Black Q v3 by Tone Empire is a modern tube EQ and saturator that blends analog warmth with digital flexibility. Modeled after boutique hardware, it offers dual transformer paths, broad frequency shaping, and enhanced saturation modes for everything from subtle coloration to bold, characterful tone sculpting. With its new user interface, extended air band, and CPU-friendly oversampling, Black Q v3 is equally at home on vocals, drums, instruments, or the mix bus—making it a versatile tool for producers, engineers, and sound designers looking to add musical richness and vintage character to their mixes.
Feature Highlights:
- Dual Analog Modeling Paths (Sowter & Lundahl Transformers) Delivers authentic analog character using two distinct transformer paths, capturing unique harmonic textures.
- Type A and Type B Modes Type A: Offers a full-bodied sound with rich low-end Type B: Delivers mid/high-focused crunch suitable for modern mixes
- Overlapping Bands & Expanded Frequency Range Enhanced EQ flexibility thanks to broader frequency coverage and overlap for smoother tone shaping.
- Up to 8× Oversampling Reduces aliasing and improves sound fidelity—great for more “analog” warmth when CPU allows.
- Processor-Efficient Tracking Performance Optimized for low-latency tracking and multiple plugin instances without bogging down your system.
What’s New 2025:
- New GUI with Enhanced Usability The updated interface offers better visuals and workflow, making EQing smoother and more intuitive.
- Overlapping Bands & Wider Frequency Coverage Adds fresh flexibility in tone sculpting—especially useful for mixing and mastering.
- Expanded Air Band Bandwidth The high-frequency (air) band is now more audible and expressive.
- Build 1.5 (Nov 2024 Update) Features significantly improved CPU efficiency—even when using oversampling—all while enhancing stability across DAWs on both Mac and Windows.
- Free Upgrade for Existing Users Current owners of Black Q received version 3 as a free update, making it easier to stay current.
Quick Guide:
- Highlights of Using the Plugin:
- Select between Type A (smooth, full low-end) and Type B (crunchy mid/high) depending on the source.
- Adjust overlapping bands to precisely target and shape tonal areas.
- Enable oversampling (up to 8×) when aiming for maximum fidelity, keeping an eye on CPU usage.
- Insert on tracks where you want rich analog flavor—vocals, drums, piano, or mix buses all benefit from the EQ’s warmth and character.
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System Requirements:
- Plugin Formats & Hosts
- VST3, AU, AAX (64-bit only) compatible with major DAWs on macOS and Windows.
- Operating System Compatibility
- macOS: 10.13+ (Intel & Apple Silicon)
- Windows: Windows 10 or later (64-bit only)
- CPU Requirements
- Intel i3 / AMD Ryzen (or equivalent) recommended.
- RAM & Disk Space
- Minimum 2 GB RAM, 300 MB hard drive space.
- Display & 64-Bit Host Requirement
- Minimum screen resolution: 1024 × 768
- Must run in a 64-bit host environment.
Download Steps:
- Purchase or Acquire Black Q V3 Available directly from Tone Empire’s store or retailers like Plugin Boutique.
- Access Download via Your Account If already a user, version 3 is provided as a free upgrade—check your Tone Empire download area.
- Run the Installer
- macOS: use the .pkg file
- Windows: run .exe and follow on-screen installer steps
- Plugin Authorization Requires internet connection on first launch; enter your serial/license to activate.
- Load in DAW & Start Mixing Open your DAW, scan for new plugins, insert Black Q into an insert slot, pick your type and start shaping signals with vintage warmth.
