SPL Free Ranger [Freeware]

SPL's Free Ranger is a free graphic equalization plug-in. SPL basically gives this plug-in away to show off their processing skills, which I must say are very high in general. It only took me a few minutes to download the plug-in from their website and install it on my computer. I had the plug-in up and running within Pro Tools right after and was messing around with it within a session. As long as you have a compatible system, which most should, you shouldn't have any issues installing the software. The interface is simple to understand, consisting of a series of sliders as you'd see on any graphic EQ. This one has nine sliders in total, but it's only a four band EQ since four of the bands are blacked out and can't be used and one of them is an overall output slider. The four bands are at fixed frequencies, which make the plug-in pretty limited, but the frequencies that they're at include 40 Hz, 150 Hz, 1.8 Khz, and 16 kHz. They basically have chosen these frequencies to demonstrate the ability of their plug-ins at these crucial frequencies, but it definitely makes the plug-in's worth limited. I haven't seen a manual for this, and one really shouldn't be necessary.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I'm currently running the SPL Free Ranger in Pro Tools LE 8 on a Mac Book Pro that has a 2.2 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 4 GB of RAM. I run Pro Tools LE with a Digi 002R audio interface and monitor everything through a set of Adam A7 monitors. This plug-in is designed to take up only a small amount of processing power since it's a freebee and their aim is to have everyone try it for themselves regardless of the type of system they have. There's no hurt in trying it if you think your system is on the fence.

OVERALL OPINION

While very limited as a real equalization plug-in, the SPL Free Ranger definitely shows off the advanced processing power that SPL has to offer. Slight moves in the frequencies given can add some life to your sound if used right. I've tried the plug-in out on electric guitar and vocals, but I've yet to print this at all. I'd definitely recommend giving this plug-in a try, but it's only going to take you so far. It's definitely a bit of a tease, but it will certainly get you interested in SPL, as they make both great analog and software processors. You might as well give this one a try since it's free!