Two classic 7-band passive EQ emulations in one plug-in, recreating Motown’s Music and Film hardware tone controls with proportional Q characteristics.
Purpose and Heritage
Motown EQs v2 is a single plug-in that faithfully emulates two legendary passive equalizers from the 1970s: the Music Tone Equalizer and the Film Tone Equalizer. These hardware units were used exclusively by Motown engineers and became integral to the label’s signature sound. Nomad Factory has merged the previously separate Retro Music-Tone and Retro Film-Tone plug-ins into one modernized tool.
This update allows you to select either the Music or Film frequency set for each of the seven bands, eliminating the need to load two instances just to access different curves. The proportional Q design, a hallmark of the original hardware, is preserved: bandwidth is fixed and changes automatically with gain, wider for subtle boosts or cuts and narrower for more extreme settings.
Key Capabilities
Each of the seven bands offers a fixed frequency with a gain range of -8 dB to +8 dB. You can independently assign the Music or Film frequency set to any band, providing flexible tonal shaping that was previously possible only by routing signals through multiple plug-ins. This design encourages broad, musical adjustments rather than surgical cuts.
The proportional Q emulation means you don’t control bandwidth directly; instead, the curve naturally sharpens as you increase boost or cut. This behavior mirrors the passive hardware and simplifies operation, making it ideal for achieving warm, characterful EQ moves. The plug-in has been rebuilt with upgraded DSP for improved accuracy and stability.
Workflow and Integration
The updated interface is resizable, improving usability on modern displays and in different DAW layouts. VST3 support is included, and the plug-in is compatible with Apple Silicon Macs, ensuring smooth operation in current systems. You can load a single instance to access both Music and Film curves, streamlining sessions.
If you need more than seven bands, you can still load two instances for a 14-band setup, mimicking the original dual-plug-in workflow. This flexibility suits both mixing and mastering contexts, allowing you to combine the tonal characters of both EQs in one project. The plug-in is designed as a direct replacement for the old Motown Retro Bundle.
Practical Applications
Use Motown EQs v2 to add vintage character to vocals, drums, or bass, applying broad musical boosts that enhance presence without harshness. The fixed frequencies and proportional Q make it easy to dial in classic soul and funk tones quickly, whether you’re mixing a modern track or restoring a vintage session.
The ability to mix Music and Film curves on different bands enables creative tonal blending, such as using a Music high end with a Film low end. In mastering, it can provide gentle, musical EQ shapes that glue mixes together. This plug-in is suited for engineers seeking the authentic sound of Motown’s studio hardware.
Key features
- Two 7-band passive EQ models in a single plug-in
- Select Music or Film frequency set per band
- Proportional Q emulation with fixed bandwidth
- Gain range of -8 dB to +8 dB per band
- Resizable user interface
- Upgraded DSP and VST3 support
- Apple Silicon compatible
Best for
Mixing and mastering engineers who want authentic Motown-style EQ character, especially for adding vintage warmth to vocals, drums, and bass, or for creative tonal blending using both classic frequency curves in one plug-in.