TENQ
Key Features
- 10-band parametric equalizer with 11 selectable node shapes including high pass, low pass, high shelf, low shelf, and parametric
- Up to 30 dB of cut or boost per band with adjustable bandwidth for precise frequency shaping
- True-stereo, split-stereo, and mid/side processing modes with per-node channel assignment
- OpenGL hardware-accelerated zoomable GUI with real-time spectrum analyzer
- Spectrum analyzer monitors input, output, or both simultaneously for visual comparison
- Customizable display with user-adjustable hue, saturation, lightness, and blend modes
- Originally designed as a commercial product, delivering professional-grade EQ capabilities at no cost
Description
TENQ by whiteLABEL is a 10-band parametric equalizer built for both tracking and post-production work. Originally planned as a commercial release priced at £30, it was released for free in early 2015 after EU VAT regulation changes made small-scale commercial plugin sales impractical.
The plugin offers 11 selectable node shapes per band, including high pass, low pass, high shelf, low shelf, and parametric filters, each with adjustable bandwidth and up to 30 dB of cut or boost. It operates in true-stereo, split-stereo, and mid/side modes, with each node individually assignable to joint or split channel duties.
TENQ was the first SynthEdit-based plugin to feature an OpenGL hardware-accelerated GUI. The zoomable interface includes a real-time spectrum analyzer that can monitor input, output, or a comparison of both, along with user-adjustable hue, saturation, lightness, and blend modes for the display.
The plugin earned a 3.8 out of 5 rating on Plugins4Free and was featured in Computer Music, MusicTech, and TechFocus magazines during its original run. Developer Daz Disley estimates over 300,000 units have been distributed across downloads and magazine coverdiscs.
TENQ is a 32-bit Windows-only VST plugin made with SynthEdit, though it can run in 64-bit hosts through bridging software like jBridge. An OpenGL 2.0 compatible graphics card is required for the interface, and the VC 2013 redistributable may be needed if the plugin fails to load.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does TENQ work in 64-bit DAWs?
TENQ is a 32-bit plugin, but it can run in 64-bit hosts through bridging software such as jBridge. The developer confirms regular use in 32-bit Reaper on Windows 7 x64, and users on Plugins4Free have reported it working in REAPER 5 x64.
What are the different processing modes in TENQ?
TENQ offers three stereo processing modes: true-stereo, split-stereo, and mid/side. In split and mid/side modes, each EQ node can be individually assigned to handle either joint or separate channel duties, giving you independent control over left/right or mid/side frequency adjustments.
Why does TENQ require an OpenGL 2.0 graphics card?
TENQ uses a custom OpenGL-powered interface for its hardware-accelerated zoomable GUI and real-time spectrum analyzer. This was a technical first for SynthEdit plugins at the time of release. If the plugin won't load, you may also need to install the Visual C++ 2013 redistributable package.
Is TENQ still being updated?
No. Developer Daz Disley re-released all whiteLABEL plugins as freeware/donationware and has stated there will be no further updates or 64-bit versions. The plugin remains at version 0.87 beta, though it is fully functional for everyday use.
