CraveEQ by CraveDSP: an affordable alternative to FabFilter Pro-Q?
Developer CraveDSP released CraveEQ, a powerful plug-in that features three equalizers in one: Digital, Analog, and Linear Phase. All three EQ models are based on a theoretically ideal analog equalizer. It doesn’t hurt that the unit is very nice to look at, either.
Analog Phase
Analog Phase mode is a reproduction of ‘clean’ analog hardware. While this kind of modeling assumes a small amount of latency, CraveDSP has kept it very low at just 1.1ms at 44kHz or 0.5ms at 96kHz.
Digital Phase
This model presents a true analog EQ curve with digital phase and special filter technology designed for utmost accuracy over the entire frequency spectrum, at little CPU use. CraveDSP didn’t implement traditional FIR or IIR filters, because the former struggles with low frequency resolution and the latter has a poor frequency response.
Linear Phase
This mode is based on the same analog EQ curve as the other two, but features linear phase. The inevitable latency resulting from this kind of processing is handled by automatically selecting the appropriate latency according to the host sample rate.
Price and availability
CraveEQ costs EUR 59 and is available in VST & VST3 formats for 32- and 64-bit Windows computers. We think the price is right for a modern and advanced equalizer plug-in that appears polished and technologically accomplished. We find it a promising alternative to the esteemed FabFilter Pro-Q, although CraveEQ is only available for Windows at the moment.