Softube Unveils Reference 1998 & 1956 EQs

Softube the official software developer of Tube-Tech equalizers, Chandler Limited Curve Bender, Trident A-Range, and more, has introduced the Reference 1998 Equalizer and Reference 1956 Equalizer, which they describe as two legendary passive tube EQs authentically captured. Here's the details direct from the company...

Reference 1998 Equalizer
There exists only a handful of gear that can truly be considered modern classics. The inspiration for this plug-in is undoubtedly one of them.

The original design is elegant, featuring four passive, parallel EQ bands that each deliver unmistakable warmth and subtle saturation coupled with a tube stage that offers excellent headroom. The masterful shelving filters go from wide and smooth to a colorful unique shape that instantaneously gels with a mix and gives massive amounts of color. Softube authentically captured it all and, with the company's inventive Equalizers plug-in, users can make this modern classic even more modern. Reference 1998 Equalizer is available as a stand-alone plug-in and as part of Flow® Mastering & Complete Suite subscriptions. 

Reference 1956 Equalizer
This type of passive equalizer has earned and kept a place in our studios for over 70 years. And for a good reason. The minimum-phase passive design and extreme musicality make them great for broad strokes and big tones.

Softube's Reference 1956 Equalizer plug-in is based on hardware that added stereo functionality and frequency selections while maintaining the true nature of the original design. Within the Extended Features panel of the plug-in, Softube added Headroom control to exaggerate the thick low-end character of the transformers. Built-in Mid/Side functionality and separate gain controls for the two channels have also been added by Softube to give users the best possible workflow. Reference 1956 Equalizer is available as a stand-alone plug-in and as part of Flow® Mixing & Complete Suite subscriptions.

Reference EQs + Softube Equalizers: more modern than modern
Softube users can get the full experience of the Reference 1998 & Reference 1956 Equalizers plus visualizations of their unique curves, up to 20 bands of modern curves, frequency content, dynamic EQ features, and more by utilizing Softube's Equalizers plug-in. Loading Reference 1998 Equalizer or Reference 1956 Equalizer into the vintage slot of the Equalizers plug-in creates a one-of-a-kind EQ environment. The result is corrective and vibey equalizing combined with an ultra-fast workflow.

Bigger savings with bundles
To celebrate the debut of the Reference 1998 & Reference 1956 Equalizers, Softube is offering two new plug-in bundles. The Reference Equalizers Bundle gives users the ability to purchase both the Reference 1998 Equalizer and the Reference 1956 Equalizer with special savings. The Equalizers & Reference Equalizers Bundle offers users who want the ability to make these new, classic EQ plug-ins more modern the chance to purchase the Reference 1998 Equalizer, the Reference 1956 Equalizer, and the Equalizer plug-in with time-limited savings.
 
Reference 1998 Equalizer Features:

• 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 the Softube Equalizers plug-in
• Console 1 Ready 
• Included with Flow® Mastering & Complete Suite subscriptions

 

Reference 1956 Equalizer Features:

• Authentically captured, classic passive equalizing 
• A modern, musical minimum-phase passive EQ 
• Stereo functionality and additional frequency selections 
• Headroom control and Mid/Side functionality 
• Separate gain controls for each channel 
• Compatible with the Softube Equalizers plug-in
• Console 1 Ready 
• Included with Flow® Mixing & Complete Suite subscriptions 
• NEW: Reference Equalizers bundles 
• Reference Equalizers Bundle 
• Equalizers & Reference Equalizers Bundle 

Pricing and Availability:

• Softube Reference 1998 Equalizer: $99 USD ($79 USD intro price until September 12th, 2026)
• Softube Reference 1956 Equalizer: $99 USD ($79 USD intro price until September 12th, 2026)
• Reference Equalizers Bundle: $149 USD value, ($89 USD until September 12th, 2026)
• Equalizers & Reference Equalizers Bundle: $248 USD value, ($99 USD until September 12th, 2026)

More information:

• Softube

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