The MDW Hi-Resolution Parametric EQ plug-in for Digidesign Pro Tools|HD systems delivers the same sound as the original but now includes both a five and three-band version with improved DSP efficiency. The three-band version uses less DSP so more copies of the plug-in can be instantiated during a session.

Version 2.0 has a function called IsoPeak. By way of a single mouse click, you can isolate and sweep through a frequency band to find a problem area for boosting or cutting. Other additions include a Phase Invert function, plus A/B snapshots for toggling between two separate EQ settings and copying one snapshot setting to the other.

Version 2.0 still uses double-precision 48-bit processing and high-resolution 96 kHz sample-rate processing--even when working in sessions at 44.1 or 48 kHz rates. MDW Hi-Res Parametric EQ supports 192kHz sessions and emulates the constant-shape reciprocal filter curves found in the hardware GML 8200 parametric equalizer. The plug-in features a wide frequency selection (from 10 Hz to 41 kHz), and variable Q (the width of the band of frequencies affected) from 25.6 to 0.1--i.e. 1/18th of an octave wide to 6 2/3rd octaves wide.

With the new three band version, I found I could use it everywhere and get great 48-bit precision and superb sound on many more tracking instruments. Be able to instantly switch over to five-bands for more even more control while retaining my three-band settings is very handy. Suffice it to say if you had (or could afford) only one equalizer plug-in, this should be the one!

Purchase MDW Hi-Res Parametric EQ 2.0 at store.digidesign.com or a local Digidesign Authorized Reseller. Owners of MDW Hi-Res Parametric EQ version 1.x can upgrade to 2.0 for $125 through the online DigiStore.