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 want the lightest, most proven free dynamic EQ, or only need a handful of bands, 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. Like Nova it runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, including AU on the Mac and LV2 on Linux.

• 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 · macOS · Linux · VST3 · CLAP · AU · LV2 — same platform reach as Nova.

Which should you use?

If you want the lightest, most battle-tested free dynamic EQ and four bands are enough, TDR Nova is a classic for a reason. If you want more bands, full mid/side and a one-click cleanup assistant for free, AURORA gives you a lot of plugin for zero dollars. Both run on Windows, macOS and Linux, and both are free - there's no reason not to try both and keep whichever fits your workflow.