Frank V2 Hybrid Equalizer
Key Features
- Combines signature EQ bands from four legendary hardware units (Helios, Pultec, API, Neve) into a single hybrid interface
- Gain-compensated custom line amp that adds analog warmth and can be driven for subtle coloration
- 4x oversampling for alias-free processing, toggled via the Analog Obsession logo for a clean GUI
- Five precisely chosen fixed-frequency bands: 50 Hz low cut, 60 Hz boost/atten, 1.6 kHz mid, 12 kHz high shelf, and 20 kHz high atten
- Resizable interface from 50% to 200% with full Retina/HiDPI support and knob readout displays
- Low CPU footprint after the Version 2 DSP redesign, suitable for use on every channel in a mix
Description
Frank V2 by Analog Obsession is a hybrid equalizer that cherry-picks signature EQ bands from four legendary hardware units: Helios, Pultec, API, and Neve. Rather than emulating a single console, it combines each unit's strongest frequency range into one streamlined interface.
The low end starts with an H-Type low cut at 50 Hz (Helios-style) paired with a P-Type boost/attenuate at 60 Hz modeled after the Pultec's famous bass shelf. The midrange uses an A-Type band at 1.6 kHz drawn from the API's punchy character, while the top end features an N-Type high shelf at 12 kHz with Neve-style smoothness and a P-Type high attenuate at 20 kHz for taming air frequencies.
Version 2 brought a complete overhaul including a gain-compensated custom line amp, 4x oversampling, redesigned DSP with lower CPU usage, and a retina/HiDPI-ready GUI with knob readouts. The line amp adds subtle analog warmth and can be driven for coloration.
A Version 3 update in May 2023 further refined the DSP and added a resizable interface scaling from 50% to 200%, plus touchscreen support. The oversampling toggle is hidden behind the Analog Obsession logo, keeping the interface clean.
The plugin ships in VST, VST3, and AU formats and supports Apple Silicon natively. Community reception highlights its musical character for broad tonal shaping, with users on Gearspace and production forums praising the concept of combining the best EQ bands from multiple classic units into a single workflow.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What hardware EQs does Frank V2 emulate?
Frank V2 draws its EQ bands from four classic hardware units. The low cut is Helios-type, the low boost/attenuate and high attenuate are Pultec-type, the midrange band is API-type, and the high shelf is Neve-type. Each band uses the frequency and curve shape that particular hardware unit is best known for.
How do you enable oversampling in Frank V2?
Click the Analog Obsession logo on the plugin interface to toggle 4x oversampling on or off. The logo acts as a hidden switch to keep the GUI uncluttered. Oversampling reduces aliasing artifacts but increases CPU load slightly.
What is the difference between Frank and FrankCS?
Frank is the standalone hybrid EQ with five fixed-frequency bands. FrankCS is the expanded channel strip version that adds a selectable preamp and compressor section alongside the same EQ topology. FrankCS is designed for full channel processing, while Frank focuses purely on equalization.
Is Frank V2 compatible with Apple Silicon Macs?
Yes, Frank V2 runs natively on Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) Macs. It is available in AU, VST, and VST3 formats for macOS 10.9 and later, so it works on both Intel and Apple Silicon machines without Rosetta.
