# Why buy an EQ plugin?

**URL:** <https://forums.steinberg.net/t/why-buy-an-eq-plugin/142798>\
**Category:** Virtual Effects and Add-ons\
**Created:** [February 20, 2020, 9:09am UTC](https://forums.steinberg.net/t/why-buy-an-eq-plugin/142798 "2020-02-20T09:09:18Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Tama](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/cdc98d/32.png) [@Tama](https://forums.steinberg.net/u/Tama)\
**Post date:** [February 20, 2020, 9:09am UTC](https://forums.steinberg.net/t/why-buy-an-eq-plugin/142798/1 "2020-02-20T09:09:18Z")

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**Hey!**

Come to think about it. As far as I get, an EQ just simply cuts and boosts frequencys, yes? So is there a reason for buying an EQ-plugins, instead of just using the free ones?

Enlighten me!

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**Author:** ![lordadb](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/steinberg/user_avatar/forums.steinberg.net/lordadb/32/971_2.png) [@lordadb](https://forums.steinberg.net/u/lordadb)\
**Post date:** [February 20, 2020, 9:15am UTC](https://forums.steinberg.net/t/why-buy-an-eq-plugin/142798/2 "2020-02-20T09:15:30Z")

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Only if it improves your work-flow. I made many null tests in the past and the result - between EQs - is positive (if you handle the settings properly). I use Cubase stock eq and, for colour and design, real hardware EQs (1176, API, Pultec…). That’s it.  
Off course, if a plugin reproduces the right curve, there’s no reason to not use it if you can work faster.

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**Author:** ![nettydrown](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/steinberg/user_avatar/forums.steinberg.net/nettydrown/32/1405_2.png) [@nettydrown](https://forums.steinberg.net/u/nettydrown)\
**Post date:** [February 20, 2020, 10:38am UTC](https://forums.steinberg.net/t/why-buy-an-eq-plugin/142798/3 "2020-02-20T10:38:12Z")

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For me is is ALL about the sound! work-flo is a bonus. It might help you understand how the “color and Character” can be shaped, this link it is JUST ONE EXAMPLE - one of my favorites the Pultec Pro EQ. A demo of why we like 3rd party plugs - [Mix 101: How To Use A Pultec EQ | MixBetterNow.com - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwSlIo1IrDw)  
They can accurately emulate the vacuum tube “character” and “color” of a classic musical sound that we have all heard on hit songs. You do need to have pretty hi-end system and monitors to really hear the improvements.