When precision meets innovation, the result is FabFilter Pro‑Q 4—a mixing and mastering equalizer that takes surgical control, smooth workflow, and tonal finesse to new heights.
Official Links & Download
- Product page & purchase: FabFilter Pro‑Q 4 – Equalizer Plug-In
- Free 30-day trial available—no strings attached.
- Supported formats: VST, VST3, AU, AAX Native, CLAP, AudioSuite
What’s New in Pro-Q 4
FabFilter has enhanced the genre-defining Pro‑Q series further with transformative upgrades:
- Spectral Dynamics – This new dynamic EQ swings into action only when specific frequencies breach the threshold—ideal for taming harsh resonances or spikes. (
- EQ Sketch – Draw your EQ moves directly on the graph; Pro‑Q 4 sets up matching filters—fast, intuitive, and creative.
- Instance List – View and control all Pro‑Q 4 instances in a session with a visual, zoomable interface—supercharging workflow.
- Character Modes (Clean, Subtle, Warm) – Dial in analog-style warmth with two levels of saturation.
- Fractional Slopes + All-Pass Filter – Finer filter shaping (e.g. 3.5 dB/oct) and phase control without gain change.
- Enhanced Dynamic EQ – Now includes attack/release controls and optional sidechain filtering.
- Resizable Retina UI with Full-Screen Mode – Stunning visual clarity and more workspace.
- Additional polish: copy/paste between instances, search in presets, EQ Match, advanced spectrum analyzer, Dolby Atmos 9.1.6 support, MIDI Learn, and more.
Pricing Overview
- Full License: ~USD 179 | GBP 144 | EUR 169 (via official site)
- Academic: USD 139 (via retailers like Sweetwater)
- Upgrade Price: Often around $60–$75 (<50% off) depending on user history
Pro-Q 4 vs. Other EQ Options
| Plugin / Tool | Price (Approx.) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| FabFilter Pro‑Q 4 | $179 (Full) | Advanced spectral dynamics, EQ Sketch, Instance List, Character modes, Dolby Atmos support |
| FabFilter Pro‑Q 3 | ~$169 | Classic, transparent EQ—lacks the new workflow enhancements |
| Stock DAW EQs | Included | Basic EQ options—great for quick edits, not for surgical or creative mixing |
| Specialized EQ Tools | Varies | Tools like Smart EQ or Claro focus on presets or AI; Pro‑Q 4 offers unmatched manual control |
Community Buzz
Over on Reddit, enthusiastic users report:
“My upgrade price for Pro‑Q 4 was $73.39—an incredible 59% discount off the full $179.”
Another praises its flexibility:
“Pro‑Q 4 is the most flexible, solid, and easy‑to‑use surgical EQ on the market.”
Final Verdict from Your Audio Maestro
If you already love Pro-Q 3’s crystal clarity and intuitive interface, Pro-Q 4 elevates that formula—adding sketchable curves, session-wide control, subtle saturation personality, and intelligent dynamics. It’s modern mixing power, purpose-built for both precision and creativity.
Want a cheeky tutorial on Spectral Dynamics or building curves with EQ Sketch? Let me know—your mix mastery awaits.
