Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $119

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$49

$150+

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Based on price data from 2 merchants for "IK Multimedia Master EQ 432". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Elevate your mastering sessions with the IK Multimedia Master EQ 432, a digital emulation of the revered analog mastering equalizer that has become the gold standard in studio settings worldwide. Born from the collaborative genius of iconic audio pioneers, this EQ plugin retains the unparalleled sonic excellence of its hardware predecessor. Its design features fully parametric and independent bands with almost no interaction, a revolutionary concept that set the foundation for future parametric EQs.

The Master EQ 432 is crafted to deliver the same pristine audio quality and transparency as its analog counterpart, thanks to its discreet high-performance design and transformer-less signal path. Experience a pleasing warmth and clarity that adds a touch of "magic" to your mixes, enhancing everything from the high-end air to the solid low-end and presenting the midrange with exceptional detail.

Further bridging the analog-digital divide, the Master EQ 432 offers modern conveniences such as total recall, full automation, and switchable gain ranges. These features, once available only in separate hardware versions, are now unified in this single model, providing mastering engineers with precise control over each band's gain range. Additionally, the plugin offers separate channel processing with an intuitive switchable L/R to M/S mode, allowing you to independently equalize Mid and Side content for a versatile approach to stereo mastering.

Key Features:

  • Digital emulation of a legendary analog mastering equalizer
  • Fully parametric and independent bands with minimal interaction
  • Pristine audio quality with discrete high-performance design
  • Total recall, full automation, and switchable gain ranges
  • L/R to M/S mode for separate channel processing
  • Available in Audio Units, VST 2, VST 3, and AAX formats
  • Compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems

Product specs

Software Type EQ
Platform Mac, PC
Upgrade/Full Full
Download/Boxed Download
Bit Depth 64-bit
Plug-in Formats Standalone, AAX, AU, VST
Hardware Requirements - Mac Intel Core 2 Duo or higher, 4GB RAM minimum
Hardware Requirements - PC Intel Core 2 Duo / AMD Athlon 64 X2 or higher, 4GB RAM minimum
OS Requirements - Mac macOS 10.15 or later
OS Requirements - PC Windows 10 or later

FAQs

Is the IK Multimedia Master EQ 432 compatible with major DAWs like Ableton Live and Pro Tools?

Yes, the IK Multimedia Master EQ 432 is compatible with major DAWs, including Ableton Live and Pro Tools, as it supports AAX, AU, and VST plug-in formats.

What operating systems are required to run the IK Multimedia Master EQ 432?

The IK Multimedia Master EQ 432 requires macOS 10.15 or later for Mac users and Windows 10 or later for PC users.

What are the hardware requirements for installing the IK Multimedia Master EQ 432 on my computer?

To install the IK Multimedia Master EQ 432, you'll need a Mac with an Intel Core 2 Duo or higher, or a PC with an Intel Core 2 Duo / AMD Athlon 64 X2 or higher, and at least 4GB of RAM.

Is the IK Multimedia Master EQ 432 suitable for mastering tracks?

Yes, the IK Multimedia Master EQ 432 is designed as a mastering equalizer, offering the ability to polish mixes and transform them into master-quality tracks with noticeable results.

ikmultimedia

ikmultimedia

NEW Master EQ 432 in T-RackS Custom Shop! The holy grail of mastering equalizers!

Video thumbnail for NEW Master EQ 432 in T-RackS Custom Shop!  The holy grail of mastering equalizers! by ikmultimedia

NEW Master EQ 432 in T-RackS Custom Shop! The holy grail of mastering equalizers!

ikmultimedia

ikmultimedia

Video thumbnail for T-Racks 5 Plugins Review: Master EQ-432 (Sontec 432) Mixing Rolling Stones Bootleg by dancetech

T-Racks 5 Plugins Review: Master EQ-432 (Sontec 432) Mixing Rolling Stones Bootleg

dancetech

dancetech

Reviews

PROS

  • Transparent sound suitable for mastering and group tracks

  • Offers 3 bands with 24 fixed frequency choices per band

  • Includes both L/R and M/S processing options

  • Provides hi and lo shelving capabilities

  • Adds "air" to highs and presence to mids effectively

  • Delivers a smooth and deep sound quality

  • Enhances mixes to sound professionally mastered

CONS

  • Can be CPU-intensive when using multiple instances

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about IK Multimedia Master EQ 432.

Features and functionality

  • The Master EQ 432 is praised for its 4-band limiter and imager, offering precise control and versatility in mixes.

    Source
  • The Master EQ 432 is frequently used for its precision in finalizing mixes, particularly praised in the context of mastering sessions for its detailed control.

    Source

User experience

  • Users report tedious installation and registration processes, often reverting to demo mode if unused, requiring re-registration.

    Source
  • Some users have expressed that the interface, while powerful, could be more intuitive for beginners, requiring a learning curve to fully utilize its capabilities.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Some IK Multimedia plugins, including those in T-RackS, are reported to be glitchy, causing clicks and pops in mixes.

    Source
  • Multiple users suggest that the Master EQ 432 integrates well with other IK Multimedia plugins, creating a cohesive toolset for mastering.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The 432 EQ is highlighted for its utility in mastering sessions, often used alongside Soothe and other IK plugins.

    Source
  • Users emphasize its importance in achieving clarity in complex mixes, often paired with other plugins to refine high-frequency elements in a track.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • While the full suite is affordable, users suggest waiting for sales to maximize value, citing previous promotions like buy 1 get 25 free.

    Source

Critic Reviews

IK Multimedia Master EQ432, EQ73 & EQ81

soundonsound.com

IK Multimedia's Master EQ 432 and its companions, EQ73 and EQ81, shine in their ability to enhance audio with finesse. The Master EQ432 is praised for its subtlety and musicality, ideal for mastering without overwhelming the mix. The EQ73 and EQ81, recreating the Neve sound, add warmth and character, though they can introduce distortion if pushed too hard. However, the review notes that while the EQ432 excels in transparency, the others may not suit every situation due to their inherent coloration. Overall, these modules provide excellent options for both mastering and mixing, but users should be mindful of their distinct characteristics and limitations.

positive

IK Multimedia Master EQ 432 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Master EQ 432 brings a legendary sound quality to the plugin world, emulating the sought-after Sontec MES-432C with remarkable transparency and ease of use. Its ability to enhance mixes without distortion is a standout feature, particularly the silky top-end that elevates vocals and instruments alike. However, it’s not without its drawbacks; the plugin is CPU-intensive and retains some stubborn limitations from its hardware predecessor, which may frustrate users seeking more flexibility. While it excels in mastering scenarios, the hefty processing demands could hinder its utility in larger mixing sessions. Overall, a worthy choice for those prioritizing sound quality over system strain.

positive

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