Available for download, the Slate Digital FG-A is a plug-in that emulates the tone, curves, and circuitry of a coveted American Class-A equalizer. As with the original hardware it models, the EQ sports three bands of EQ centered around fixed frequency points. Low- and high-pass shelves can be instantiated with virtual push-buttons, and the output stage can be driven harder for more saturation.

However, there are some modern touches that separate it both from the hardware and other EQ recreations of this piece. For instance, you can switch the opamps in and out of the signal path. Also, a fourth midrange band has been included for your convenience. Finally, you can switch the EQ into a continuously variable mode for both its gain and frequency selector knobs. You’re no longer relegated to 2 dB steps; you can go finer if you want, and you can pinpoint any frequency center within a given range.

The module operates within the VMR (Virtual Mix Rack) plug-in. When you want to use it in your DAW, simply instantiate the VMR plug-in, and you’ll be able to access the FG-A, as well as any other VMR plug-in for which you currently own or subscribe. The Slate FG-A is Mac and Windows compatible. The EQ can operate in VST, AU, and AAX formats. An iLok 2 or 3 is required to run the EQ.