AURORA vs TDR Nova: two free dynamic EQs compared

Where they overlap

Both are dynamic parametric EQs with a live spectrum, bands that flip from static to level-reactive, and a genuinely free tier. For the everyday jobs - tame a resonance, de-ess, control a boomy note - either one does the work without spending a cent.

• Free dynamic EQ with a live analyzer.
• Per-band dynamic operation (threshold-driven cuts/boosts).
• Clean, surgical band control for cleanup work.

Where TDR Nova leads

Nova is mature, famously light on CPU, and cross-platform - Windows, macOS and Linux, in every major DAW. The free version gives you four parametric bands plus a wideband dynamics stage, which covers a lot; the paid GE upgrade adds more. If you're on macOS or Linux today, or you want the lightest, most proven free dynamic EQ, Nova is an easy pick.

Where AURORA is compelling

AURORA is free with no license key and leans on scale and automation: up to 24 dynamic bands (versus Nova free's four), eight band shapes, cut slopes to 96 dB/oct plus a vertical Brickwall, full mid/side and left/right, three phase modes including an analog-matched Natural, and a Smart Ops assistant that matches a reference, de-resonates, de-esses and unmasks in one click. Today it's Windows-first (VST3 · CLAP), with macOS noted as coming.

• Up to 24 dynamic bands, free (Nova free gives 4 + wideband).
• Smart Ops assistant: match / de-resonate / de-ess / unmask in a click.
• 8 shapes · slopes to 96 dB/oct + Brickwall · full M/S and L/R.
• Windows now; macOS coming (Nova already covers Mac + Linux).

Which should you use?

On macOS or Linux, or if you want the lightest, most battle-tested free dynamic EQ, TDR Nova is a classic for a reason. On Windows, or if you want more bands and a one-click cleanup assistant for free, AURORA gives you a lot of plugin for zero dollars. They're both free - there's no reason not to try both and keep whichever fits your setup.