Home/Final Mix Software Mastering EQ III 3.0.1

Final Mix Software Mastering EQ III 3.0.1

Rob Chiarelli ·Final Mix Software
3.0

Final Mix Mastering EQ III 3.0.1 is an 8-band precision mastering equalizer by Grammy award winning producer Rob Chiarelli. It includes x1/x3 range switches, independent per-band bypass, and switchable low/high-pass filters for smooth, musical master fader tone shaping.

Final Mix Software Mastering EQ III 3.0.1 Overview

Mastering EQ III is a mastering equalizer plugin for macOS and Windows. It is designed for mastering engineers and mix engineers that need transparent, musical tone shaping on a master fader, with no added coloration. Mastering EQ III is not a copy of any particular vintage unit: unlike Final Mix Software's other EQs, like the EQ-73 or Westlake EQ, which are based on a named analog circuit character, the idea here is a clean, natural EQ curve rather than to nail the sonic signature of a particular piece of hardware. The plugin features eight continuously variable bands, together with selectable low pass and high pass filters, for full frequency coverage across a mastering chain. Each band has precise boost and cut controls with x1 and x3 range switches, so one knob can move from the most subtle micro-adjustments to much wider, more dramatic tonal shaping depending on which range is chosen. Each of the eight bands also has its own bypass switch, allowing you to take one band’s contribution out of the signal while the rest of the curve keeps running – this is useful for confirming exactly which band is doing the work when building a mastering curve, rather than bypassing the entire plugin and losing every band’s setting at once. High resolution metering flanks the EQ stage with input and output gain, allowing overall level into and out of the curve to be trimmed independently of any single band’s boost or cut. Mastering EQ III is available as a VST2, VST3, AU and AAX plugin on macOS 10.15 or later and Windows 10/11. Licensing is managed via iLok with three forms of activation: a physical iLok 2/3 USB key which can be used on multiple machines and offline, a machine-based activation that is stored on a single computer, or an iLok License Manager cloud-based session that requires an active internet connection. Final Mix Software has continued to maintain the plugin and it is now at version 3.0.1. The price is still around about $19-35 depending on the retailer.

Key Features

8 Constantly Changing Bands Rather than a fixed set of preset points, sculpt the tone across eight fully continuous frequency bands for truly accurate control of exactly where and how you build a mastering curve. Selectable Low Pass and High Pass Filters The eight primary bands let you roll off unwanted high or low frequency content using switchable filters, giving you control beyond simple boost and cut. Range Switches per Band x1/x3 Toggle each band between a subtle x1 range for fine, delicate tweaking and a wider x3 range for more dramatic tonal shaping, all from the same physical control. Bypass Independent Per Band Ability to bypass any one band at a time while the rest of the EQ curve is still running. This is useful for identifying and verifying what exactly each band is doing while building your curve. Non-Modeled, Transparent EQ Design Final Mix’s own EQ-73 or Westlake EQ are based on a named vintage analog circuit while Mastering EQ III is not. It’s designed for a smooth, musical and natural sound without added harmonic distortion. High Resolution Input/Output Gain Metering A global level trim in and out of the EQ section, independent of individual band settings, with high-res metering to accurately monitor gain staging. Support for multiple formats of plugin. It’s available as a VST2, VST3, Audio Unit and AAX plugin on macOS, and with the same format support on Windows, so it will work with pretty much any major DAW. iLok Flexibility for Licensing Select a physical iLok 2/3 USB key for portability and offline use, local machine-based activation, or a cloud-based iLok License Manager session depending on workflow needs. FOR MASTER FADER USE Specifically designed for the final stage of a mix or mastering chain where transparency and musicality are more important than character or coloration.

Extensions Details

File Size16.5 MB
Version3.0.1
DeveloperRob Chiarelli
PublisherFinal Mix Software

System Requirements

Minimum
OSmacOS 10.15 (Catalina)
ProcessorIntel Core i3
RAM2 GB
Storage500 MB
GPUIntegrated
Recommended
OSmacOS 13 (Ventura) or later
ProcessorApple Silicon (M1 or newer)
RAM4 GB
Storage500 MB
GPUIntegrated

How to Use Final Mix Software Mastering EQ III 3.0.1

Step 1: Buy and Download Buy Mastering EQ III from Final Mix Software’s official website or an authorized retailer. For MacOS 10.15 and later. Step 2: Install and Configure iLok Licensing Install the plugin and choose your preferred iLok activation method, whether it be a physical USB key, local machine activation or cloud-based session. Step 3: Load the Plugin onto Your Master Fader Place Mastering EQ III on your DAW’s master bus or final mastering chain track. Step 4. Develop your filter points Use the low-pass and high-pass filters to roll off any frequency extremes before shaping the main tonal curve. Step 5: Make Your EQ Curve You can fine-tune each of the eight bands, using the x1 range for minor adjustments, and switching to x3 for more dramatic tonal changes. Step 6: Bypassing Bands Individually to Isolate Them Individual band bypass switches allow you to fine-tune your settings and hear exactly what each band is doing to the overall curve. Step 7. Matching Input and Output Gain Independently adjust input and output gain, and control overall level through the EQ stage, watching the high-resolution metering. Step 8: Full plugin bypass comparison Use the whole-plugin bypass to A/B your finished EQ curve against the unprocessed signal to confirm that the adjustments are indeed enhancing the mix. Step 9: Complete Your Master Once the tonal balance is to your liking, proceed with the rest of your mastering chain, with the transparent curve of Mastering EQ III serving as the tonal foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions