Dangerous Music BAX EQ: the mastering classic goes plug-in

Dangerous Music's BAX EQ is one of those equalizers every mastering engineer runs into sooner or later. Its Baxandall-type curves — the same kind used to set bass and treble on a hi-fi system — are known for their gentleness and musicality. Dangerous was the first manufacturer to bring these curves into a pro EQ, and the hardware unit has become a reference among mixing, tracking and mastering engineers (it's part of our own catalog too). On August 3, 2026, Dangerous Music announced a partnership with Acustica Audio and Studio DMI to bring the BAX EQ to plug-in form.

Four revisions to match the hardware's grain

The plug-in was developed with direct involvement from Chris Muth, designer of the original analog circuit, and evaluated against current BAX EQ hardware through critical listening and precision measurements. The software reportedly went through four major revisions to properly match the feel and sound of an off-the-line hardware unit — an approach close to what you see on the best analog outboard emulations. Luca Pretolesi, founder of Studio DMI and a longtime BAX user, contributed his ears and experience to the project.

What it brings to a mix

According to Dangerous Music, the plug-in adds resonance and warmth on kick and bass, and air and dimension on vocals, pads and strings — exactly the kind of broad tone-shaping the Baxandall curves are prized for: gentle shelves and phase-coherent cut filters rather than surgical correction.

Who did what

Acustica Audio brought its DSP, sampling and software-development platform; Dangerous Music supplied the reference units, measurements, converters, listening feedback and final product sign-off. The plug-in joins the original rackmount hardware and the 500 Series-format BAX500 in the BAX EQ lineup.

Availability and pricing

The Dangerous Music BAX EQ Plug-in is available now through Acustica Audio for $179. The original hardware format remains available from us, for anyone who wants that analog grain in the signal chain rather than in the DAW.

See the Dangerous Music BAX EQ (hardware) at Cool Kids Audio