FabFilter has just launched Pro-Q 4, their latest iteration of the industry-leading equalizer plugin, and it’s packed with new features designed to elevate your audio production. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, Pro-Q 4 builds on the legacy of its predecessors with powerful tools that streamline workflows and add cutting-edge functionality. Here’s an overview of what’s new in Pro-Q 4 and how it can enhance your sound production process.
Spectral Dynamics: EQ for Problem-Solving at New Heights
One of the most exciting additions in Pro-Q 4 is Spectral Dynamics, a game-changing feature that brings advanced dynamic EQ to the table. By allowing you to apply expansion or compression to specific frequencies within a band, you can now target and control harshness and unwanted resonances with precision. Unlike traditional dynamic EQs that affect all frequencies within a band, Spectral Dynamics works intelligently, leaving unaffected frequencies untouched. This powerful tool simplifies the task of dealing with troublesome sounds, making the latest version of the plugin an even more indispensable part of your EQ toolkit.
Streamline Your Workflow with Pro-Q 4’s Instance List
Pro-Q 4 introduces the Instance List feature, which is a huge time-saver when working with multiple instances of the plugin in a project. With the Instance List, you can easily navigate between Pro-Q 4 instances, view miniaturized spectrum displays, and zoom in on the details. The interface even allows you to edit EQ curves across all instances from one central location. Features like auto-zoom and quick search ensure that you can keep your workflow fast and efficient, even when working on complex projects with many instances.
EQ Sketch: Draw Your EQ Curves in Real-Time
Creating custom EQ curves just got easier with EQ Sketch, a new feature that lets you draw your frequency response directly on the display. Simply drag your mouse across the interface, and the plugin automatically generates filters that match the curve you’ve drawn. This intuitive tool is perfect for establishing broad frequency-shaping starting points, which you can then fine-tune with the plugin’s regular controls. EQ Sketch is a fantastic workflow booster, especially when paired with the Instance List for quick adjustments across multiple tracks.
Analog-Style Saturation with Character Modes
FabFilter’s Character modes bring analog-style saturation to Pro-Q 4, adding warmth and character to your mixes. You can choose from three modes:
- Subtle for gentle transformer-style saturation,
- Warm for a more pronounced tube-style warmth,
- Clean for the plugin’s signature transparent, uncolored sound.
These modes allow you to add a bit of analog charm to your tracks, giving them a more organic feel while maintaining Pro-Q 4’s precision and clarity.
Key Features of Pro-Q 4
Here’s a summary of what you’ll find in the latest version of FabFilter’s iconic EQ plugin:
- Professional mastering-grade EQ with up to 24 bands and a wide variety of filter types.
- EQ Sketch for drawing custom filter curves in real-time.
- Spectral Dynamics for targeted dynamic EQ processing.
- Instance List for easy management of multiple instances within a session.
- Character modes for adding analog warmth to your sound.
- Copy and Paste EQ curves between instances.
- Fractional filter slope settings for precision EQ adjustments.
- Phase adjustments using the All Pass filter type.
- Improved design with a resizable, GPU-accelerated interface and full-screen mode.
- Surround support for up to Dolby Atmos 9.1.6 setups.
Pro-Q 4 also features Linear Phase mode, Sidechain filtering, and powerful tools like EQ Match and Spectrum Grab that make it even easier to shape and refine your sound.
Available Now
FabFilter Pro-Q 4 is available now for EUR 169 / USD 179 / GBP 144, and it supports both Windows and macOS platforms in all major plugin formats, including VST, VST 3, Audio Units, AAX, and CLAP. If you’re an existing FabFilter user, you can upgrade for a discounted price by logging into your account.
If you’re curious about the new features, FabFilter offers a 30-day free trial of Pro-Q 4, so you can try it out in your projects risk-free.
Final Thoughts on FabFilter Pro-Q 4
With Pro-Q 4, FabFilter has once again redefined what an EQ plugin can do. Whether you’re looking for precision EQ, dynamic control, or analog-style warmth, this release brings all these elements together with a fresh, intuitive interface. If you haven’t already, it’s time to check out the latest version of Pro-Q and experience the next level in EQ design.
Ready to upgrade? Visit FabFilter’s website for more information or to get started with your free trial today.
