Softube Reference EQs: 70 Years of Studio History, Now in Modern Plugin Form
Reference 1998 and Reference 1956 Round Out Softube's Already Impressive EQ Lineup
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Softube Reference EQs: 70 Years of Studio History, Now in Modern Plugin Form · Source: Softube
Softube just released the Softube Reference EQs, two legendary passive tube equalizers now available as plugins: Reference 1998 Equalizer and Reference 1956 Equalizer. For a company that already builds the official software versions of Tube-Tech EQs, the Chandler Limited Curve Bender, and the Trident A-Range, this is a pretty logical next step for its EQ lineup.
Softube Reference EQs: Everything on Reference 1998, Reference 1956, and the New Bundles
Reference 1998 Equalizer: A Modern Classic in Plugin Form
There’s only a small handful of gear that genuinely deserves the label “modern classic,” and the hardware behind the Reference 1998 Equalizer is undoubtedly one of them. The original design is elegantly simple: four passive, parallel EQ bands each deliver unmistakable warmth and subtle saturation, paired with a tube stage that provides plenty of headroom. The shelving filters range from wide and smooth to a colorful, distinctive curve shape that gels instantly with a mix and adds a serious amount of character.
Softube captured that character authentically, and the plugin also works alongside the company’s own Equalizers plugin, making this modern classic feel even more modern. Reference 1998 Equalizer is available as a standalone plugin as well as part of the Flow Mastering and Flow Complete Suite subscriptions.
Reference 1956 Equalizer: Over 70 Years of Studio History
This type of passive equalizer has earned and kept its place in studios for more than 70 years, and for good reason. The minimum-phase passive design and extreme musicality make it a go-to choice for broad strokes and big tonal moves rather than surgical precision.
Softube’s Reference 1956 Equalizer is based on hardware that added stereo functionality and extra frequency selections while staying true to the character of the original design. Within the plugin’s Extended Features panel, Softube added a Headroom control that lets you exaggerate the thick low-end character of the transformers. Built-in mid/side functionality and separate gain controls for both channels round things out for the smoothest possible workflow. Reference 1956 Equalizer is also available as a standalone plugin as well as part of the Flow Mixing and Flow Complete Suite subscriptions.
Paired With Softube Equalizers: Vintage Meets Modern
Things get genuinely interesting once you pair the Softube Reference EQs with Softube’s own Equalizers plugin. That gets you the full experience of both Reference 1998 and Reference 1956, plus visualizations of their signature curves, up to 20 bands of modern EQ curves, detailed frequency analysis, dynamic EQ features, and more. Load Reference 1998 or Reference 1956 into the vintage slot of the Equalizers plugin, and you get a genuinely unique EQ environment that combines corrective precision with vintage vibe, all at an incredibly fast workflow.
Two New Bundles at Launch Including Softube Reference EQs
To celebrate the debut of the Softube Reference EQs, Softube is also rolling out two new bundle options. The Reference Equalizers Bundle packages Reference 1998 and Reference 1956 together at a solid discount. If you don’t own the Equalizers plugin itself yet, the Equalizers & Reference Equalizers Bundle throws in all three plugins together with a limited-time discount on top.
Bottom Line: Softube Reference EQs
Two more legendary hardware classics, brought into plugin form with the level of detail Softube is known for, this is exactly the kind of release you’d expect from the Swedish modeling experts. The pairing with the existing Equalizers plugin is what makes the Softube Reference EQs genuinely interesting, since it gets you vintage character and modern workflow features in a single tool. If you’re already working with Softube’s Tube-Tech or Curve Bender emulations, this is a welcome addition to the EQ toolbox.
Price and Availability
Softube Reference 1998 Equalizer* and Reference 1956 Equalizer* are available now at Plugin Boutique at an intro price of €78.84 each. The Reference Equalizers Bundle is available here at Plugin Boutique* for €149 regularly, €88.26 at the intro price, and the Equalizers & Reference Equalizers Bundle is available here at Plugin Boutique* for €245.94 regularly, €98.18 at the intro price.
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