9 Best NEVE Plugins 2026 (EQs, Preamps & Channel Strips)

Let’s talk about the best NEVE plugins you can get on the market these days including EQs, preamps, channel strips and some more!

There’s something about a Neve-style EQ or preamp that just hits differently.  Whether it’s the thick low-end weight, the forward midrange, or that silky top that somehow feels both smooth and aggressive, these plugins all chase that same unmistakable British sound that shaped so many classic records.

What’s cool today is how developers are approaching that tone from different angles – some stay dead-true to the original 1073 circuit, while others take creative liberties, blending in modern workflow tools and digital precision.

Whether you need the best Neve console plugin like Brainworx bx_console N for full mix bus processing or Lindell 80 Series for vintage console emulation, this guide covers both premium and free options.

Even the freeware side is stacked, with Analog Obsession offering serious tone tools that stand toe-to-toe with paid plugins. So whether you’re after punchy presence, mix glue, or that unmistakable analog drive, these Neve-inspired plugins all give you a shortcut to that timeless console sound.

Neve tone is defined by its iron-soaked weight and midrange presence. I’ve stress-tested these emulations across dense mix buses and high-gain transients to see which ones actually hold their glue under pressure; here are my findings:

1. Waves Scheps 73 – Top Overall Pick

Scheps 73 is one of the best Neve EQ plugins on the market, and it’s not just about shaping tone – it’s about adding that rich, iron-soaked attitude you only get from a proper 1073-style preamp.

The low end feels rounded and heavy in a way that doesn’t just boost bass, it grounds it. I don’t know if it’s just me, but the first time I cranked the resonance on the mid band, it felt like the whole mix leaned forward, like someone pushed the sound right into the speakers.

• Analog-modeled preamp and EQ combo inspired by the legendary 1073 console, accurately recreating its thick, musical tone and transformer saturation for that unmistakable analog weight.
• Four fully modeled EQ bands, including a restored 10 kHz midrange frequency taken from the original 1078 schematics – giving extra control over presence and air without harshness.
• Built-in Mid/Side matrix and independent Left/Right processing, letting you shape stereo content in ways the original hardware never could, perfect for tightening low mids or widening top-end shimmer.
• Marinair transformer emulation adds the signature harmonic distortion that made the original 1073 famous, delivering smooth drive and subtle glue when pushed hard.

2. VoosteQ Model N Channel – Best British Console-Style Emulation

There are various Neve plugins but the Model N Channel delivers that classic British console tone with a blend of vintage character and modern control. Its preamp section adds gentle saturation that feels natural, giving tracks a touch of analog warmth without smearing detail.

The compressor reacts dynamically, shaping transients in a smooth, musical way that works just as well on drums as it does on vocals. I don’t know if it’s just me, but switching between the analog flavor modes really changes the depth of the mix – one setting in particular made the low mids feel almost three-dimensional.

I think it works best on buses or full mixes, though a slightly roomier interface would make it even better to work with.

• Three modeled EQ types capture the tone of both vintage 70’s British hardware and modern units, accurately recreating their frequency curves, harmonic distortion, and texture.
• Two compressor models use a feedback-style design where THD and response shift naturally with the input signal, giving a dynamic, organic compression feel.
• Three distinct preamp circuits emulate the sound of classic British consoles, adding harmonic richness and subtle drive that enhances depth and presence.
• Five analog flavor modes simulate transformer and circuit coloration, letting you shape everything from clean and transparent to thick and vintage-sounding mixes.

3. Lindell Audio 80 Series – Best Pro Choice

When you push the input and hit the compressor, the low end seemed to swell in this perfectly controlled way that glued the whole mix together.

I think this Neve emulation plugin nails that bold, vintage British console tone that instantly makes tracks feel thicker and more alive.

Authentic emulation of vintage British 80 Series consoles, including modeled preamps, EQs, diode bridge compression, and line amplifiers that shaped the sound of classic records from artists like Queen and Nirvana.

• Brainworx Tolerance Modeling Technology (TMT)

It actually recreates 32 unique analog channel variations, mimicking the subtle component differences of real hardware for a more realistic console mix.

• Integrated diode bridge limiter/compressor

The Lindell 80 Series delivers the signature smooth yet punchy analog compression with added control through a Mix knob, Auto Recovery, and variable THD/V Gain options.

