Vst Plugin Fabfilter Pro L
FabFilter Pro-L 2 is now available at Dan Worrall introduces FabFilter's highly improved limiter plug. FabFilter Pro-L is a wonderful Limiter, coming from many years of audio software and owning many, the ease of use and great control of your mix, Perfect for Mastering. I can very cleanly keep an albums worth of songs sounds consistent with detail, using the 'K-Factor' as reference, love FabFilter Pro-L so much I also purchased the Pro-R (Reverb. Pro-L 2 by FabFilter is a Virtual Effect Audio Plugin for macOS and Windows. It functions as a VST Plugin, an Audio Units Plugin, a VST 3 Plugin, an RTAS Plugin and an AAX Plugin. Total Bundle: FabFilter Micro v1.20, One v3.31, Pro-C 2 v2.08, Pro-DS v1.12, Pro-G v1.22, Pro-L 2.
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FabFilter is ubiquitous in the audio engineering industry for making some of the top of the line plugins. Most producers will recommend FabFilter for anything, whether beginner or pro, for EQing to de-essing, and even synth. So in this list, we’re going to go over some of the best FabFilter plugins currently available.
Byline: Levi Masuli is a writer and artist working primarily with sound.
Brief Overview of Fabfilter Plugins
When Frederik Slijkerman and Floris Klinkert founded FabFilter in 2002, they set for themselves the task of producing great-sounding synths and effects. Their first product, FabFilter One, got them the attention that they deserve. More than 15 years since, FabFilter now has a wide range of plugins in its repertoire, from multiband compressors to delays.
Recently the company has focused on producing bigger production plugins and suites. Among these are Saturn and the Pro series of plugins.
Below, we will be evaluating the plugins based on the effectiveness of the features for their intended uses. We also considered innovations and special features that make the plugin stand out from the rest of the pack.
Best Fabfilter Plugins
FabFilter Pro Q-3
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Equalizers, in theory, are fairly straightforward machines. They are designed to simply cut or attenuate certain frequencies. But FabFilter has managed to come up with things that you wouldn’t think you would need from an equalizer. This is also the case with their latest update for the Pro Q, the Pro Q-3.
FabFilter’s Pro Q-3 is packed with features and goodies. There is an option for linear phase operation, per-band mid/side processing, a Zero Latency mode, a more precise Natural Phase mode, full surround support including up to Dolby Atmos 7.1.2, and an improved auto gain feature.
However, most of the improvements seem to have focused on dynamic equalization. While Pro Q-3 doesn’t give much control over the attack, release, ratio, and threshold levels, the automation is intelligent enough for a masterful touch.
They also introduced some improvements to the spectrum analyzer, including frequency collision indication. This allows you to see which signals ‘collide’ in the same frequency, thus helping you distribute the frequencies evenly across the mix. The Spectrum Grab feature also points to critical peaks that may need some fixing. The improved EQ match is also a delight to use when managing multiple instances of the plugin.
Reviewers also praised the new filter shapes, particularly the flat tilt shape. The shape rotates the frequency spectrum from an indicated fulcrum, allowing the user to boost or cut from that frequency incrementally. This allows for a laser-sharp and smooth filtering.
FabFilter’s Pro Q-3 has all the equalizing tools you would ever need and more. While it is on the pricier side, it is all worth it. Every feature is an indispensable tool to improve your workflow and your sound.
Demonstration
FabFilter Saturn Distortion Unit
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FabFilter’s distortion and saturation toolbox, Saturn, has all the basic distortion and saturation features. But what separates it from the others is the level of subtlety and control that it gives to the user. This makes Saturn more than just a distortion machine and is actually a powerful tool with lots of creative potentials.
Saturn boasts 16 different distortion styles which include saturation and bit crushing. Processing can be done multi-band, up to six bands. Each band has its own drive, mix, dynamics, feedback, level, and tone control levels. It also has an optional HQ mode which can oversample the signal up to eight times.
The plugin is easy to use, thanks to its intuitive user interface. It has a drag-and-drop modulation matrix with 50 slots. The interface has two modes, normal and wide, which can be easily accessed according to one’s needs.
