Fabfilter Pro-Q 3: Applying Spectral EQ with FabFilter Pro-Q 4

Demo summary
The 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.
Step-by-step
- Select a frequency range around the vocal to lift
- Set the gain range to 3dB for minimal mastering adjustments
- Apply a standard EQ boost to lift the vocal presence
- Enable spectral mode on the EQ band
- Adjust the spectral threshold downward to tame harsh frequencies
Tips
- Keep EQ changes minimal (around 3dB) when working at the mastering stage
- Use spectral mode to brighten a vocal while simultaneously removing 'tizzy' or harsh artifacts
Highlights
“it took away a little bit of the tizz but also bought it up so it brightened it a bit”
All demos from “FabFilter Pro-Q 4: Worth the Hype?”
2:160:55Applying Spectral EQ with FabFilter Pro-Q 4CurrentThe 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.Fabfilter Pro-Q 3· AI Audio Editor
3:111:21Dynamic EQ and Mid-Side processing in Pro-Q 4The user performs a side-channel cut to mono the bass and applies a dynamic EQ boost to the kick drum so it only triggers when the kick hits.Fabfilter Pro-Q 3· AI Audio Editor
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.Fabfilter Pro-Q 3· AI Mastering
5:560:25Taming low-mids with Spectral EQThe user demonstrates applying spectral EQ around 300Hz to manage low-mid resonance and improve the feel of the track.Fabfilter Pro-Q 3· AI Audio Editor- Watch “FabFilter Pro-Q 4: Worth the Hype?” →
AI Audio Editor
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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
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
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
2:160:55Applying Spectral EQ with FabFilter Pro-Q 4CurrentThe 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
3:111:21Dynamic EQ and Mid-Side processing in Pro-Q 4The user performs a side-channel cut to mono the bass and applies a dynamic EQ boost to the kick drum so it only triggers when the kick hits.Streaky
5:560:25Taming low-mids with Spectral EQThe user demonstrates applying spectral EQ around 300Hz to manage low-mid resonance and improve the feel of the track.Streaky
2:581:04Testing phase modes in Pro-Q 4The user switches between Zero Latency, Natural Phase, and Linear Phase modes in both FabFilter plugins while phase-inverted to see if any residue appears during playback.MixbusTv
4:162:03Comparing shelf and notch filters in Pro-Q 3 and 4The demonstration continues by applying low shelves at 120Hz, bell filters, and high-frequency notches to both plugins to verify they still null perfectly under different filter types.MixbusTv
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7:100:48Broad stroke EQ for mix presenceThe demo shows using a wide Q setting to boost the brightness of a sample in real-time, helping it cut through a dense mix.Matty Harris | MixAndMasterMySong