Best FabFilter Plugins

There is a vast array of plugins and effects out there for audio production, but it’s not always easy to know which ones are worth using or how they will work. With so many choices available, you can easily get lost in a sea of options that may seem overwhelming at first glance.

If you want to add some killer effects to your production workflow, then it is important that you know what kind of plugins are available and which ones will work well with your DAW. Making the wrong choice could be costly in terms of both time and money.

But we’re coming to the rescue with our list of the best FabFilter plugins to help you get the most out of your audio production. With our help, you will be able to choose the right FabFilter plugin for your needs. That should be music to your ears!

FabFilter Pro-Q Suite

If you are looking for a quality and affordable plugin that will give your mixes the best possible sound, then look no further than Fabfilter’s Pro-Q plug-in suite.

This is a collection of high-end EQs, compressors, gate/clippers and reverbs which can be used to create amazing sounding effects in your mixdowns. There is an optional mastering plug-in called Master Q.

The FabFilter Pro-Q plugins have been designed by engineers from around the world who have created these tools, to fit perfectly with any DAW or recording environment. They are very easy to use – just drag them onto your track and adjust the settings accordingly.

There are three different types of equalizer included within the Pro-Q range: parametric, graphic and peak limiting. Each one has its own unique characteristics and uses, but all three offer something slightly different. 

The Pro-Q compressor is the most versatile tool in the pack. It features two modes: soft and hard. In soft mode, the gain reduction is gradual, whereas in hard mode it is immediate.

You can also select whether the compression should be applied before or after the EQ section.

The amount of compression is adjustable through the Gain knob, and there is also a Compression Threshold control on the side panel.

When using the compressor, you can either manually set the ratio or let the algorithm do it automatically. Finally, the release knob lets you control how quickly the effect comes back when you turn off the input signal.

The Gate/Clipper module provides six different gates and clippers, each offering a different type of operation.

The output level of the gate/clipper is controlled via the Output Level control on the front panel, and you can also adjust the threshold and attack times. The Gate/Clipper also includes a reverb option, which works in conjunction with the Reverb unit.

Finally, the FabFilter Pro-Q Reverberator offers five different presets. All of these options feature a Decay Time control, along with controls for Delay Time, Feedback and Mix.

To add extra depth to your tracks, you can use the Dry/Wet control to adjust the amount of dry and wet signals.

Pros

• Includes a number of state-of-the-art algorithms that work together to produce stunning results.
• It has 5 auxiliary FX units, including a compressor, a limiter, a gate, a saturation and a high pass filter. The combination of these units allows you to manipulate any part of your track
• It has one of the best GUIs available
• Excellent user interface – usability, functionality and sound are stunning
• Fast, precise and clean

Cons

• Does not support AU integration

Also available at

Plugin Boutique

FabFilter Pro-C

If you are looking to get more creative with your mixing, then look no further! FabFilter has created another fantastic set of plugins called ‘Pro-C’. These plugins were developed specifically for those who want to take their mixing skills to the next level.

They include a powerful multiband compressor, a versatile saturation unit, a useful distortion tool and an extremely flexible audio enhancer.

The multiband compressor is a great addition to any mixing desk, as it allows you to apply compression to specific frequency ranges.

It works in conjunction with the other plugins within the Pro-C range to deliver some incredible results. You can choose between 3 modes: normal, low cut and high cut mode.

A really cool piece of kit is the saturation unit that allows you to add extra color to your music. It includes 3 bands of saturation, plus a master control for adjusting the amount of saturation applied to each band.

The distortion tool is a very handy little plugin which adds a nice bit of distortion to your mix. It comes with 2 different distortion algorithms which allow you to either boost or reduce the gain of selected frequencies.

The audio enhancer is great for adding extra clarity to your mix. It includes 5 filters which work together to enhance the overall tonal balance of your song.

Pros

•  Includes a number of mastering related functions such as noise gates, equalizers,  compressors, limiters and expander.
• The saturation unit can be configured to either boost or cut frequencies.
•  There are also two filters included, an 8 band graphic EQ and a high pass filter.

