FabFilter Releases Pro-Q 2 EQ Plug-In

FabFilter need no introduction when it comes to their well-respected, and widely used, filtering plug-ins. And following on from their excellent Pro-Q comes the Pro-Q 2. Here's the new features.  

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands, August 28, 2014: FabFilter is proud to announce availability of FabFilter Pro-Q 2, a major update to the Pro-Q equalizer plug-in. New features '" such as Full Screen mode, unique Natural Phase processing, Auto Gain, Spectrum Grab, Gain-Q interaction, and slope support for all filter types '" make Pro-Q 2 a cut above its predecessor in every way, while staying true to the original vision of combining high sound quality with unsurpassed interface workflow.


Completely redesigned EQ engine

For Pro-Q 2, FabFilter has completely redesigned the internal filter engine from the ground up '" not only improving the existing Zero Latency and Linear Phase processing modes, but also introducing a unique Natural Phase mode. Besides perfectly matching the magnitude response of analog EQ'ing, Natural Phase also closely matches the analog phase response, without introducing noticeable pre-ring or a long latency. Last but not least, FabFilter Pro-Q 2 is more than twice as CPU-efficient as its predecessor.

Universal filter slope support

Very steep filter slopes of up to 96 dB/octave are now available, and, uniquely, FabFilter Pro-Q 2 lets users change the slope of any filter type '" not just the usual Low/High Cut filters. This makes it possible to create super-narrow bell filters, very steep or gently sloping shelves, and more. In addition to the existing Bell, Low/ High Shelf, Low/High Cut, and Notch filters, Pro-Q 2 also features new Band-Pass and Tilt Shelf filter types.

More interface innovations

Furthermore, FabFilter Pro-Q 2 is boosted by an abundance of user interface innovations. Spectrum Grab enables users to directly adjust peaks in the real-time spectrum analyzer display. Pro-Q 2 offers flexible interface resizing, in addition to a Full Screen mode that makes it easier than ever to do ultra-precise adjustments. EQ Match lets users match the spectrum of another track in just a few seconds. All this power is neatly integrated into a gorgeous, uncluttered interface that lets users focus freely on music and workflow.

Fabfilter Pro-Q 2 in all its glory.

Fabfilter Pro-Q 2 in all its glory.

Original and trailblazing

Of course, Pro-Q 2 features everything that was great about the original Pro-Q '" up to 24 EQ bands, innovative interface with unsurpassed workflow and multi-band selection, per-channel EQ'ing in L/R or M/S mode, real-time spectrum analyzer, intelligent solo mode, double-click text entry, stereo/mono plug-ins, Pro Tools hardware surface support '" as well as all the trailblazing FabFilter bells and whistles that users have come to expect and love '" perfectly fine-tuned knobs and controllers, GPU-powered graphics acceleration, interactive MIDI Learn, undo/redo and A/B switch, Smart Parameter Interpolation for smooth parameter transitions, an extensive help file with interactive help hints, sample-accurate automation, advanced optimization, and more.

Key features:

  • Natural Phase mode to perfectly match the magnitude response of analog EQ'ing while also closely matching the analog phase response, without noticeable pre-ring or a long latency
  • Full Screen mode for super-precise adjustments
  • Spectrum Grab '" just grab and adjust a peak in the real-time spectrum analyzer right away!
  • Universal slope support for all filter types '" for example, enabling users to make ultra-narrow bell filters or very steep shelves. (Slopes up to 96 dB/oct are now supported, including 18, 30, 36, and 72 dB/oct.)
  • Highly improved Linear Phase mode, offering a better magnitude response and smooth changes without zipper effects
  • New EQ filter types '" Tilt Shelf and Band-Pass, in addition to the existing Bell, High/Low Cut, High/Low Shelf, and Notch filter shapes
  • Gain-Q interaction option: when enabled, Q and gain influence each other in a pleasant way that is often found in analog mixing consoles
  • EQ match feature to automatically match the spectrum of another track via the side-chain input
  • Auto Gain automatically adjusts the output gain to compensate for the audible gain loss or increase introduced by the active EQ bands
  • Improved spectrum analyzer with adjustable range, tilt, freeze, and horizontal zooming
  • Optional piano roll display
  • Flexible interface resizing
  • Full output level meter
  • Phase Invert option
  • Highly improved CPU optimization: Pro-Q 2 uses less memory and is more than twice as efficient as its predecessor!
  • Improved analog magnitude matching in Zero Latency mode

System requirements on Windows are either Windows 8, 7, Vista or XP and a VST 2/3 host, or Pro Tools, or Mac OS X 10.5 or higher with Intel processor and an Audio Units host, VST 2/3 host, or Pro Tools. Both 32-bit and 64-bit hosts are supported.

FabFilter Pro-Q 2 is now available for EUR 149, USD 199, or GBP 124, supporting both Windows and Mac OS X in VST and VST 3, Audio Units, AAX, RTAS and AudioSuite plug-in formats. Bundles with FabFilter Pro-Q 2 and other FabFilter plug-ins are also available at: www.fabfilter.com/shop

Existing FabFilter customers can purchase or upgrade to Pro-Q 2 with very attractive discounts by logging in to their online user account at: www.fabfilter.com/myaccount



Rounik is the Executive Editor for Ask.Audio & macProVideo. He's built a crack team of professional musicians and writers to create one of the most visited online resources for news, review, tutorials and interviews for modern musician and producer. As an Apple Certified Trainer for Logic Pro Rounik has taught teachers, professional... Read More

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