Fabfilter Pro-Q 3: Using Auto Threshold on guitar transients

Fabfilter Pro-Q 3 Try it →Watch full video →FabFilter · Jan 2026

Demo summary

The demo shows the new Auto Threshold feature which allows the compressor to catch peaks relative to average levels, demonstrated on a guitar DI signal with Diode character saturation.

Step-by-step

Turn on the Auto Threshold feature
Select the Diode style under the Character settings
Increase the Character slider to the desired level
Adjust the input gain to increase the drive level if the signal is too low

Options

Use Tube style character instead of Diode
Apply to mastering to control micro dynamics without affecting macro dynamics

Watch out for

Raw DI signals may be too low in level to trigger significant drive even with the Character slider maxed out

Tips

Use Auto Threshold on guitar to replicate the squashy feel of a tube amp
Increase input gain to reach desired distortion levels; the Auto Threshold will automatically compensate for the higher signal

Highlights

“because the threshold is automatic I didn't have to adjust that to compensate, it just floated up a bit higher”

All demos from “Introduction to FabFilter Pro-C 3”

0:221:34Host-synced sidechain ducking in Pro-C 3The narrator demonstrates how to use the new Host Sync feature to create rhythmic ducking on a pad sound without an external trigger, adjusting threshold, ratio, and the new curvy Range slider.Fabfilter Pro-Q 3· AI Audio Editor
2:311:39MIDI triggering and Character saturation modesThe demo shows routing MIDI from a kick drum to trigger compression on a bass part, followed by a walkthrough of the new Tube and Diode saturation flavors in the Character tab.Fabfilter Pro-Q 3· AI Audio Editor
4:101:20Multiband processing with TTM style and Sidechain EQThe narrator applies the new TTM (To The Max) style to a drum bus and demonstrates the improved sidechain EQ with up to six bands to control frequency-specific compression thresholds.Fabfilter Pro-Q 3· AI Mastering
5:551:06Using Auto Threshold on guitar transientsCurrentThe demo shows the new Auto Threshold feature which allows the compressor to catch peaks relative to average levels, demonstrated on a guitar DI signal with Diode character saturation.Fabfilter Pro-Q 3· AI Audio Editor
7:462:16Multichannel linking and surround sidechain EQThe narrator demonstrates the new multichannel linking knob on an 8-channel drum setup, showing how to link or unlink specific channels and apply sidechain EQ to specific surround speakers.Fabfilter Pro-Q 3· AI Audio Editor
10:531:46Comparing Smooth, TTM, and Op-El stylesA side-by-side demonstration of the Smooth, TTM, and vintage Op-El compression styles on a drum bus to show different sonic textures and distortion levels.Fabfilter Pro-Q 3· AI Mastering
12:392:21Mix bus compression and Mid/Side sidechain EQThe narrator demonstrates transparent glue using Smooth style and vintage character using Vari-Mu on a mix bus, including a technique to unlink stereo compression using a side-channel notch filter.Fabfilter Pro-Q 3· AI Mastering
15:052:41Upward compression for stereo widthThe demo shows how to use the new Upward compression style on a pad sound's side channel to increase stereo width, while explaining the importance of the Range limit and lookahead.Fabfilter Pro-Q 3· AI Mastering
Watch “Introduction to FabFilter Pro-C 3” →

AI Audio Editor

1:481:13Testing Saturation Modes in FabFilter Pro-Q4The user demonstrates the new 'Clean', 'Subtle', and 'Warm' saturation modes in FabFilter Pro-Q4 by applying an extreme EQ curve to audio and switching between the algorithms.White Sea Studio
4:430:42Multi-track EQ Editing in Pro-Q4The demonstrator shows how to view and edit multiple EQ instances (like Bass and Drums) simultaneously within a single FabFilter Pro-Q4 interface using the new track selection feature.White Sea Studio
6:260:26Pinning Channels and Output MixingThe user demonstrates how to pin specific channels in the multi-track view and adjust output levels directly from the EQ interface.White Sea Studio
8:081:36Spectral Dynamics and Auto ThresholdThe video shows the new spectral dynamics feature in Pro-Q4, demonstrating how it creates multiple small bands for compression and uses the automatic threshold calculation.White Sea Studio
10:200:53Adjusting Dynamic EQ Attack and ReleaseThe user explores the advanced section of the dynamic EQ, adjusting the range, attack, and release percentages while observing the effect on the audio signal.White Sea Studio
11:260:31External Band Side-chainingThe demonstrator shows how to make a dynamic EQ band respond to a different frequency range (side-chaining) within FabFilter Pro-Q4.White Sea Studio
12:161:05Drawing EQ CurvesThe user demonstrates the new freehand drawing tool to create custom EQ curves by clicking and dragging across the frequency spectrum.White Sea Studio
0:221:34Host-synced sidechain ducking in Pro-C 3The narrator demonstrates how to use the new Host Sync feature to create rhythmic ducking on a pad sound without an external trigger, adjusting threshold, ratio, and the new curvy Range slider.FabFilter
2:311:39MIDI triggering and Character saturation modesThe demo shows routing MIDI from a kick drum to trigger compression on a bass part, followed by a walkthrough of the new Tube and Diode saturation flavors in the Character tab.FabFilter
5:551:06Using Auto Threshold on guitar transientsCurrentThe demo shows the new Auto Threshold feature which allows the compressor to catch peaks relative to average levels, demonstrated on a guitar DI signal with Diode character saturation.FabFilter
7:462:16Multichannel linking and surround sidechain EQThe narrator demonstrates the new multichannel linking knob on an 8-channel drum setup, showing how to link or unlink specific channels and apply sidechain EQ to specific surround speakers.FabFilter
2:160:55Applying Spectral EQ with FabFilter Pro-Q 4The presenter demonstrates how to use the new spectral mode in Pro-Q 4 to lift the vocal presence while simultaneously taming harsh frequencies, similar to the functionality of Soothe.Streaky