A Classic British EQ in My Arsenal
For a limited time, Waves is giving away the V-EQ4 as a gift, and if you haven’t grabbed it yet, you’re missing out! As someone who loves analog warmth in a digital workflow, this plugin quickly became a go-to in my mix chain. Let me walk you through how I use it and why it deserves a spot in your plugin collection.
What is Waves V-EQ4?
The V-EQ4 is modeled after the classic Neve 1081, a legendary British EQ known for its musicality and rich harmonic coloration. It features four bands, including two fully parametric mid-bands, a high-pass filter, and a low-pass filter. Whether you’re looking for smooth boosts or tight cuts, this EQ delivers that signature vintage tone.
My Favorite Ways to Use the V-EQ4
1. Shaping Vocals with Analog Sweetness
One of my favorite uses for the V-EQ4 is on vocals. Here’s a typical vocal chain setup:
- High Shelf (12 kHz) – A slight boost (+2-3dB) adds air and openness to the vocal.
- Low Shelf (110 Hz) – A gentle roll-off cleans up muddiness.
- Mid Boost (3.2 kHz) – A small boost helps enhance presence and clarity.
With these subtle tweaks, the vocal sits perfectly in the mix, cutting through without sounding harsh.
2. Adding Punch to Drums
If your drums sound flat, the V-EQ4 can bring them to life:
- Kick Drum – Boost around 60 Hz for weight and 3.2 kHz for attack.
- Snare – A little lift at 220 Hz gives body, while 6.4 kHz adds crispness.
- Overheads – A high-shelf boost at 10-12 kHz enhances brightness and shimmer.
3. Enhancing the Mix Bus
I sometimes place the V-EQ4 on the mix bus for a final touch of analog warmth:
- A subtle low-end boost (60 Hz) for depth.
- A slight high-end lift (12 kHz) for polish.
- Gentle midrange shaping to keep everything balanced.
These minor adjustments make a huge difference, adding that polished, pro-grade feel.
Why You Should Grab It Now
With its smooth analog curves, harmonic richness, and musical response, the V-EQ4 is perfect for shaping tones without sounding artificial. Whether you’re working on vocals, drums, or full mixes, it adds that special analog magic.
Since it’s FREE for a limited time, there’s no reason not to add this gem to your collection. Grab your copy, experiment, and let me know how you’re using it!
🎬 I’m sharing a video where I used it in a cinematic production with strings. I hope it inspires you! 🎻🎥
Happy mixing!