Cons

• It does not support any file formats other than WAV

Also available at

Plugin Boutique, Sweetwater

FabFilter Pro-L

If you are looking into the world of high quality sound processing, then look no further than FabFilter’s newest offering – ‘Pro-L’. This is an incredibly powerful suite of tools that will give you the ability to create amazing sounding mixes.

It features completely new architecture, new API and brand new GUI. A completely rewritten DSP engine has been developed by FabFilter engineers to provide better stability and performance. There are over 100 new presets included, along with a new set of advanced parameters.

The most exciting thing about this product is its ability to process audio files directly from your hard drive. You can take advantage of this unique feature by using it as a standalone plug-in or integrate it into your favorite recording software such as Cubase, Logic, Reaper, etc.

A wide array of effects is provided including 4 EQs, 6 compressors, 7 reverbs, 10 delays, 11 gating devices, 15 modulation sources, 20 multi effect processors, 22 stereo image processors, 30 multiband processors, 40 stereo processors, 50 mono processors and 60 stereo processors.

In addition, there are 5 auxiliary FX units, which include a compressor, a limiter, a gate, a distortion and a band pass filter. All of these units are extremely flexible and allow you to apply different types of compression, limiting, filtering and distortion to your audio signal.

Pros

• A highly stable and reliable plugin
• Offers great usability and functionality
• More than 100 presets available
• New GUI
• Integrates well with other applications

Cons

• Expensive compared to alternatives

Also available at

Plugin Boutique

FabFilter Pro-Q 3

If you are looking for a plugin that will help you to achieve professional results without breaking the bank, then look no further.

FabFilter’s latest offering is called ‘Pro-Q3’. This is a collection that contains all the same features as the previous versions but with a few new additions thrown in. Some highlights include a new interface design, new preset manager with new presets and more effects and controls.

A redesigned user manual and many bug fixes add to the overall improved performance.

The main reason for this version’s release is that they have added a brand-new feature called the “Virtual Mixer”. With this feature, you can create up to 8 virtual tracks and assign them to any channel on your DAW.

Each virtual track can be assigned to a specific input/output bus, so you can use the mixer like a real mixer with up to 8 channels.

Another interesting feature is the ability to save your own custom settings. Once saved, these settings will remain even if you close down the application. If you would like to see what your favorite settings are, simply open the application again and load the settings from last time.

There are now also 2 additional FX units included. One is a reverb unit and the other one is a delay unit. Both of these units offer a lot of flexibility and creativity to your mixing. 

Pros

• Extensive feature set with an innovative interface
• Ease of use
• Used by mixing professionals

Cons

• More expensive than some alternatives

Also available at

Thomann Music, Sweetwater

FabFilter Pro-MB

Another great addition to FabFilter’s already extensive range of plugins is their new ‘Pro-MB’. This is designed to be used alongside other software such as Cubase, Logic or Ableton Live.

The idea behind it is that you can use it to process your tracks while they are still being recorded. You can even record directly through the plug-in using its own dedicated recording channel.

The FabFilter Pro-MB provides many of the same features as the previous products in the series, but with some slight differences. It offers 16 stereo image processors, 32 stereo processors, 64 mono processors, 128 stereo processors and 256 mono processors.

In addition, there are 3 auxiliary FX units. These include a compressor, a saturation and a band pass filter.

All of these units are very versatile and allow you to add extra dimension to your mix. They all have multiple modes for both gain reduction and frequency shaping.

There are also several types of compression including side chain compression, peak limiting, multi-band compression and variable thresholding.

In terms of usability, the FabFilter Pro-MB has been greatly enhanced. Now you can access every single effect via the intuitive GUI. Another nice touch is the fact that you can change the order of the effects by dragging them around. All the parameters are clearly labelled and easy to understand.

