FabFlilter Pro-Q 3 Joins Forces With Dynamic EQ!

FabFilter Pro-Q has long been our EQ of choice for professional mixing and mastering applications. The EQ features three different modes, ‘Low Latency’, ‘Natural’, and ‘Linear’ phase. FabFilter took on the challenge of updating one of their most well-known plugins, and they certainly succeeded.

At a first glance, Pro-Q 3 looks almost the same as Pro-Q 2, however, FabFilter has cleverly implemented a variety of new features and productivity updates without compromising the familiar layout of the EQ (an unparalleled GUI for digital EQs, in our opinion). Some of these features are more drastic, like the dynamic EQ for example.

It’s hard to pinpoint a specific feature that we really like about Pro-Q 3 because it offers so much functionality!

The learning curve for those familiar with FabFilter plugins is nonexistent. Work smarter, not harder with FabFilter Pro-Q 3. We love how much quicker it is to solo and adjust bands with all the new productivity upgrades. Each EQ point now has easier to access controls, without cluttering your screen.

Each EQ point can be set to react to incoming audio, acting as either an upwards or downwards compressor. The threshold control lives next to each band’s gain control and it’s very easy to quickly dial in a sound and the dynamics controls are highly transparent and punchy when you need them to be.

Dynamic EQ’s also typically do a better job of preserving phase relationships than Multiband Compressors, a huge plus for Mastering engineers.

In addition to the awesome Dynamic EQ feature, FabFilter Pro-Q 3 also has “per-band mid/side processing, full surround support (up to Dolby Atmos 7.1.2), an intelligent solo feature, optional Auto Gain and a built-in, fully customizable spectrum analyzer” (FabFilter).

The per-band processing feature has proven extremely useful particularly for mastering. Pro-Q 3 allows you to easily sculpt the mids and sides of your mix. Pro-Q 3 pairs excellently with the new Apollo X audio interfaces from Universal Audio which feature 7.1 surround sound support.

The new edition of Pro-L also features surround sound support if you’re a professional or aspiring audio engineer– the two plugins complement each other very nicely.

FabFilter Pro-Q 3 is $179 – for $375 you can get Pro-Q 3, Pro-L 2, Pro-C 2 and Pro-MB as a part of their ‘Mastering bundle’

What’s your favorite plugin or music production tool as of late? Let us know on social media — we want to review it!