FabFilter Releases FabFilter Pro-Q 3

US New version of equalizer plug-in with dynamic EQ 30/11/18

FabFilter has announced the availability of FabFilter Pro-Q 3, a major update to the acclaimed Pro-Q equalizer plug-in. They tell us that Pro-Q 3 improves on its predecessor in every area, introducing dynamic EQ, surround support, per-band mid/side processing, and much more, while maintaining the pristine sound quality and exceptional ease of use for which Pro-Q has always been known. Here’s the details in fabFilter’s own words…

Integrated dynamic EQ

Pro-Q 3 adds the ability to switch any of its 24 bands to Dynamic EQ mode, with a simple, elegant workflow: just raise or lower the Dynamic Range ring around the Gain knob to apply smooth compression or expansion to that band. An intelligent algorithm automatically chooses program-dependent attack, release, and knee settings, while the Threshold can be set automatically, according to the input signal level, or manually. And, of course, dynamic EQ bands continue to operate with perfect analog matching and support Linear Phase mode.

Surround support

Pro-Q 3 works with all major surround formats, up to Dolby Atmos 7.1.2. The plug-in automatically configures itself to the multichannel format of the hosting surround track, and an intuitive selection panel enables EQ adjustment of multiple channels together.

Mid/side processing

Pro-Q has long been able to work its equalization magic on the mid or side channels in a stereo signal, as well as left and right, and this functionality becomes even more flexible with Pro-Q 3. Each individual band can now be set to process only the Mid, Side, Left, Right, or Stereo channels, so users can get truly surgical with their stereo frequency-shaping on a band-by-band basis.

New filter types

Pro-Q 3 adds to Pro-Q 2’s multitude of filter types with the all-new Flat Tilt shape, applying a flat tilting correction curve to the entire audible spectrum. And for those occasions when even the super-steep 96dB/ octave roll-off slope isn’t precise enough, the Low and High Cut filter types can now be set to Brickwall mode for the ultimate in top/bottom attenuation.

Improved spectrum analyzer and Spectrum Grab

Pro-Q 3’s spectrum analyzer makes it easier than ever to find and correct problem frequencies in the mix. Activate the new collision detection to view clashes between the source signal and the spectrum of any other Pro-Q 3 instance in the session, and get an instant handle on the most important peaks in Spectrum Grab mode with frequency/note labels.

Key features:

Professional mastering-grade EQ plug-in with exceptional sound quality
Up to 24 bands with a huge range of filter types
Dynamic EQ option for every band
6-96dB/octave slopes for all filter types
Additional Brickwall slope for the High Cut and Low Cut filters
Per-band Stereo, Left, Right, Mid, or Side mode
Zero Latency, Natural Phase, and Linear Phase processing modes
Extremely efficient processing and low memory usage
Surround support, including Dolby Atmos 7.0.2 and 7.1.2 formats with flexible surround channel linking
Adapts automatically to stereo, mono, and surround channel layouts
Intelligent multiband selection and editing
Intelligent band solo mode
Powerful real-time spectrum analyzer
External spectrum visualization from any other Pro-Q 3 instance in the session, including collision detection
Spectrum Grab: grab and adjust a peak directly in the spectrum analyzer
EQ Match for imposing the tonal characteristics of one signal on another
Piano Display switches the frequency scale to musical note values

System requirements are either Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, or XP, and a VST 2/3 host or Pro Tools, or Mac OS X 10.8 or higher with Intel processor, and an Audio Units host, VST 2/3 host, or Pro Tools. Both 64-bit and 32-bit hosts are supported.

Pricing and Availability:

FabFilter Pro-Q 3 is now available for EUR 149, USD 179 or GBP 134, supporting both Windows and macOS in VST and VST 3, Audio Units, AAX, and AudioSuite plug-in formats. Bundles with FabFilter Pro-Q 3 and other FabFilter plug-ins are also available at: www.fabfilter.com/shop

Existing FabFilter customers can purchase or upgrade to FabFilter Pro-Q 3 with very attractive discounts by logging into their online user account at: www.fabfilter.com/myaccount

More information: