Sontec MES-432D9D

The deal

$199 at KVR Marketplace (down from $299). No coupon needed, the 33% discount is applied automatically at checkout. The sale runs through August 21, 2026.

What it is

The Sontec MES-432D9D is a parametric EQ plugin by Metric Halo modeled on the original Sontec MES-432D9, a mastering equalizer introduced in 1972 and widely credited as the first fully parametric EQ ever built. Metric Halo's emulation targets not just the tonal shaping but the hardware's "box tone," the subtle harmonic coloration that made engineers reach for it even with every band set flat. It runs 3 parametric bands plus two shelving filters in stereo or mid-side mode.

Who it's for

Mixing and mastering engineers who want vintage analog EQ character on a mix bus or master chain, especially anyone chasing the sound of classic broadcast and mastering consoles rather than a clean, surgical EQ curve.

Key features

• Three parametric bands plus two shelves for full-range tonal control
• Stereo or mid-side (M/S) EQ processing for independent width and center adjustments
• User-selectable oversampling up to 16x for cleaner high-frequency processing
• Integrated SpectraFoo analyzer and metering built directly into the plugin