Custom Series Bundle — Free Download

Purpose and Design Inspiration

Custom Series Bundle by Slate Digital is a specialized equalizer plugin that blends design elements from over a dozen classic analog equalizers into a single, versatile tool. Rather than emulating one specific unit, each band of the Custom EQ is independently inspired by a different original device, giving every band its own unique boost and attenuation behavior.

Each band also includes an analog-modeled output section that adds musical harmonics for a lively, vintage feel. Because it is a hybrid design, the plugin does not suffer from the physical limitations of analog circuits, so each band can use a different topology. This means the EQ can apply boosts or cuts with a natural, musical character that avoids common digital harshness.

Key Capabilities and Distinctive Bands

The plugin excels at specific corrective tasks thanks to its varied band designs. For example, it can add 10 dB of high-frequency air around 15 kHz without becoming strident, a common issue with passive tube EQs. It can also reduce brittle harshness in vocals by cutting 2 kHz without losing clarity, a behavior inspired by high-end parametric equalizers.

Additionally, the low end can be enhanced by adding 100 Hz without making the sound tubby or muddy. This flexibility allows engineers to address common problems—like dull tracks, harsh midrange, or thin bass—with a single tool, while preserving the natural tonality of the source material.

The Lift Processor and Shaping Controls

The Custom Series Lift processor is a boost-only parallel filter based on passive designs, intended to add life and girth to individual tracks. It offers two main sections: High Lift and Low Lift. High Lift opens up the top end in a natural way, adding air and space to the mix, while Low Lift injects natural bass energy, which is described as especially effective on anemic bass guitars and kick drums.

The High Lift section includes Present and Silky buttons that tune the shape of the high frequencies, making them more forward or smoother without ever becoming harsh. The Low Lift section has Big and Punchy buttons that shape the transient and low-frequency information in two distinct ways, encouraging experimentation to find the best setting for each track.

Practical Workflow and Applications

In a mixing workflow, the Custom Series EQ can be used for both corrective and creative processing. For dull recordings, a high-frequency shelf via the Lift processor can restore air and clarity. For vocals with harsh sibilance or midrange, the parametric-style band can tame problem frequencies without dulling the performance.

The Low Lift is ideal for adding weight to kick drums or bass lines that lack presence. Because the plugin is modeled on multiple analog circuits, it can impart a musical saturation that adds depth to individual tracks or groups. Its versatility makes it suitable for tracking, mixing, or mastering, though the parallel nature of the Lift processor means it is best used on individual elements rather than full mixes.

Key features

• Each EQ band modeled on a different classic analog equalizer
• Analog-modeled output sections with musical harmonics
• Boost-only parallel Lift processor for natural top-end and low-end enhancement
• High Lift with Present and Silky tone-shaping buttons
• Low Lift with Big and Punchy transient and low-frequency controls
• Capable of adding air, reducing harshness, and enhancing low end without artifacts

Best for

This bundle is best for producers and mixing engineers who need a versatile, musical EQ to fix dull tracks, tame vocal harshness, or add low-end punch to bass and kick drums. It’s also great for adding analog-style harmonics to individual instruments or buses during mixing.