Equaliser
FabFilter Pro-Q 4
by FabFilter
A paid parametric equaliser from FabFilter with dynamic EQ, spectral dynamics and multiple phase modes.
Before you buy
- Pricing model
- Paid[1] FabFilter offers a 30-day trial.
- Runs on
- macOS, Windows, iPadOS No Linux version listed.
- Logic Pro
- AU version listed for macOS
- Other formats
- VST2, VST3, CLAP, AAX, AudioSuite, AUv3
We don't list prices: they change often. Check the manufacturer for current pricing. Requirements below are as the manufacturer states them.
Documented features
- Up to 24 EQ bands.[1]
- Optional Dynamic EQ on all bell and shelf bands, with adjustable attack and release.[1]
- Dynamic range per band from -30 to +30 dB (negative values compress, positive values expand), with an automatic threshold option.[2]
- Each dynamic band can trigger from the plug-in input or the external side-chain input, using the band's own frequency range or a free trigger range set with low- and high-cut filters.[2]
- Spectral dynamics act only on the frequencies within a band that exceed the threshold, rather than changing the whole band's gain. Spectral bands always use linear-phase processing, so they add latency.[1][4]
- Zero latency, linear phase (adjustable latency) and Natural Phase processing modes.[1]
- Linear-phase latency at 44.1 kHz ranges from 3,072 samples (Low) to 66,560 samples (Maximum). FabFilter recommends Medium (5,120 samples) for linear-phase work and describes Zero Latency as sufficient for most applications.[5]
- Per-band stereo placement: Stereo, Left, Right, Mid or Side, with a split option that duplicates a band for each channel.[1][6]
- EQ Match against a stored spectrum, an earlier part of the input, another Pro-Q 4 instance, the side-chain input or an audio file.[1][8]
- Instance list showing all Pro-Q 4, Pro-C 3, Pro-DS and Pro-G instances in the session, by track. In Audio Units hosts such as Logic Pro, tracks are sorted alphabetically without track colours.[1][9]
- The spectrum analyser can show another Pro-Q 4 instance or the side-chain signal and highlight possible frequency collisions, which FabFilter describes as an indication only.[7]
- Spectrum Grab lets you drag peaks in the analyser display to adjust the EQ.[7]
- Band solo plays only the part of the signal a band is processing.[11]
- EQ Sketch turns a curve drawn in one gesture into EQ bands.[12]
- Three character modes: Clean (the default, transparent) and Subtle and Warm, which add saturation. The online help and controls use the name Subtle; FabFilter's product page calls it Gentle.[10][1]
- Immersive / Dolby Atmos support up to 9.1.6.[1]
- Also available as an AUv3 plug-in for iPad from the App Store.[3][14]
Specifications
| Maximum bands | 24[1] |
|---|---|
| Phase modes | Zero latency, Linear phase, Natural Phase[1] |
| Maximum channel layout | 9.1.6[1] |
| Stereo processing | Per band: Stereo, Left, Right, Mid or Side[6] |
| Side-chain triggering | Per dynamic band: plug-in input or external side chain[2] |
| Spectral dynamics | Yes, per band (linear phase)[4] |
| Character modes | Clean, Subtle, Warm[10] |
| Linear-phase latency (44.1 kHz) | 3,072 to 66,560 samples, depending on resolution[5] |
Compatibility
| macOS | macOS 10.13 or later, 64-bit only, Apple Silicon or Intel; requires an AU, VST 2/3 or CLAP host, or Pro Tools[1] |
|---|---|
| Windows | Windows 11, 10, 8, 7 or Vista, 64-bit or 32-bit; requires a VST 2/3 or CLAP host, or Pro Tools[1] |
| iPadOS | AUv3 plug-in from the App Store; minimum iPadOS version not stated in the help pages[14] |
| Plug-in formats |
AUv3 is the iPad version, distributed through the App Store. |
Where we discuss it
Comparisons
Buying guides
Sources
Every fact on this page links to one of these manufacturer sources. Nothing here comes from hands-on testing.
- FabFilter Pro-Q 4 – Equalizer Plug-In, FabFilter. Accessed .
- FabFilter Pro-Q 4 Help – Dynamic EQ, FabFilter. Accessed .
- FabFilter Pro-Q 4 Help – Introduction, FabFilter. Accessed .
- FabFilter Pro-Q 4 Help – Spectral dynamics, FabFilter. Accessed .
- FabFilter Pro-Q 4 Help – Processing mode, FabFilter. Accessed .
- FabFilter Pro-Q 4 Help – Stereo options, FabFilter. Accessed .
- FabFilter Pro-Q 4 Help – Spectrum analyzer, FabFilter. Accessed .
- FabFilter Pro-Q 4 Help – EQ Match, FabFilter. Accessed .
- FabFilter Pro-Q 4 Help – Instance list, FabFilter. Accessed .
- FabFilter Pro-Q 4 Help – Character mode, FabFilter. Accessed .
- FabFilter Pro-Q 4 Help – Solo, FabFilter. Accessed .
- FabFilter Pro-Q 4 Help – EQ Sketch, FabFilter. Accessed .
- FabFilter Pro-Q 4 Help – External side chaining, FabFilter. Accessed .
- FabFilter Pro-Q 4 Help – iOS, FabFilter. Accessed .