• Switchable EQ designs

It’s based on two iconic British modules, offering both musical broad curves and precision-focused shaping for flexible tone control.

• Dedicated Buss mode and vintage line amp emulation

In addition, it provides rich harmonic saturation and fat low-end response, giving mixes the full-bodied warmth of an authentic analog summing path.

4. Brainworx bx_console N – Neve VXS Console Channel Strip with TMT Technology & Vintage Tone

Now, the bx_console N is actually one of the best Neve plugins you can get. It has its way of making a mix feel instantly wider and more three-dimensional, like everything suddenly sits in its own space. This Neve console plugin recreates the behavior of 72 individual analog channels, giving you that authentic console variation across your entire mix..

The EQ and compressor sections sound clean but still carry that analog bite, making it easy to push things hard without them turning harsh.

• Modeled after a rare 72-channel vintage analog console, each instance of bx_console N recreates the unique tone, phase response, and dynamic character of individual analog channels for a more realistic mix experience.
• Brainworx Tolerance Modeling Technology (TMT) introduces natural analog variation across all 72 channels, capturing the subtle differences in electronic components that give real consoles their depth and stereo width.
• Complete channel strip design featuring a 4-band EQ, compressor/limiter, expander/gate, and variable high/low-pass filters, all modeled with precise analog behavior and musical response.
• Advanced digital-only tools like THD and Virtual Gain controls, parallel compression Mix knob, and Mid/Side soloing offer flexible tone shaping and workflow improvements not possible on the original hardware.

5. UAD Neve 1073 Preamp & EQ Collection – Official Neve Hardware Emulation with Authentic Transformer Sound

Another Neve emulation plugin, Neve 1073 plugin Preamp & EQ Collection captures that unmistakable midrange push that makes vocals and guitars sit perfectly in the mix.

As an officially licensed 1073 emulation plugin, it captures the authentic character of the original hardware in a way that really stands out.

• Authentic, licensed emulation of the original Neve 1073 Channel Amplifier, accurately recreating its class-A transistor preamp, EQ circuit, and output stage for true analog tone inside your DAW.
• Models all 10 distinct analog clipping points from the original 1970s hardware, capturing the subtle transitions from clean drive to rich harmonic saturation.
• Powered by Unison technology, allowing users with Apollo interfaces to record in realtime through the exact impedance and gain behavior of the vintage 1073 preamp.
• Includes three-band EQ and post-fader output amplifier, delivering the signature Neve clarity, warmth, and midrange punch across vocals, guitars, drums, and mix buses.
• Artist presets from top producers and engineers provide ready-to-use starting points that showcase the full tonal range of this legendary preamp and Neve EQ plugin

UAD Neve 1073 Preamp is one of the best neve preamp plugins you can actually get these days.

6. T-Racks EQ 81 By IK Multimedia – Best Neve 1081 Style

As a Neve 1081 plugin emulation, it captures the extended frequency range and surgical precision that made the original hardware a studio standard.

When I run vocals or guitars through it, the mid bands do this sweet sculpting that pulls the sound forward in a mix without losing that warm, analog smoothness that makes it feel alive.

• Features four fully independent EQ bands, including high and low shelves plus two midrange peaking filters, along with dedicated high-pass and low-pass filters for tight frequency control.
• Offers switchable high-Q mid bands for surgical adjustments and the ability to turn shelving bands into peaking modes, giving extra flexibility for detailed tone shaping.
• Includes a discrete preamp stage modeled after the original hardware, capturing the authentic analog warmth and dynamic interaction between the preamp and EQ circuits.
• Delivers musical, natural-sounding curves that work beautifully on vocals, guitars, drums, and bass – enhancing clarity and focus while keeping the source full and three-dimensional.

7. Slate Digital Virtual Preamps Collection – Best Minimal

Another great Neve preamp plugin by Slate Digital, adds warmth and grit without overdoing it. The Virtual Preamp Collection gives me the FG-73 for that tight, forward British tone and the FG-76 when I want a thicker, tube-saturated vibe that glues everything together.

I like using them across a mix to give tracks more presence and cohesion without reaching for extra EQ or compression.

• Includes two faithfully modeled preamps – the FG-73 (British solid-state) and FG-76 (vintage German tube) – both capturing the signature warmth and harmonic character of their original hardware.
• Uses advanced analog circuit modeling to accurately reproduce everything from subtle coloration to full-on saturation and distortion.
• Can be used on any clean preamp recording or individual DAW track to add analog-style depth, presence, and harmonic richness.
• Offers dynamic saturation behavior, meaning the tone responds naturally to input level, letting producers drive the preamps harder for authentic analog-style breakup and grit.

