FabFilter significantly updates their popular EQ plug-in; it is twice
as CPU-efficient, uses less memory yet maintains everything from the original FabFilter Pro-Q. The redesigned internal filter engine improves both the existing Zero Latency and Linear Phase modes and adds a Natural Phase mode that emulates the amplitude phase response of typical analog EQs.
Great for mastering applications, I liked Auto Gain—it automatically compensates for the audible gain boost/loss by active EQ bands and is an “honest” way to A/B or compare EQ changes. There is a more detailed and nuanced Gain-Q interaction between the different filters and more slope curve choices for sonic surgery with slopes up to 96 dB/oct.
The new Spectrum Grab feature allows access to any peak (or dip) in the spectrum analyzer display for instantly inserting a corrective EQ curve. Another winner I’m starting to use more is EQ Match that allows matching or duplicating the EQ curves used on another track.
FabFilter worked hard on this update and their plug-in family keeps getting better and more awesome. FabFilter Pro-Q 2 sells for $199 MSRP for both Windows and Mac OS X in all formats.
fabfilter.com/products/pro-q-2-equalizer-plug-in
Barry Rudolph is a recording engineer/mixer who has worked on over 30 gold and platinum records. He has recorded and/or mixed Lynyrd Skynyrd, Hall & Oates, Pat Benatar, Rod Stewart, the Corrs, and more. Barry has his own futuristic music mixing facility and loves teaching audio engineering at Musician’s Institute, Hollywood, CA. He is a lifetime Grammy-voting member of NARAS and a contributing editor for Mix Magazine. barryrudolph.com
