Ouaricon EQ User Guide

Getting Started

Quick Start

1. Download the installer from your Ouaricon Audio account
2. Run the installer — it installs both VST3 and AU formats automatically
3. Open your DAW and scan for new plugins
4. Insert Ouaricon EQ on a track
5. Enter your license key (OUA-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX) when prompted

System Requirements

Installation Paths

macOS:

• VST3: ~/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/Ouaricon-EQ.vst3
• AU: ~/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/Ouaricon-EQ.component

Windows:

• VST3: C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3\Ouaricon-EQ.vst3

Interface Overview

Ouaricon EQ features a compact 920x220px horizontal rack-unit design inspired by classic analog equalizers like the Neve 1081 and Waves V-EQ4. The interface is organized into distinct sections for quick workflow.

Layout

From left to right:

• LF Band: Low frequency shelving filter (30-500 Hz)
• LMF Band: Low-mid parametric bell filter with Q control (100-2000 Hz)
• HMF Band: High-mid parametric bell filter with Q control (500-8000 Hz)
• HF Band: High frequency shelving filter (2-20 kHz)
• Output Section: Output gain, Analog saturation toggle, VU meter

Dual-Layer Knobs

Each band features a unique dual-layer knob design:

• Outer ring: Controls frequency (turn to sweep frequency range)
• Inner dial: Controls gain (boost or cut up to ±12 dB)

This design allows simultaneous frequency and gain visualization at a glance.

VU Meter

The VU meter on the right side displays output level in real-time, helping you monitor overall signal level and prevent clipping.

Parameters

LF Band (Low Frequency - Shelving)

Filter type: Low shelving with Q=0.707 (Butterworth response)

LMF Band (Low-Mid Frequency - Bell)

HMF Band (High-Mid Frequency - Bell)

HF Band (High Frequency - Shelving)

Filter type: High shelving with Q=0.707 (Butterworth response)

Global Controls

Understanding Q Settings

The Q parameter controls how wide or narrow the frequency band is affected:

• WIDE (Q=0.5): Gentle, broad strokes. Affects a wide frequency range. Best for musical, natural-sounding adjustments and tonal shaping.
• MED (Q=1.0): Balanced bandwidth. Good general-purpose setting for most EQ tasks.
• TIGHT (Q=2.0): Surgical, narrow cuts or boosts. Targets specific problem frequencies. Use sparingly to avoid ringing.

Using the EQ

Signal Flow

Audio passes through the EQ in this order:

1. Input
2. LF Shelf
3. LMF Bell
4. HMF Bell
5. HF Shelf
6. Analog Saturation (if enabled)
7. Output Gain
8. Output

Common EQ Applications

Cleaning Up Mud

Cut between 200-400 Hz using the LMF band with WIDE Q. Helps clear up muddy mixes and improve clarity.

Adding Presence

Boost 2-5 kHz using the HMF band with MED Q. Brings vocals and instruments forward in the mix.

Taming Harshness

Cut 3-6 kHz using the HMF band with TIGHT Q. Reduces sibilance and harshness without losing overall brightness.

Adding Air and Sparkle

Boost 10-15 kHz using the HF shelf. Adds sheen and openness to the top end.

Warmth and Body

Boost 100-200 Hz using the LF shelf or LMF bell. Adds weight and fullness to thin sources.

Analog Mode

When Analog is enabled, a subtle tanh waveshaper is applied to the output, introducing gentle harmonic distortion similar to running signal through analog circuitry. This adds warmth and cohesion, especially on buses and masters.

The saturation is gentle and musical — it won't add obvious distortion unless you're driving the EQ very hard with large boosts.

Performance Notes

• CPU usage: ~11-12% of a single core at 48 kHz (varies by system)
• Latency: Less than 5 samples (negligible for most applications)
• Zero-latency: Safe to use during tracking and live monitoring

Troubleshooting

Plugin Not Appearing in DAW

• Rescan your plugin directories in your DAW's preferences
• Verify the plugin is installed at the correct path (see Installation Paths above)
• On macOS, check that Gatekeeper hasn't blocked the plugin (System Settings → Security & Privacy)
• Restart your DAW after installation

No Change in Sound

• Check that the band you're adjusting is toggled On
• Verify you're adjusting the Gain control (inner dial) not just frequency
• Increase the gain amount to make the effect more obvious
• Check that your track is not bypassed or muted in your DAW

Harsh or Ringy Sound

• Reduce the Q setting from TIGHT to MED or WIDE
• Lower the gain amount — extreme boosts can cause resonance
• Try cutting instead of boosting to achieve the desired tonal balance

Muddy or Unclear Sound

• Use the LF band to reduce excess low end (cut below 100 Hz)
• Cut around 200-400 Hz with the LMF band to reduce boxiness
• Consider using a high-pass filter before the EQ to remove unnecessary sub-bass

License Activation Issues

• Check your internet connection
• Verify the license key format is correct: OUA-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX
• Ensure you haven't exceeded the 3-machine activation limit
• Contact [email protected] if problems persist

High CPU Usage

• Disable bands you're not using (toggle them Off) to reduce CPU load
• Check your DAW's buffer size — increase it if you're not recording
• Disable Analog mode if you don't need the saturation