Fabfilter Pro-Q 3: Adjusting Dynamics and Gain Parameters

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

Demo summary

The narrator demonstrates adjusting threshold, ratio, and gain structure across Pro-DS, Pro-G, and Pro-C 2 instances directly from the list view.

Step-by-step

Hold Control or Command and use the mouse wheel to zoom into the dynamics modules
Mouse over a plugin instance to reveal the gain section in the bottom right corner
Adjust the Input and Output gain controls using the Pan rings
Hold Alt while tweaking a gain knob to move the opposite knob an equal amount
Use the Mix slider in the compressor module to scale the intensity of settings

Options

Toggle the Auto Threshold button in the compressor module
Adjust Range controls for the de-esser and gate
Adjust Ratio for the gate and compressor
View EQ curves and spectrums within the EQ module

Watch out for

The Mix slider in the compressor gain section is not a dry/wet control for parallel compression
Parallel compression controls are not visible at this zoom level and require zooming in further

Tips

Hold Alt while adjusting gain to maintain gain structure through the plugin via equal and opposite movement
Use the Mix slider as an easy way to tame or exaggerate your overall settings

Highlights

“a quick and easy way to adjust the gain structure through any FabFilter plugin”

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

2:430:53Using EQ Match in the Instance ListThe 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 ParametersCurrentThe 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 Audio Editor

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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 transientsThe 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