Softube Reference 1998 Equalizer

Massively musical and organic.

The list of gear that can truly be considered modern classics is short. Despite that, we're confident in saying that the inspiration for this plug-in undoubtedly makes the cut.

The original design is sophisticated. It features four passive, parallel EQ bands that each impart an unmistakable warmth and subtle saturation that's coupled with a tube stage offering superb headroom. The masterstroke, however, is its shelving filters. The shelving filters go from wide and smooth to a colorful unique shape that instantaneously gels with a mix and gives you color that’s, simply put, massive.

The Art of Rock & Roll Science

Our reputation for producing tools that improve workflow and offer the highest quality sound is rock solid. For over twenty years, we have forged strong partnerships with premium brands like Tube-Tech, Chandler Limited, and Empirical Labs.

This is the legacy the Reference 1998 Equalizer is built on—one of creativity, passion, and attention to detail. To create tools that innovate, you have to have heart, soul, and Rock & Roll Science.

A modern classic

This equalizer's original design makes it organic and natural, musical and colorful, warm and sweet, punchy and powerful. It’s a combination that has earned it a place in the canon of pro audio gear. Not one to mess with a good thing; we’ve stuck close to the essence of the original design. Reference 1998 Equalizer gives you the legendary tone shaping capabilities and creative possibilities of the original classic unit for mastering and more.

Emphasis on modern

Want the full experience of the Reference 1998 Equalizer plus visualizations of its unique curves, up to 20 bands of modern curves, frequency content, dynamic EQ features, and more? You can load Reference 1998 Equalizer into the second slot of our Equalizers plug-in to create a one-of-a-kind EQ environment. The result is equalizing that’s both corrective and vibey in an ultra-fast workflow.

Tips! How do Reference 1998 Equalizer & Chandler Limited Curve Bender compare?

Our officially licensed and expertly emulated Chandler Limited Curve Bender plug-in is always transparent and always smooth. That is in stark contrast to Reference 1998 Equalizer, which is way more colorful, extreme, and distorted than the Curve Bender. Reference 1998 Equalizer gives you more character, more color, and more creative license.

Console 1 Ready

This plug-in can be used within Console 1, our mixing system.

This product supports Extended Features

We love VU meters, Bakelite knobs, and analog quirks. But we want modern precision and workflow. The answer? Softube Extended Features. Easy-access panels with the innovations you need close at hand.

Highlights

• Authentically captured modern classic tube equalizing
• Four passive, parallel EQ bands for warmth and saturation
• Shelving filters with built-in “low end trick” shelving curves
• Massively colorful and great for broad strokes
• Ideal for mastering and mixing
• Compatible with Equalizers
• Console 1 Ready
• User Manual
• An authentically captured version of a modern classic
• Tube-driven for warmth and saturation across four parallel bands
• Passive circuit design that delivers instant gel and massive amounts of color