8. Arturia Pre 1973 – Neve 1073 Preamp & EQ Emulation with Harmonic Saturation & Color

For those seeking the best Neve 1073 plugin at an affordable price point, the Pre 1973 deserves your attention! The Pre 1973 captures that classic British preamp sound that makes tracks feel rich, focused, and full of life. Its gentle analog saturation thickens vocals or drums instantly, while the built-in EQ keeps the tone shaping smooth and musical.

• Accurately models the legendary 1073-style British preamp, offering up to 60 dB of continuous input gain with authentic analog coloration and harmonic richness.
• Includes a three-band EQ section with ±18 dB of gain per band, covering low (35Hz–220Hz), mid (360Hz–7.2kHz), and high (fixed at 12kHz) frequencies for precise tone shaping.
• Features two selectable output transformers (Carnhill and Marinair) that let you switch between distinct hardware voicings for different tonal flavors.
• Supports mid/side stereo processing and three stereo modes

9.Sonimus Burnley 73 – Affordable Neve 1073 Style EQ with Musical British Console Sound

While Burnley 73 VST may not be the best Neve 1073 emulation plugin on the market, it offers incredible value for the price. You can dial in a touch of MIC saturation for drums or vocals when you want that crunchy, analog-style lift, and it reacts beautifully whether you’re adding subtle warmth or pushing it hard for real grit!

• Features a three-band EQ section with selectable frequencies for low (35Hz–220Hz), mid (300Hz–7.2kHz), and a fixed high shelf, plus a five-position high-pass filter for precise tonal shaping.
• Includes a dual saturation system with LINE mode for subtle harmonic color and MIC mode for stronger analog-style drive, letting you move from gentle warmth to full-on vintage crunch.

That said, for a budget-friendly 1073 emulation plugin, Burnley 73 gives you surprisingly authentic tone and that dual saturation system without breaking the bank

Freebies:

1. Analog Obsession CHANNEV – Best free Neve Channel Strip Plugin

CHANNEV is some of the best free Neve plugins you can get. When it comes to shaping vocals or drums, I usually look for tools that feel intuitive and don’t fight the mix.

Analog Obsession nails that balance, giving you a full Neve channel strip plugin with preamp drive, smooth compression, and an EQ that actually feels musical instead of surgical. The tape saturation at the end is the secret sauce – it rounds off the edges and gives everything that subtle analog polish I’m always chasing.

• The mic preamp offers up to 60dB of virtual gain with PAD and phase invert options, giving precise control over signal tone and headroom before it even hits the EQ or dynamics section.
• As a Neve 1081 plugin emulation (inspired, not literal clone), it captures the extended frequency range and surgical precision that made the original hardware a studio standard.
• The compressor and limiter are modeled after the 2264 circuit, each with its own external sidechain, followed by a tape saturation stage that adds subtle glue and harmonic warmth to the overall sound.

2. Analog Obsession BritBundle – British Console Collection with Multiple Neve-Inspired Processors

Sometimes I just want that unmistakable British tone without reaching for five different plugins,. BritBundle from Analog Obsession gives me exactly that, combining a punchy preamp, musical EQ, and a compressor that glues things together in a really natural way.

I’ve been using BritChannel on guitars and Britpressor on vocals, and both deliver that smooth, slightly gritty character that makes tracks feel alive without pushing them too hard.

• The BritChannel delivers a full British-style EQ and preamp with fixed 10kHz highs, selectable mid frequencies (0.36kHz to 7.2kHz), and low bands down to 35Hz, along with a +/-24dB gain range, making it ideal for shaping tone while keeping that classic console character.
• The Britpressor combines a compressor and limiter with independent thresholds, ratios up to 6:1, and a blend control for parallel compression, plus frequency-targeted sidechain shaping across high, mid, and low bands for precise dynamic control.
• The BritPre module offers authentic mic/line preamp behavior with gain up to +40dB, highpass (45–360Hz) and lowpass (8–2kHz) filters, and a phase invert option, delivering subtle saturation and tone shaping straight from the input stage.

