FabFilter Pro-Q 4

FabFilter Pro-Q 4 is the industry standard parametric EQ, now with spectral dynamics processing. Released in December 2024, version 4 builds on Pro-Q's legendary sound quality and workflow with powerful new features that push it further ahead of the competition.

Spectral Dynamics

The headline addition applies dynamics processing — compression or expansion — only to frequencies within a band that exceed a set threshold. Everything else passes through untouched. This makes removing harshness, taming resonances, and controlling sibilance incredibly precise without affecting surrounding frequencies. It's dynamic EQ taken to a granular level, operating on individual frequencies rather than broad bands.

EQ Sketch and Workflow

EQ Sketch lets you draw an EQ curve freehand rather than adding bands one by one. Draw the shape you hear in your head and Pro-Q 4 creates the bands to match. The Instance List manages all your Pro-Q 4, Pro-C 3, Pro-DS, and Pro-G instances across the entire session from one panel — select any instance, adjust it, and move to the next without navigating DAW tracks. Three Character modes add optional coloration: Clean (transparent), Subtle (transformer saturation), and Warm (tube saturation).

Precision and Flexibility

Up to 24 bands with full spectrum analyzer overlay. Linear-phase, zero-latency, and natural-phase modes cover every use case from mastering to live tracking. Mid/side and left/right processing handle stereo problems surgically. The analyzer displays the spectrum of the input, output, or both, with optional piano roll overlay for identifying problem frequencies by note.

Who Is This For?

Pro-Q 4 suits mixing and mastering engineers who need surgical precision:

• Mix engineers managing complex sessions with the Instance List
• Mastering engineers needing transparent, precise correction and spectral dynamics
• Sound designers using dynamic EQ for creative frequency processing
• Vocal engineers controlling resonances and sibilance with spectral dynamics
• Anyone upgrading from Pro-Q 3 who wants the next level of precision

At $179 (or upgrade pricing from earlier versions), Pro-Q 4 justifies its position as the EQ other plugins are measured against.