Particularly interesting are the smudge and crush features that can be used to thoroughly mangle any sound you have.
The Modulation feature gives you a buffet of LFOs, XY controllers, envelope generators and other knick-knacks which can transform the Saturn practically into an instrument of its own.
Of course, the Saturn can also be used for general gluing and saturation purposes to add some ‘oomph’ to your mix. The plugin’s multi-band operation allows users to put crossover points (up to six) to process specific sections of the signal. FabFilter’s distinct coloring lends an interesting sizzle to the signal.
Easy and fun to use, we consider FabFilter’s Saturn distortion unit a good deal and a solid part of FabFilter’s oeuvre.
Demonstration
FabFilter Pro-C 2
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In keeping with the Dutch company’s shining reputation in building high-end audio plugins, FabFilter’s update to their much-acclaimed compressor is a reliable gem of a plugin.
By way of features, the Pro-C 2 doesn’t have a lot. All of the fundamentals are there, but given how saturated the market has become when it comes to compressor plugins, FabFilter’s compressor might look unremarkable.
But the plugin’s charm lies in its sound and usability. For instance, FabFilter added a knee display and a fader that offers control from 0dB (hard knee) and +72dB (soft knee). The previous version only has two Knee settings. The added fader gives users more creative control to the signal, as Knee levels can be used to smoothen the sound as well as to add some saturation to it.
Another added feature is a lookahead control with its own fader from 0 and 20ms for transparency. It uses its own Audition button, an addition to the sidechain Audition button introduced in the previous version.
The Pro-C 2 also has eight, program-dependent compression styles.
The sidechain section has been revamped, adding a few mid-band slopes such as Bell, Tilt Shelf, Notch, Band Pass, apart from the standard lowpass/ highpass filter section.
The Pro-C’s optional 2x and 4x oversampling feature also allows for a high-quality signal. The Mix and Range faders change the overall level and range of the compression, respectively.
All of these give you total control of the sound. Pro-C 2 offers no extra bells and whistles, but it gets the job done, quite perfectly in fact, given its price.
Demonstration
FabFilter Pro-L 2
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Limiting, like compression, is a pretty straight-forward process. But as the loudness wars subside and more artists and production houses start ditching sheer loudness for clarity, plugins such as FabFilter’s Pro-L 2 stand out for versatility.
For general purposes, Pro-L 2 does a good job. It has true peak level meters that make it easier to deal with inter-sample peaks. The loudness metering supports adherence to EBU R128, ITU-R BS.1770-4, and ATSC A/85 standards
But the Pro-L 2 is a limiting plugin that does not settle in making the mix louder. It also has a linear-phase oversampling feature, great dithering, and surround support up to Dolby Atmos 7.1.2.
As with most FabFilter plugins, the Pro-L 2’s user interface boasts an intelligent management of screen real estate, with most of the screen dedicated to the real-time operation in visual and metered format.
Two other features, Unity Gain and Audition Limiting, allows further control for monitoring the effect of limiting. Unity Gain keeps settings enabled while reducing output level as limiting is performed. This helps in monitoring the changes to the sound. Audition Limiting, on the other hand, takes away the original signal from the output, thus enabling users to listen to the processed signal.
While the plugin is easy to figure out, the accompanying manual provides a lot of useful information not only about the plugin but about the principles of mixing and mastering. This tells us that the Pro-L 2 was made with the serious mix engineer in mind.
Demonstration
FabFilter Volcano 2
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The second iteration of FabFilter’s well-loved filter has a new look. But it is also bursting with features along with the predecessor’s signature sound.
Don’t let Volcano 2’s quirky interface deceive you into thinking that it is not a serious tool. It has four multimode filters that can function as low-, band- or high-pass types. This is double the number of filters of the first Volcano. Top this off with the 12dB, 24dB or 48dB per octave roll-off for more control.
Each of the filters has 11 styles or characters, each serving a particular purpose and sound. Five of these are new. The styles go from Gentle to Extreme.
