ToneLib is back with another freebie after updating popular plugins TL NoiseReducer and TL TubeWarmth late in 2024. The developer’s latest freebie is TL BaxEQ, which pays homage to the late Peter J Baxandall.
Peter J. Baxandall developed the Baxandall EQ over seven decades ago, and although successful, he never quite received the credit he deserved.
Baxandall submitted his feedback tone control circuit to a competition sponsored by the British Sound Recording Association in 1950.
His entry claimed the first prize of a $25 wristwatch and the respect of his peers. Respect from his peers was a constant throughout his life (Peter died in 1995), but recognition for his work didn’t bring the financial rewards it should have.
Many older Hi-Fi units with tone control knobs (treble and bass) utilized Baxandall filters. With his design featured in potentially millions of Hi-Fi units, you might imagine he became very wealthy, but sadly, he didn’t receive any royalties.
Fast forward to the early 2010s, and Dangerous Music’s Bax EQ etched the Baxandall name into the pro audio zeitgeist.
The signature characteristic of the Bax shelving EQ is its shelves’ wide and gentle Q-factor, and now we can get that character for free with the TL BaxEQ.
ToneLib has stayed true to the original analog concept, providing that renowned transparency with digital flexibility.
The GUI is pretty straightforward. It has two sections: Low-Frequency controls on the left and High-Frequency controls on the right.
Each section features Shelf, Cut, and Level knobs so you can shape the shelf, cut unwanted frequencies, and set the gain with minimal fuss.
I like that the controls are limited to what you might expect from a vintage hardware unit. Another interesting aspect of the GUI is the animated EQ curve and multiple display modes, so you can see how every change impacts your sound in real time.
Brainworx released a Dangerous Music Bax EQ emulation some time ago, and I’ve never tried it. I’m interested in hearing comparisons to the TL BaxEQ, if any, from anyone who has used both.
TL BaxEQ is available in VST and standalone formats for macOS (10.13 and higher), Windows (Vista through Win 11 – is Vista still a thing? I haven’t heard that mentioned for years), and Linux (Ubuntu 18 or higher).
The download was quick and easy; no download/plugin manager was required.
Download: TL BaxEQ (FREE)
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