The Best FREE Plugin Analyzer You Haven't Heard Of!
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When it comes to understanding your EQ plugins, nothing beats having a visual representation of what’s happening to your sound. That's where a tool like EQ Curve Analyzer by Bertom comes in—and did I mention, it’s completely free? Whether you're using stock plugins from your DAW, third-party plugins, or even analog gear, this plugin can analyze the EQ curves of anything you throw at it.
How It Works
First off, it’s super easy to set up. Once you’ve got the EQ Curve Analyzer installed, insert it on a channel before the plugin you want to analyze. This analyzer acts as a tone generator that feeds into the plugin, showing you a visual representation of its EQ curve. This is great for research or learning how plugins react to different EQ adjustments. Trust me, you’re going to get a much clearer idea of how those frequencies are being shaped.
You can use this tool with any plugin—stock or third-party—and even with your analog gear, which is a pretty rare feature. In fact, I demo it in the video with the Pultec EQ, showing how its famous boost/attenuate trick creates that classic dip in the low-mids. It’s one thing to hear it, but seeing the EQ curve in action really drives it home.
A Cubase Pro Trick You’ll Love
Now, if you’re a Cubase Pro user, I’ve got an even cooler tip for you. Did you know you can compare the EQ curves of two different plugins on the same channel? Most people don’t know about this feature, but it’s a game-changer. By using the routing options in Cubase, you can send one plugin to the left channel and another to the right. Then, you can use the EQ Curve Analyzer to compare them side by side.
For example, I compared the UAD Pultec EQ and the Steinberg EQP1A, which emulates the same style of EQ. With the analyzer, I immediately noticed that the UAD version gives a 2dB boost by default, while the Steinberg one stays pretty flat. This kind of visual insight can really help you decide which plugin is giving you the sound you’re after.
Why Use This Analyzer?
This plugin isn’t something you’ll use while mixing—it’s a learning tool. I use it to understand the behavior of EQs and to compare different plugins or analog gear. Once I’m done analyzing, I ditch the plugin and rely entirely on my ears. Remember, it’s all about how things sound, not just how they look on a graph.
But for those moments when you want to really see what’s going on with your plugins—especially when you’re trying to understand how certain settings affect the sound—this plugin is a must-have.
Analyzing Analog Gear
One of the coolest features of this plugin is that it works with analog gear too! For example, I analyzed my VTRC analog unit in Cubase. When you’re working with analog gear, the analyzer shows you the natural, non-linear movement that comes with it. It’s a great way to visually grasp the character of your gear—something that’s hard to do with just your ears alone.
Why It’s a Must-Have
The EQ Curve Analyzer isn’t a replacement for tools like Plugin Doctor, which also shows dynamic and harmonic analysis. But if you’re looking for a tool that gives you a clear visual of your EQ curves, this free plugin is perfect. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and helps you learn how your plugins and analog gear actually affect your sound.
And the best part? It’s totally free to download! You can donate to the developer if you want to support their work, but it’s available to everyone at no cost.
Link to Bertom EQ Curve Analyzer 👉 https://www.bertomaudio.com/eq-curve-analyzer.html
If you’re ready to get your hands on this amazing tool, I’ve got a full tutorial in my latest video where I walk you through how to use it with stock plugins, third-party plugins, and analog gear. Check out the video here!