DHPlugins LFO-EQ is a creative modulation equalizer plugin designed to add movement and character to audio signals. This unique EQ offers five bands of equalization with the ability to modulate various parameters using two LFOs or an envelope follower. The plugin’s interface is intuitive and visually appealing, featuring a graphical representation of the EQ curve and modulation sources. LFO-EQ allows users to shape their sound in ways that traditional EQs cannot, from subtle sweeps to dramatic filter effects. With 350 diverse presets and a custom LFO shape designer, the plugin provides a wide range of sonic possibilities for producers and sound designers. The all-pass filter mode adds an extra dimension to the plugin’s capabilities, enabling users to create phaser-like effects and futuristic soundscapes. LFO-EQ is versatile enough to work on various sound sources, including pads, strings, synth bass, drums, vocals, and guitars, making it a valuable tool for adding life and movement to static sounds or creating unique rhythmic effects.
Pros:
• Intuitive interface with visual feedback of EQ curve and modulation
• Extensive modulation options with two LFOs and envelope follower
• Large library of 350 diverse presets
• Custom LFO shape designer for creating unique modulation patterns
• All-pass filter mode for additional sound design possibilities
• Versatile application across various sound sources
Cons:
• Limited to five EQ bands, which may not be sufficient for some users
• Lack of a spectrum analyzer for visual frequency feedback
LFO-EQ plugin offers a robust set of features that set it apart from traditional equalizers. At its core are five bands of equalization, each with adjustable frequency, gain, and Q factor. What makes this EQ special is the ability to modulate these parameters using two independent LFOs or an envelope follower. This modulation capability allows for dynamic and evolving EQ curves that can breathe life into static sounds or create rhythmic effects synchronized to the music.
The plugin’s interface is designed for ease of use, with a graphical representation of the EQ curve that updates in real-time as parameters are adjusted or modulated. Each band can be individually controlled, and users can choose which parameters to modulate for each band. The modulation depth is easily adjustable, allowing for subtle movements or extreme filter sweeps.
LFO-EQ is its custom LFO shape designer allows users to draw their own LFO waveforms, providing unprecedented control over the modulation’s character. The LFOs can be synced to the host DAW’s tempo or run freely, and one LFO can even control the rate of the other, opening up complex modulation possibilities.
The envelope follower is another powerful modulation source, reacting to the input audio’s amplitude to drive the EQ parameters. This feature is particularly useful for creating dynamic EQ effects that respond to the music’s intensity.
LFO-EQ also includes an all-pass filter mode, which adds phase shifting capabilities to the plugin. This mode can be used to create phaser-like effects or to add subtle movement to a sound without changing its frequency balance.
The plugin comes with a library of 350 presets, covering a wide range of applications from subtle enhancements to extreme sound design effects. These presets are organized into categories, making it easy to find a starting point for various sound sources or desired effects.
LFO-EQ supports both stereo and mid-side processing, allowing for creative stereo manipulation and precise control over the center and sides of a stereo image. This feature is particularly useful for mastering or for creating wide, immersive sounds.
The plugin also includes a limiter to catch peaks that may result from extreme EQ settings or modulations, ensuring that the output remains controlled. A master volume control, which can also be modulated, provides an additional layer of dynamic control over the processed signal.
When comparing LFO-EQ to similar plugins, it stands out for its focus on modulation and movement. While many equalizers offer some form of dynamic EQ, few provide the level of modulation control and creative potential that LFO-EQ does. The BLEASS Motion EQ is a similar concept, offering LFO-controlled EQ bands, but LFO-EQ’s custom LFO shape designer and envelope follower give it an edge in terms of flexibility. Compared to more traditional modulation EQs like Waves’ F6 Dynamic EQ or FabFilter’s Pro-Q 3, LFO-EQ is more geared towards creative sound design and less towards precise, corrective EQ tasks. It lacks some of the analytical features of these plugins, such as a real-time spectrum analyzer, but makes up for it with its intuitive modulation system and preset library.
In terms of sound quality, LFO-EQ holds its own against higher-priced competitors, delivering clean and musical results even with extreme settings. Its CPU usage is relatively low, making it suitable for use on multiple tracks in a project.
This plugin is best for:
• Producers looking to add movement and character to static sounds
• Sound designers seeking new tools for creating evolving textures
• Electronic music creators wanting to add rhythmic filter effects
• Mix engineers aiming to create unique, modulated EQ automation
• Anyone looking to explore creative EQ techniques beyond traditional static equalization
LFO-EQ by DHPlugins is a powerful and creative tool that bridges the gap between traditional equalization and modulation effects. Its intuitive interface and extensive modulation options make it easy to create dynamic, evolving sounds that can enhance any production. The plugin’s versatility allows it to shine on a wide range of sound sources, from subtle enhancement of pads and vocals to dramatic rhythmic filtering of drums and synths. While it may not replace a precision EQ for surgical tasks, LFO-EQ excels at adding life and movement to sounds in ways that static EQs simply cannot. The large preset library provides an excellent starting point for exploration, while the custom LFO shape designer and all-pass filter mode offer deep sound design potential for more advanced users. Despite its creative focus, the plugin maintains high sound quality and low CPU usage, making it a valuable addition to any producer’s toolkit. Whether used for subtle modulation or extreme sound mangling, LFO-EQ proves to be a unique and inspiring plugin that encourages experimentation and can help bring a new dimension to music production and sound design.