Pros

• Very flexible and powerful
• Easy to use while also being versatile
• Great value for money

Cons

• Not compatible with all DAWs

Also available at

Thomann Music, Sweetwater

Buyers Guide

EQ – Equalizer

This is probably the most important part of any audio production toolbox. EQ (equalization) helps you to remove unwanted frequencies from your sound. By removing certain frequencies, you can make your music sound better and clearer.

When choosing an equalizer, consider the following factors:

• Input Gain – This controls how much volume you want to apply to the signal coming into the equalizer. A higher input gain means more amplification, which could cause distortion.
• Output Gain – This controls how loud you want the output to be. A lower output gain means less amplification, which may not always be ideal.
• High Pass Filter – This allows you to cut out low frequencies. For example, if you wanted to eliminate bass frequencies, then this would be useful. However, if you wanted to boost the high-end frequencies, then this wouldn’t be necessary.
• Low Pass Filter – This lets you boost specific frequencies. If you wanted to increase the treble frequencies, then this would help. However, if you were trying to reduce the bass frequencies, then this wouldn’t work.
• Band Pass Filter – This lets you manipulate different frequencies within a spectrum. So, if you wanted to boost only the middle frequencies, then this would do the trick. However, if you wanted to cut out the lows, then this wouldn’t work.

Peak Limiter

This limits the maximum level of a particular frequency and is useful when dealing with extreme peaks on instruments like drums or vocals. When using a limiter, it’s best to set the attack time at 1 millisecond so that the peak doesn’t get clipped off too quickly.

Compressor

The compressor reduces the dynamic range of the signal. It does this by reducing the difference between the highest and lowest levels in the waveform. Compression is often used to improve overall clarity and dynamics.

Limiting 

A limiter reduces the dynamic ranges of the signal. It works by compressing the highs and/or the lows, which make it easier to hear what’s going on in the background.

Saturation

The saturation is used to increase the perceived loudness of the signal. Saturation increases the contrast between the quiet parts of the signal and the louder parts. The result is a brighter sounding track.

Reverb

This adds space to the sound. It does this by adding reflections to the original signal and gives the sound a sense of depth. Reverb is very useful when recording live performances as it will add ambience to the room.

Delay

The delay creates echoes. Echoes occur when a sound bounces off a surface and returns to the source. This gives the sound a sense of space. Delay is also used to create interesting effects such as flanging, phasing and chorus.

Chorus

This repeats the same note over and over again and is great for creating a “wall of sound” effect. Chorus can be used to create a lush, full-bodied tone.

Flanger

This warps the pitch of the sound. When flanging, the pitch slowly rises and falls over time, creating interesting effects. Flangers are great for creating cool sounds and textures.

Phaser

This changes the pitch of the sound, but instead of rising and falling, it stays steady. Phasers are good for making your guitar sound bigger than it actually is. They can also be used to create an echo type effect.

Tremolo

The tremolo vibrates the pitch up and down very rapidly. Tremolos are good for creating cool rhythmic patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do FabFilter Plugins Give The Best Sound Quality?

Yes! FabFilter plugins have been designed specifically to deliver the best possible results. They use the latest technology available to ensure that they produce the most accurate results. In addition, they test each plugin extensively before releasing them.

How Many Plugins Should I Use?

There is no right answer here. It depends entirely on how you want to achieve your desired sound. If you’re looking to achieve a specific sound, then you’ll need to experiment until you find the combination of plugins that gets you there.

On the other hand, if you just want to try out different combinations of plugins, then you don’t necessarily need to limit yourself to one per instrument. You can experiment with multiple plugins simultaneously.

What Do I Need To Run FabFilter Plugins?

You only need Windows XP or later. All the plugins work perfectly under both 32 bit and 64 bit versions of Windows.

Can I Use My Own Presets?

Yes! Each plugin has its own set of preset parameters. These allow you to quickly change the settings without having to load up the entire plugin. Simply click on the preset parameter and select from the list of presets.

Is There Any Difference In Plugin Performance Between Mac OS X And Windows?

No. There are no differences in the way the plugins perform on either platform. However, some plugins may not function correctly under certain operating systems. FabFilter recommends using the latest version of the software.