Spent a day trialing it and running some tests. Used it on mastering a couple of swampy rock tracks and feedback from the client (quoting verbatim): "Maate!!! Masters sound amazing! Tough and big and awesome!!! Thank you!!!" So I think it went ok. ; ) Still, there are some tricks to this EQ, which seems devoid of a manual. Beware the +0.7dB insertion bump (flat, all bands out). My default setting is with the inputs trimmed. Likewise, each of the four EQ bands (set flat) has a +0.2dB bump. Not a fan of the glow or sheen curves so far, which seem to be extended shape shelves. I'm sure they have their place. The mono maker's 2k indicator is actually 22k so go easy there! (mono making in pro-mastering is NOT used as often as many people think). The THD control applies only to the four EQ bands when switched in (not the filters), and cumulatively so. Although, for its sound with a touch of vibe, its simplicity (glad for the finer gain range), and encouraging working by ear (no spectrum graphs required): thumbs up. – Pro mastering engineer.
bx_2098 EQ
★★★★★
by SBlack303
I've been using this EQ as a mastering tool and I must say it works well. Mid-range tonality problems are easily solved with a few tweaks of the upper and lower mid-range EQ controls. The stereo adjustment functions are really great for adding that touch of 'mojo' to the width of your mix as well as giving the whole mix a solid center stage. Thankyou Brainworx :)
Slate replacement
★★★★★
by Jonny Stepps
Picked this up in one of the 24hr sales and am very glad I did. I used to use Slate VMR on the mix bus using VCC, FG-N and Slate Custom Eq, but this have now replaced that all together. The channel modelling adds a great saturation character to the mix, especially the low end, while the mid and high shelf eq's add an incredible sheen and polish without sounding harsh or sharp. Great product, happy customer :)
Didnt think I needed it until I demo'd it.
★★★★★
by Carbinax
I thought I didn't need another EQ, as I already have the bx digital V3, and some other renowned EQs, but I actually ended up buying it after I tried the demo, and the M/S is done so well, particularly on the HFs as this EQ is really smooth and flatters the audio, rather than accentuating harsh resonances like a lot of other EQs out there.. I put it on the master and tweaked what I thought were quite subtle lifts and a bit of stereo width, but when I bypassed it to hear the track without it, it was immediately obvious to me that I needed it in my arsenal. I was really surprised what a few subtle tweaks did, and when I bypassed it, my jaw kinda hit the floor. I used to hate this style of EQ and preferred paragraphic EQ, but these kinda EQs are growing on me much more. I'll mostly use this on the master channel. Incredible work again Mr. Ulrich. Many thanks for these 24 hour sales, and associated vouchers. You Sir, are a legend !! =)
Sublime
★★★★★
by Nice Robots
I've just been comparing this eq with some of my others and this one always sounds better. I love the mid/side control, the THD control, the solid and musical tone...plus a little goes a long way and it's very easy to dial in a good sound. I'm kind of amazed that I am so thrilled with an EQ plugin but there it is.
A knockout
★★★★★
by earthymusic
What can't this EQ do? If bx_panEQ is my slight-of-hand magician, bx_2098 is the I-can-do-anything stagehand. Delicious filters, useful meters, MS, mono-maker, and a stereo-width control too? Wow. Brainwork = magic!
2098 Eq Not a goto Eq
★★★★★
by am.syn
Great Modeled Plugin but I miss the Silk in the HF Band. It's a bit harsh there. When I remember right the 9098i was a bit smoother and has more silkiness there. However...the 2098 is great Eq Plugin!
Great additional eq channel
★★★★★
by Dave
Used to use the hardware rack mounted 9098 eq regularly in a couple of studios. In one, it was the main outboard eq and also a choice pre-amp. I seem to remember the hardware units were well reviewed and regarded at the time. This plugin certainly sounds like I remember it, and has a lot of character and is a great eq to use. The TMT, M/S and especially the adjustable THD are very nice additions to the functionality. The number of filters and options means that you can use this for serious sound sculpting, and gives a tonal variation to the more well known eq candidates. I don't think this would be my first choice of eq as I have some great emulations of a lot of other great pieces of classic hardware, but the quality of the emulation, difference in tonality, and for me the nostalgia value, means I am delighted to have this in my virtual rack
BX 2098 EQ
★★★★★
by Cogbeatz
The BX 2098 EQ is one of the best EQs i've ever owned, PERIOD! I use it on everything and it never gets tired...LOL, always giving me great results!
Classic Amek EQ pristine quality in today’s day and age
★★★★☆
by Jwthevision
The brains at Brainworx and Plugin Aliiance seem to know how give us tools that will help us design our desired sound to a specific niche and range. The bx_2098 isn’t supposed to be a Neve emulation, or supposed to give you a simply flat analog tool for mixing/mastering. This EQ is a cerebral, technical and hard sounding. Just like the real life Amek EQ. The TMT can give you some random analog qualities that vary from channel to channel and allow you to capture the unpredictability of analog without the pitfalls. Lastly...the booming low end and pristine sheen on this EQ make it such a cerebral tool for the most technical of needs. You want this plugin!