Stagecraft Software Parity EQ Review

I got the opportunity to take a look at Stagecraft Software's new EQ called Parity EQ in this review. I take it for a test run and try it out with some of my tracks.

This is a review of the Parity EQ plugin from Stagecraft Software. It covers an overview of the features and investigates some of the presets available along with an audio demonstration of how the effect works on some areas of an audio production.

Jump to:

• Introduction
• Getting Started with Parity EQ
• Notable Features
• Presets Available for Parity EQ
• Alternatives To Parity EQ Available
• Who Would Use This Plugin?
• Where To Buy Stagecraft Software Parity EQ

Introduction

I like to be taken by surprise when it comes to new plugins and first impressions of Parity EQ certainly proved to be positive. I didn't have a lot of experience with Stagecraft Software but was pleased to learn some things about them while I took a look around their site at https://www.stagecraftsoftware.com

They are a Chicago based business and the main developer, Aaron has been in the industry for around 15 years. The focus appears to be providing plugins which are functional yet simple. There is no need to look like hardware items they are emulating but instead just function well and provide great sound.

Getting Started with Parity EQ

Installation was quite easy with Parity EQ. The download file comes from Parity EQ. I had one slight hiccup where the installer file was not from a known vendor and so Microsoft Smart Screen warned me of this. This was not a concern and is common for new software, however I reported as safe and as the development cycle continues then this will rectify itself I'm sure.

Loading up my DAW and the program was discovered straight away. Then I just needed to add my registration key which is purchased from ADSR Sounds* as part of the order. Then I could drop the plugin on a track or mix buss and get started.

Notable Features

• Fully Automatable Bands - Every EQ band can be dynamically controlled over a specific time which means it is great for evolving sound design
• Modulation Capabilities - Go beyond static EQ functionality using Low Frequency Oscillators (LFOs) and envelope followers.
• Precision & Clarity - A focus on design allows for transparent mixing and dynamic movement.
• Intuitive Interface - A clean and sleek user interface allows for a fast and intuitive workflow.

These features offer the producer or musician some excellent tools without breaking the bank. The performance of the modulation is very high quality and means there is no requirement for separate tools such as Xfer's LFO Tool or CableGuys Shaperbox. Normally this type of feature is found in more expensive utilities or need a separate plugin altogether.

Presets Available for Parity EQ

With most software there comes an option to have bundled presets and for Parity EQ this is no exception. I found there were four categories of preset to choose from, with a good selection in each. This demonstrates the power of Parity EQ and just how flexible it can be on both an individual track or a full mix bus.

Listen To Parity EQ in action

I took a few samples from a track to demonstrate the power of Parity EQ. As with most of the audio examples on this site, the difference in sounds can be quite slight and so use of headphones or studio monitors is advised.

Vocal Effect using the Mid Range preset

The vocals are quite restrained and feel a little bit grey in this sample. Just adding a small amount of Parity EQ brightens them up and brings them forward to the listener.

Full mix using the Mix 4 preset

On this full mix it feels that the original track is quite dull and missing some pop. When the EQ is added the brightness shines through the mix adding some emphasis on the vocal track and the vocal sample effect in the background.

Alternatives To Parity EQ Available

From an EQ point of view I rarely sway away from the Fab Filter Pro Q plugins which have served me really well for my dynamic EQ requirements for years. However the features in Parity EQ allow for similar functionality at a significantly reduced cost. While there isn't everything in there, it certainly looks promising for the music producer who doesn't need all the bells (peaks) and whistles.

Who Would Use This Plugin?

I would suggest Parity EQ would be a good plugin for most producers to have available in their DAW. While native EQ plugins offer a lot of features, Parity is next level and is dynamic allowing for movement on the sound samples. This means that you can get some crazy effects such as sweeping motions and full shelf cut offs. These can be modulated across the entirety of your track to give added interest and variety to a production.