The central feature of the Volcano is its filter routing option. Like the Saturn, the Volcano has a drag-and-drop modulation interface. It can accommodate up to six envelope generators, four envelope followers and six LFOs. These LFOs, called bt FabFilter as XLFOS, have up to 16 steps. Each step can take on a Sine, Linear or one of the two Square curves.
It also has a MIDI Learning capabilities and a Smart Parameter Interpolation to properly coordinate parameters during transitions.
Some reviewers noted Volcano 2’s incredible presets, particularly the vocal filters, which can transform flat sounds into something out of this world.
Volcano 2 is a fun filter to use and is perfect for producers who want something powerful, approachable, and easy to play with.
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Demonstration
FabFilter Micro
Vst Plugin Fabfilter Pro L Reviews
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If you are ever wondering how FabFilter managed to gain the respect of the digital audio world, you have to check out FabFilter Micro. This little plugin packs a serious punch, encapsulating all of the things that made FabFilter one of the best plugin makers today.
Micro’s main feature is its unique saturating filter that has been created for the FabFilter One synth.
Vst Plugin Fabfilter Pro L2
Incredibly lightweight, Micro only has one filter. But it can be easily tweaked using envelope follower controls in the interactive display. Moreover, aside from the high-pass and low-pass shape, the envelope follower can modulate the cut-off frequency for more interesting filtering shapes.
The saturation of the filter itself can be manipulated using individual Input Gain and Output Gain parameters. The possibilities range from subtle saturation to full-blown distortions.
The filter in itself has FabFilter’s signature sound which can give any signal distinct coloring effects that you would not find in DAW-native filters. Of course, this means that this is not the best filter if you are looking for something more neutral and does not introduce any character to the signal.
Like other FabFilter products, Micro has MIDI Learn and Smart Parameter Interpolation which further improves its versatility. The plugin also feels totally weightless in any machine, making it easy to plop in a signal chain without creating significant latency issues.
FabFilter Micro’s simplicity doesn’t feel like a restraint. In fact, this simplicity helps in exercising one’s creativity. As you would expect, the Micro is also light on the wallet. Definitely, a product that is well worth its price.
Demonstration
FabFilter Pro-R
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FabFilter seems intent on making reverb easier to use for the hobbyists. Using words such as Brightness, Distance, and Character in lieu of the usual reverb terminologies, the Pro-R definitely has a user-friendly feel.
For instance, the Space control parameter consolidates usual parameters such as room size, diffusion, early reflection, and others into a single module. Space control then automates the decay time to make everything sound natural.
The Pro-R has six parameters, all of which may not sound familiar to those who are used to traditional audio parlance. One of them is Character which goes from Clean, Chorus, to Lively on the other hand. As with Space control, Character has elements of diffusion and early reflection.
Needless to say, those who want more control over individual elements of the reverb may be frustrated by Pro-R’s consolidation of these parameters into single controls.
Nonetheless, the algorithm-based technology behind the plugin makes it sure that any configuration of the reverb sounds good, even when auditioned in mono.
Moreover, the Pro-R provides some space for experimentation. For instance, the plugin has a continuously variable stereo width control. Pre-delay can also be set and synced to the project’s tempo. These little things can be tweaked according to one’s needs and whims.
Thus, Pro-R strives for a balance between usability and versatility. Although it is easy to use, it has more than a few features that will excite even advanced producers in terms of sonic possibilities.
Demonstration
FabFilter Timeless 2
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When FabFilter released Timeless in 2006, the company’s dual delay plugin made an interesting entrance. More than a decade later, Timeless 2 reminded us that there is space for more innovations.
Essentially a tape delay emulation plugin, Timeless 2 features six LFOs with 16 steps each and six envelopes. There are also four X/Y pads that can further shape the sound.
Timeless 2 has a distinct architecture. It uses two signal paths that flow in parallel, both of which can be controlled with their own multimode filters. The signals are then sent back to the delays through feedback and cross-feedback, each with its own control knob. This complex modulation system is ripe for some tasty and exotic delay patterns.
Timeless 2’s phase inversion also sets the stage for the creation of phasing and flanging effects. Using FabFilter’s signature drag-and-drop system, phase modulation can be crafted from a wide variety of EGS, XLFOs, envelope controllers, and MIDI.
