Fabfilter Pro-Q 3: Using EQ Match in the Instance List

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

Demo summary

The demo shows how to access the EQ Match feature within the Instance List to match the frequency profile of a rhythm guitar track to a reference track.

Step-by-step

Hover your mouse over an instance in the Instance List
Open the drop-down menu on the right side of the instance
Select EQ Match from the menu
Choose a reference track from the list
Allow the plugin to analyze the audio
Select the number of bands to generate
Expand the track to view the matched EQ settings

Options

Bypass an instance using the power button in the top left corner
Access the preset browser from the instance drop-down menu
Undo or redo changes using the buttons located under the power button

Watch out for

The EQ Match feature is only available in the menu if the instance is an EQ

Tips

Let the plugin analyze the audio for a longer period for better results

All demos from “Mixing with the Pro-Q 4 Instance List”

2:430:53Using EQ Match in the Instance ListCurrentThe demo shows how to access the EQ Match feature within the Instance List to match the frequency profile of a rhythm guitar track to a reference track.Fabfilter Pro-Q 3· AI Mastering
3:361:26Adjusting Dynamics and Gain ParametersThe narrator demonstrates adjusting threshold, ratio, and gain structure across Pro-DS, Pro-G, and Pro-C 2 instances directly from the list view.Fabfilter Pro-Q 3· AI Audio Editor
5:231:08EQ Polarity and Output BoostThe demonstration shows toggling auto gain, inverting polarity, and using the temporary 6dB output boost button to check channel clarity.Fabfilter Pro-Q 3· AI Audio Editor
6:311:12Editing EQ Nodes and BandsThe narrator shows how to drag EQ nodes, adjust Q values, change filter types, and solo specific bands within the Pro-Q 4 instance view.Fabfilter Pro-Q 3· AI Audio Editor
14:170:59Frequency Collision DetectionThe demo shows setting a bass guitar as a collision reference to identify and fix frequency masking in rhythm guitars using a high-pass filter.Fabfilter Pro-Q 3· AI Audio Editor
Watch “Mixing with the Pro-Q 4 Instance List” →

AI Mastering

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
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
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
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
5:050:51Widening guitars with Dynamic High ShelvesThe presenter applies a dynamic high shelf boost to the side channels at 16kHz to add movement and width to the guitars.Streaky
2:430:53Using EQ Match in the Instance ListCurrentThe demo shows how to access the EQ Match feature within the Instance List to match the frequency profile of a rhythm guitar track to a reference track.FabFilter