FabFilter have announced that the latest version of their popular EQ plug-in is now available. Pro-Q 4 introduces a number of new powerful features including dynamic spectral processing, multi-instance control, direct curve drawing, some analogue-style saturation options and more.
Spectral Dynamics & Instance List
Pro-Q 4 builds on its predecessor’s dynamic EQ facilities with a new Spectral Dynamics mode that provides users with the ability to apply expansion or compression to only those frequencies within a specified band that exceed the threshold, rather than simply adjusting the gain of the entire band. The function is available on a per-band basis alongside the existing dynamic and static EQ modes.
Another headline feature is the introduction of an Instance List, which allows all instances of Pro-Q 4 to be controlled from a single interface. Clicking the new Instance List button in the GUI will open an overview of all loaded instances, with zoom options allowing for everything from a rack-style stack of miniature spectrum displays to fully interactive curve editors. An Auto-Zoom option makes it possible to automatically focus on the instance currently under the mouse pointer, while Filter, Quick Jump, Search and Minimap features make quick work of navigating between instances.
EQ Sketch & Character Modes
Pro-Q has long been praised for its ease of operation, and with the launch of the latest version FabFilter have made it even easier to create custom EQ curves. Thanks to a new EQ Sketch function, users can now simply click and drag their mouse across the main display area, and have the plug-in generate a series of filters that match the drawn-in curve, with slopes defined by the steepness of the mouse movements. The company say that it offers a great way to establishing a starting point, and is particularly powerful when used alongside the new Instance List.
Also new to the latest version are Character modes, which kit Pro-Q out with FabFilter’s renowned circuit-modelled distortion processing. There’s a Subtle mode that introduces some program- and frequency-dependent transformer-style saturation, as well as a Warm mode that provides a more obvious valve-style colouration. If you’re just after the clean and natural sound that the plug-in is known for, then sticking to the default Clean mode will deliver the same performance as always.
Other Improvements
In addition to the new features, FabFilter have made a range of improvements and adjustments to the existing functions, including the following:
- Fresh new design, with resizable GPU-accelerated graphical interface and full-screen mode.
- Context-sensitive curve creation previews.
- Attack and Release controls for Dynamic EQ curves.
- Fine-tune Dynamic EQ response with side-chain filtering.
- Greater precision for Linear Phase mode.
- Better analogue matching in Zero Latency and Natural Phase modes.
Compatibility
Pro-Q 4 is supported on PCs running Windows Vista and above, and Macs running macOS 10.13 or higher. VST2, VST3, AU, AAX and CLAP plug-in versions are available.
Pricing & Availability
Pro-Q 4 is available now, priced at $179£144 including VAT / €169. Upgrade discounts are available to current FabFilter users.