One of Timeless 2’s most interesting features is Freeze Buffer. The feature can be used to capture a snippet of audio that can be played back as the user manipulates it. This is particularly fun to play with during live sessions, say, in a dub set or long techno session.
The plugin is also equipped with a time stretching mode that prevents pitch-bending when playing with the delay time. Since time stretching mangles the signal to compensate against pitch-bending, it can lead to some wild distortions, thus pushing the plugin beyond mere delay purposes.
All of these make Timeless 2 an interesting addition to any producer’s toolkit and any list of the best Fabfilter plugins.
Demonstration
FabFilter Pro-MB
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FabFilter’s multiband dynamics plugin does not only offer a pristine sound. It also has an innovative architecture that allows users to fix common and uncommon audio issues without leaving users scrambling for the manual and scratching their heads.
Pro-MB’s most unique feature is that it allows users to create their own bands across the specific frequencies that they are working on. This contrasts with the conventional usage of crossovers in multiband compressors. This enables the Pro-MB to double as a multiband compressor and as a dynamic equalizer.
Another nifty feature is that Pro-MB gives users the ability to unlink side-chain crossovers from the directly processed signal. This means that you can reduce the gain in a specific frequency band using the peaks in another band as triggers. This is some next-level sidechaining technique that is only possible with the Pro-MB.
The plugin also boasts a Dynamic Phase processing mode which claims to reduce pre-ringing and latency when multiband processing. This becomes particularly useful when working with multiple signals that have the risk of phase-cancellation. Linear Phase mode is also available for dealing with phase cancellation issues. Best vst effects free. Also available is the Minimal Phase mode which is the more conventional option.
Multiband processing is usually a problem-solving task, so it is great that the Pro-MB is intuitive enough for a quick diagnosis and treatment. For producers who have to deal with bad audio or those involved in restoration, FabFilter’s Pro-MB can be a potent tool.
Demonstration
FabFilter Simplon
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The Simplon is at its core a pared-down version of the Volcano 2. Thus, it utilizes the same self-oscillating digital filters and the workflow. Like the Volcano 2, it has two signal paths which can be used either in parallel or series. Each path/filter has three different filter types (low-pass, high-pass, and band-pass with 12/24/48 dB/octave slopes).
If you are looking for a cheaper and more lightweight solution to your filtering needs, the Simplon can be a good alternative to Volcano 2. Considering how small it is and how powerful its features can be, we believe it deserves a spot in our list of the best FabFilter plugins.
Demonstration
Over the past couple of decades, music recording, mixing, and mastering processes have seen some drastic changes.
What was once possible only through professional studio work is now accessible in the comfort of one’s home.
after effect cs3 free download for mac All you need is a decent audio interface, a good computer, your instrument(s), a microphone, and you’re good to go.
Of course, you’ll need quality software as well, but this is where things get tricky – the standards have risen so high over the past few years or so.
In order to make your music sound good, you’ll have to use the good stuff. This is why we always look into the most interesting plugins for recording, mixing, and mastering.
With all this said, there are some interesting plugins we’ve decided to take a closer look at. These are made by FabFilter, a company mostly focusing on great mixing plugins.
At the same time, we can also find great effects and virtual instruments in their collection, like the Saturn saturation/distortion, Twin 2 Synth, or Timeless 2 delay.
There are two particular things we’re interested in here. The first one is the company’s Mastering Bundle, while the second one is their Pro-R reverb.
We’ll look more into what all these plugins have to offer and how well they perform. Ultimately, we hope to help you see whether they’re any good for your needs and help you make a decision in case you’re thinking about whether to purchase them or not.
FabFilter Mastering Bundle Review
FabFilter Mastering Bundle at a glance |
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Maker: FabFilter Includes: Pro-L 2, Pro-MB, Pro-Q 3, and Pro-C 2 Supports: VST, VST3, Audio Units, AAX Native and AudioSuite formats (all both 64-bit and 32-bit) Our Rating: 4.8/5 |
FabFilter has a few bundles to offer, one of them being the Mastering Bundle. This one consists of four different plugins: Pro-L 2, Pro-MB, Pro-Q 3, and Pro-C 2.
