New Software Review: bx_panEQ from Brainworx & Plugin Alliance

Brainworx’ bx_panEQ provides three bands of EQ that allow you to spread, twist, morph, narrow or widen your stereo spectrum.

I’m usually a bit skeptical when claims are made about how “original” a new plugin is, but Brainworx bx_panEQ is something truly different.

With three uniquely flexible bands of EQ that give you control over both the spatial and frequency elements of your mix, chances are you have never seen anything quite like this.

In the course of reviewing bx_panEQ, I found that it can be valuable not only in working with stereo tracks and full mixes, but with mono tracks as well. In either capacity, it allows you greater control over your stereo spread, and the ability to finely hone the spatial and tonal balance of any of the elements within your mix.

Features

All three of bx_panEQ’s frequency bands can be set anywhere from 20Hz-20kHz, and you can easily sweep them through your entire stereo field to hear the changes in real time.

A traditional bandwidth or “Q” control included, as well as a pan knob for each band, and the requisite cut, boost and frequency select options. You also have the ability—using the “Focus” control—to widen or narrow the stereo spread of any of the three EQ bands. Each of these three bands can be soloed, which is an especially helpful feature in this context, and are color-coded, to help you keep track of which is which.

Visually, Brainworx has gone the extra mile here: They’ve provided a spectral analyzer so that you can really see where things are sitting both in frequency and in stereo placement, and work from there. There is even the ability to adapt the GUI to larger displays with the inclusion of a re-size option. No squinting or hunching over your screen required!

The three bands of EQ are all automatable, which allows for some really interesting and creative applications. Think of effects almost like a filter sweep, but more specific—and which can travel across the left-right spectrum. There’s plenty of room to explore and dream up some wonderful and previously unimagined special effects. Even when applied to a mono track, this plugin can really allow you to open a track spatially, often helping you to better situate it in a mix.

Beyond creative factors, there is a whole host of problem-solving capabilities here as well: Are you getting some pesky resonant or sibilant frequencies on a drum kit? Try applying panEQ to focus in and help shape, control, and wrestle these elements into submission—without affecting those that are sitting in the center or on the other side.

This is the first plugin I’ve used that gives you such easy and intuitive control over individual areas within your stereo spread, allowing you to target specific instruments—even within stems or a stereo mix.

In Use

bx_panEQ in use.

The music applications for this tool are fairly obvious, but for anyone working in audio for film, TV, or video games, panEQ is truly a must for your toolkit.

I tested it out on a batch of stereo field recordings I had recently done of the East River, using an iXY mic attachment for my iPhone.

As is often the case with wild sound recording, I wound up with groups of frequencies that were less than desirable—things like wind, traffic rumble and the like. I was able to apply this plugin and begin EQing the side of the stereo spread where a far-off car engine had created a low, distant rumble. (Since was recording the water amongst the rocks, I was really not interested in having traffic as a prominent part of my sound!)

The applications here go beyond the corrective. From a sound design perspective, this plugin could also be applied to help add to the sense of space or depth for whatever environment you are creating—whether real or imagined.

Applied to music, this plugin is both problem-solver and creative tool. bx_panEQ is also surprisingly useful when applied to full mixes, percussion submixes, and to loops and samples.

I first tried it out on a looped drum beat in the world music style. I wanted the the shaker element to be more prominent, but not too bright. Straight away, I was able to target the frequencies I needed and make sure it came through through the arrangement more clearly, with out affecting other elements in the loop.

Although I’m not a mastering engineer myself, it’s clear that there are some great applications to be had there with panEQ, allowing further control over individual elements in the mix, whether you have stems, or only a 2-track to work with.

Summing it Up

Brainworx bx_panEQ is a highly innovative, original, and useful tool, with many applications in both problem solving and creativite effects. Whether you simply want to enhance your stereo spread, control over a select group of frequencies in a specific party of your stereo image, or create a sense of movement within an arrangement, panEQ proved effective and easy to use.

As something of a specialty item, this plugin comes in at a price point of $299, and Plugin Alliance allows a 14-day full trial for free. Although there are less expensive EQs on the market, you’re unlikely to find any that will do quite what bx_panEQ will. For the time being, this is not just another EQ, but very much a one-of-a-kind tool. Why not try it out for yourself and see if it’s useful in the work you do?

Kallie Marie is a producer, composer and educator who lives in New York.

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