3. Analog Obsession BLENDEQ – Best API & Neve Style EQ Hybrid

What really caught my attention with this one is how quickly it lets me shape tone without overthinking it. BLENDEQ by Analog Obsession gives you two classic EQ flavors in one plugin, letting you blend between a smooth “N” style and a punchier “A” circuit on every band.

I’ve been using it to mix punchy lows from the “A” side with silky highs from thhe “N” side, and it honestly feels like cheating in the best way possible.

• The dual-circuit EQ design lets you blend between two legendary styles: the “A” (American) circuit for punchy transients and the “N” (Non-American) circuit for smooth, musical tone, all within matched frequency bands for consistent response.
• Each of the 4 EQ bands includes its own BLEND control, allowing you to mix both EQ characters per band, while the “BLENDEQ” link option syncs all blend knobs to one master control for faster workflow.
• The line amp section provides up to +24dB of gain per circuit and works in tandem with HPF and LPF pre-filters, letting you sculpt tone and harmonics cleanly before hitting the EQ, all with 4x oversampling for high-quality processing and low aliasing.

4. Analog Obsession PreBOX – Best free Neve preamp plugin

I like using PreBOX when I want quick access to different preamp flavors without loading a whole chain of plugins. It gives me 11 selectable preamp models that range from clean and subtle to warm and gritty, all with gain compensation so I can drive the input without wrecking my levels.

• Includes 11 distinct preamp models, each with its own tonal character, from clean and transparent to harmonically rich and saturated, giving a wide range of color options for any source.
• Features gain-compensated input, allowing you to drive the signal hard for analog-style saturation while keeping output levels consistent and controlled.
• Offers independent HPF and LPF filters for shaping the frequency range before hitting the output stage, helping tighten up lows or smooth out harsh highs.
• Delivers a clean output stage that maintains clarity and prevents unwanted distortion, even when pushing the input for extra harmonics.

5. Analog Obsession FRANK 2 – Best Neve 1073 Style Preamp & EQ

When I’m shaping tone, I like EQs that give me musical control without needing endless tweaking. I want to hear the change, not hunt for it. That’s exactly what FRANK v2 delivers, combining classic EQ curves from Helios, Pultec, API, and Neve into one smooth, hybrid tool. The updated version sounds tighter, runs lighter on CPU, and adds a gain-compensated amp that keeps everything balanced even when you really push it.

• Combines five iconic EQ circuits in one plugin, featuring Helios-style low cut at 50Hz, Pultec low boost/attenuation at 60Hz, API mid-band at 1.6kHz, Neve high attenuation at 12kHz, and Pultec high cut at 20kHz, offering a true hybrid tone-shaping experience.
• Includes a custom line amp with gain compensation, maintaining consistent output levels even when applying heavy EQ boosts or cuts for more controlled signal flow.
• Features 4x oversampling for cleaner high-frequency processing and optimized DSP that improves efficiency while reducing CPU load compared to the original version.

Bonus: IK Multimedia EQ 73 – Best Vintage Tone

Whenever I’m chasing that thick, vintage tone, I always find myself reaching for a good Neve-style EQ plugin. The IK Multimedia EQ 73 nails that vibe, giving you the classic 1073 flavor with full preamp modeling, proper saturation, and those sweet musical curves that just work on everything..

I like how it handles both mic and line modes differently too, adding that gentle third-harmonic push in mic mode that helps tracks sit up in the mix without ever sounding harsh.

• Features a fully modeled Class-A discrete preamp and 3-band EQ, faithfully recreating the tone and harmonic depth of the original 1970s Neve 1073 hardware, complete with authentic saturation and circuit interaction.
• Includes accurate modeling of every gain stage and EQ curve, allowing the EQ and preamp sections to interact dynamically for that signature analog punch and warmth that responds naturally to input drive.
• The preamp stage adds realistic harmonic richness and controlled grit or distortion, making it effective for enhancing drums, vocals, guitars, and bass with classic analog color.
• The EQ section provides musical low, mid, and high bands that deliver smooth boosts and cuts without harshness, ideal for shaping everything from tight low-end punch to airy high-end presence.

Plugin Nerds

Hello, I’m Viliam, I started this audio plugin focused blog to keep you updated on the latest trends, news and everything plugin related. I’ll put the most emphasis on the topics covering best VST, AU and AAX plugins. If you find some great plugin suggestions for us to include on our site, feel free to let me know, so I can take a look!