The price of the bundle is definitely worth it as the total value of these four individual plugins is significantly higher.
So let’s start with the Pro-L 2.
This is a peak limiter, designed to deal with unwanted loud dynamic bursts.
It’s made with eight different limiting algorithms, all dealing with different issues.
For instance, the plugin has a mode that irons out all the distortion that happens during digital to analog conversion.
It also deals with different volume bursts, and even comes in handy if you’re working with surround formats. It’s somewhat advanced, but it clearly helps a lot in the mixing and mastering process.
Pro-MB is a very potent compressor and expander.
It can deal both with individual tracks and entire mixes. Although a non-master compressor, it’s very versatile and capable of some very advanced stuff.
Its main strength comes with the possibility to compress with different intensities over the audible spectrum.
Then we have the Pro-Q 3, which is a state-of-the-art equalizer plugin.
Although it might be a bit complicated to use, some of its features put it up there among the best EQ plugins on the market.
Rotary vst plugin. It’s very good at helping you single out those “bad” frequencies in your audio files, and the “Dynamic EQ” mode helps you keep every track and an instrument in their respective sonic territories.
It’s a dream come true for many music producers and mixing engineers out there.
Lastly, we have the Pro-C 2 which is a professional compressor plugin.
The reinvented version of the original plugin allows easy tweaking thanks to its meticulously designed graphical interface.
The word “intuitive” is the first thing that comes to mind, as this compressor is really accessible.
Vst Plugin Fabfilter Pro-l2 (vst3)
While Pro-MB is both a compressor and expander (or a noise gate), the Pro-C 2 focuses solely on compression.
This is why it may allow more detailed control over the dynamic output. Nonetheless, having both of these in the bundle is definitely a good thing.
But even though the overall price is reduced compared to four individual plugins, the Mastering Bundle is not exactly cheap.
However, this is intended mostly for professional studios or semi-professional and experienced home recording enthusiasts.
And seeing the quality and what all these plugins are able to do, one thing’s for sure – it’s definitely worth the price.
On the other hand, if you’re just building your home studio and are looking to have something to enhance your hobby, then we’d advise you to look for something simpler and cheaper.
FabFilter Pro-R Reverb Review
FabFilter Pro-R Reverb at a glance |
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Maker: FabFilter Supports: VST, VST3, Audio Units, AAX Native and AudioSuite formats (all both 64-bit and 32-bit), as well as RTAS (32-bit only).) Our Rating: 4.9/5 CHECK CURRENT PRICE |
With such a great arsenal of quality products, there’s no surprise to see a very advanced reverb in FabFilter’s collection. For this particular effect, they developed their Pro-R plugin.
At the very first glance, it’s pretty obvious that the Pro-R is a plugin that’s very easy to use.
In fact, some would even argue that there’s a lack of controls. Not that it’s not versatile or too simple, it’s just that a few additional parameters to tweak definitely wouldn’t hurt.
Right in the middle, we can see the unified “Space” knob.
This approach is fairly simple, yet it gives some great results.
Other than that, we have controls for brightness, distance, character, decay rate, mix/blend, and stereo width.
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With the stereo width control, you can create both fully stereo image at 50%, or a double mono at 100%.
But what we consider to be the best thing about Pro-R is the very realistic representation of space with the “Space” control.
Small room reverb actually sounds like you’re in a small room, and a large one really sounds spacious. It’s not like you’d expect anything less from FabFilter.
Vst Plugin Fabfilter Pro L Download
Of course, once again, we have a not exactly cheap piece of software on our hands. Don’t get us wrong – the price is most definitely justified.
Vst Plugin Fabfilter Pro L Firmware
The only thing that we need to point out here is that this is a fully professional plugin.
While you’re allowed and able to use it as an independent music-making enthusiast, you’ll first need to be aware of its cost. Either way, if you need a good reverb plugin, there’s hardly any reason why you should look further than FabFilter’s Pro-R.