-band EQ, and high-pass filter of the original hardware. Paid alternatives include the Waves Scheps 73 and Universal Audio 1073 Collection.
What is the best free EQ plugin?
EQ1979 is one of the best free EQ plugins for analog-style tonal shaping. It emulates the classic Neve 1073 with saturation, three-band inductor EQ, and a high-pass filter. For surgical precision EQ, TDR Nova and SplineEQ are also popular choices.
Does EQ1979 work on Apple Silicon Macs?
No. EQ1979 currently supports Intel-based Macs running macOS 10.8 (Mountain Lion) or newer. Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) is not natively supported, though it may run under Rosetta 2 translation. Windows 10 and newer is also supported.
What formats does EQ1979 support?
EQ1979 is available in VST3 and AU (Audio Units) formats. It runs on macOS 10.8+ and Windows 10+. The plugin is free with no copy protection or registration required.
What is the difference between EQ1979 and the Waves Scheps 73?
Both emulate the Neve 1073, but the Waves Scheps 73 ($29.99) was co-designed with Grammy-winning mixer Andrew Scheps and includes additional features like mic preamp modeling and AAX format support. EQ1979 focuses on the saturation and EQ stages with advanced analog modeling including toggleable noise simulation.
