4.8/5 stars (245 reviews) • Effects > EQ

smart:EQ 4 is an intelligent equalizer that analyzes your audio material and uses AI to correct spectral problems and achieve tonal balance—fast. Instead of guessing which frequencies are clashing, the plugin’s smart:filter technology scans your track and applies targeted adjustments that respect the musical context. It’s like having a seasoned mixing engineer whispering frequency suggestions directly into your session. New to this? Start with our guide to EQ for beginners.

What sets smart:EQ 4 apart is its ability to work across multiple channels. When you group instances, the plugin builds an unmasking hierarchy that automatically prioritizes key elements—vocals, lead synths, kick drums—while gently tucking supporting parts into the background. You can control up to ten grouped instances from a single window, keeping your mix decisions cohesive without endless tab-switching.

Version 4 expands creative control with new genre-based Mix Profiles and a Reference Profile feature that lets you import a finished track or isolated instrument as a tonal target. The core smart:filter now includes a Smoothing parameter for gentler transitions, while standard EQ bands can operate as dynamic filters with Threshold, Ratio, Attack, and Release controls. An Auto Gain function compensates for level changes, so you’re judging tone, not volume.

Whether you prefer building a mix from the ground up or shaping the overall balance first, smart:EQ 4 adapts to your workflow. Use Track mode for surgical channel tweaks, Group mode to manage spectral relationships, or Track & Group for both. The result? Cleaner mixes, faster decisions, and more headroom for creativity.

Key Features

Visual

• Real-time spectral display with Group View for editing multiple EQ curves on-screen
• Reference Profile visualization lets you compare your track’s balance against imported references

Control

• Hierarchical unmasking controls prioritize up to 10 grouped tracks with drag-and-drop simplicity
• Dynamic EQ bands offer Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release, and Range parameters per filter
• Selectable smart:filter modes: Track (channel balance), Group (cross-track unmasking), or Track & Group (both)

Processing

• AI-powered smart:filter corrects spectral imbalances using genre-specific or custom reference profiles
• Comprehensive Mid/Side processing for precise stereo field adjustments
• Smoothing parameter softens filter transitions for more natural tonal shaping

Workflow

• Remote control any grouped instance from a single plugin window—no more jumping between tracks
• Custom learning time lets you adjust how long the smart:filter analyzes before applying corrections
• Auto Gain maintains consistent output levels during spectral adjustments

System Compatibility

Mac

• macOS 10.12+ (M1 Apple Silicon supported) (64-bit only)
• RAM – at least 4 GB (recommended)
• CPU – at least Intel DualCore i5 (recommended)
• Plugin Formats – AU, VST2, VST3, AAX, MultiRack Native
• Supported Sample Rates – 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz

PC

• Windows 10+ (64-bit only)
• RAM – at least 4 GB (recommended)
• CPU – at least Intel DualCore i5 (recommended)
• Plugin Formats – VST2, VST3, AAX, MultiRack Native
• Supported Sample Rates – 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz

Compatible DAW’s:

• Logic Pro
• Ableton Live
• Pro Tools 11+
• Reaper
• Cubase
• Nuendo
• FL Studio
• Studio One