FabFilter Pro-Q 4 | Equalizer Plug-In

FabFilter Pro-Q 4 is a professional equalizer for mixing and mastering applications that offers a wide range of advanced functions. As the direct successor to the widely used Pro-Q series, the fourth generation combines precise audio processing with an optimized workflow and an extended range of functions. The core of the plug-in is the fully parameterizable equalizer architecture with up to 24 bands, extensive filter types and slopes from 6 to 96 dB per octave – including brickwall filters for low- and high-cut applications. A new addition is the ability to specifically adjust phase shifts with the all-pass filter.

An outstanding feature of Pro-Q 4 is the extended spectral dynamics. This allows dynamic processing such as expansion or compression to be applied to a single frequency band only when a signal exceeds the set threshold. This targeted frequency processing, which previously required stand-alone plug-ins, can now be seamlessly integrated into each band – in addition to the familiar static and dynamic EQ modes.

EQ Sketch offers an intuitive way of drawing filter curves directly into the frequency spectrum to get you started with sound shaping. The bands created in the process automatically adapt to the drawing and thus enable a particularly fast setup – especially in combination with the Instance List. This allows all open instances of Pro-Q 4 to be centrally managed, edited and visually compared.

With the new Character Modes, analog saturation behavior has found its way into sound processing. The Subtle mode emulates gentle, frequency-dependent saturation in the style of transformers, while the Warm mode provides more pronounced tube-like distortion. The usual transparent sound quality is retained in Clean mode.

Pro-Q 4 supports common multi-channel formats up to Dolby Atmos 9.1.6 and offers flexible surround linking. Additional functions such as spectral analysis with different display modes, EQ Match, Spectrum Grab, Band Solo mode as well as support for MIDI Learn, sample-accurate automation and various latency modes (Zero Latency, Natural Phase, Linear Phase) make the plug-in a versatile tool for modern production environments.

Technical properties

Plug-in formats: VST 2/3, Audio Units, AAX, AudioSuite, CLAP
System requirements Windows: Windows 11, 10, 8, 7 or Vista (32/64-bit), compatible VST/CLAP host or Pro Tools
System requirements macOS: macOS 10.13 or higher (64-bit), Intel or Apple Silicon, compatible AU/VST/CLAP host or Pro Tools
EQ bands: Up to 24 freely configurable bands
Filter types: Bell, High/Low Shelf, High/Low Cut, Notch, Band Pass, Tilt Shelf, All Pass
Slopes: 6-96 dB/octave, incl. brickwall
Phase modes: Zero Latency, Natural Phase, Linear Phase
Stereo modes: Stereo, Left, Right, Mid, Side (per band)
Surround support: Up to Dolby Atmos 9.1.6
Special functions:
– Spectral dynamics with attack/release control and sidechain filter
– EQ Match
– Spectrum Grab
– Instance List for project-wide control
– EQ Sketch
– Character Modes: Clean, Subtle, Warm
– Fractional Slope Settings
– Per-Band Dynamic EQ
– Parameter editing via direct access
– Preset browser with favorites, tags and search function
– Piano Display
– Undo/redo, A/B comparison, smart parameter interpolation
– Support for MIDI Learn and sample-accurate automation
– GPU-accelerated, freely scalable interface with full-screen mode
– Extensive help with interactive tips