The Pro-L 2 Limiter Software Plug-In from FabFilter is a major update to the Pro-L Limiter plug-in. It adds four additional limiting algorithms: Modern for general all-purpose limiting, Aggressive for EDM and rock music, Bus specific for drums and individual track limiting, and Safe, which avoids distortion at all costs. The plug-in works for Mac or Windows computers and can be used for mixing and mastering audio applications such as studio recording, post production, and more.

Combined with true peak metering and extensive loudness metering, it is compliant with the EBU R128, ITU-R BS.1770-4, and ATSC A/85 standards. Support for surround audio with flexible channel linking makes FabFilter Pro-L 2 much more versatile in multi-channel scenarios, with up to 32x linear phase oversampling. Other features like a DC offset filter, external side chain triggering for stem mastering, and a unity gain option ensure that Pro-L 2 is a solution to any mastering challenge.

Furthermore, the real-time level display is offered with several display modes, including an infinite mode that shows all audio for an entire session. Significant gain reduction is highlighted with peak labels to give additional insight into the limiting process. The Pro-L2 interface has been carefully redesigned with an optimized workflow. Finally, the plug-in is available in VST, VST3, Audio Units, AAX Native, and AudioSuite formats, in both 64- and 32-bit, as well as RTAS in 32-bit.

The Pro-C 2 from FabFilter is a software compressor with eight different compressor styles and program-dependent attack and release curves. It is used in mixing and mastering audio applications such as studio recording, post production, and more. It features flexible signal routing, as for example, in Expert mode, where external side chain inputs are available, providing a choice of mono, stereo, or mid-side processing with customizable channel linking and routing.

Apart from the classic compressor controls, the plug-in provides smooth lookahead, up to 4x oversampling, intelligent auto-gain and auto-release. A variable knee, hold, range, external side-chain triggering, variable stereo linking and mid/side processing, are all packed in a beautiful Retina user interface. The redesigned interface offers insightful metering and real-time displays for improved workflow, with the large animated level knee display visualizing exactly when, why, and how compression is applied to incoming audio.

Additional features include perfectly tuned knobs, interactive MIDI Learn, and an undo/redo and A/B switch. Smart Parameter Interpolation delivers smooth parameter transitions, while an extensive help file with interactive help hints, sample-accurate automation, advanced optimization and much more, extend the functionality of the plug-in.

The Pro-MB Software Plug-In from FabFilter is a professional multiband compressor/expander with six processing bands that can be freely placed anywhere in the audio spectrum. It can be used for audio mixing and mastering applications such as studio recording, post production, and more. Instead of conventionally splitting the entire spectrum with crossovers, Pro-MB enables you to create a new band at the frequency range in which you wish to work. The interactive multiband display clearly shows what the rest of the spectrum is which stays untouched, and, if desired, you can snap bands together to recreate a traditional crossover system. Each band is fully customizable with a threshold, range, attack, release, output gain, ratio, variable knee, lookahead, variable stereo linking, mid-or side-only processing, and much more.

The Pro-MB has a Dynamic Phase processing mode that features much of the same frequency response as traditional multiband processors but doesn’t introduce latency or pre-ringing. Additionally, it only introduces minor phase changes when the gain actually changes. Also included are a Linear Phase mode and a Minimum Phase mode. The combination of professional processing with interactive multiband display can help you to optimize your workflow.

The Pro-MB software has comprehensive MIDI specs, including MIDI learn, Smart Parameter Interpolation for smoother parameter transitions, and supports common Pro Tools hardware control surfaces. The software also offers an extensive interactive help feature, and AltiVec and SSE optimization. The plug-in is available in VST, VST 3, Audio Units, AAX Native and AudioSuite formats (both 64- and 32-bit), and RTAS (in 32-bit).

Available for download, FabFilter Pro-Q 3 represents the third iteration of the company’s well-regarded equalizer. Many features remain true to the version 2. The familiar and intuitive GUI with 24 clickable bands hasn’t been changed, for example.

However, Pro-Q 3 offers new features, such as streamlined EQ-matching with other instances of Pro-Q 3, per-band M-S or L-R stereo processing, support for surround sound up to 7.1.2, and a new Dynamic EQ mode.

Dynamic EQ can be implemented on any bell or shelf filter. You can use this mode to compress or expand a frequency band based on the strength of the incoming signal, much like a multiband compressor. Attack and release are handled under the hood. You’re given an intuitive range control to handle the degree of dynamics-processing, though the threshold can be set manually if need be. With dynamic mode, you can use the Pro-Q 3 while EQing the rest of the signal in a more traditional fashion.

Pro-Q 2 provided EQ matching via the sidechain input. Pro-Q 3, however, takes EQ-matching a step further: now you can choose any other instance of Pro-Q 3 in your mix and compare it to the source audio instantaneously. You’ll also note that the plug-in shades any possible conflicts in a reddish hue. This helps you identify where, for example, a kick and a bass might be competing for the same slice of the frequency spectrum.

Stereo functionality has also been updated. In previous iterations, you could tweak the left and right channels independently, or switch the whole plug-in into mid-side mode for M-S processing. In Pro-Q 3, this option has been implemented on a per-band basis.

This is particularly useful for mastering engineers, as they no longer need to load multiple instances of the plug-in for left/right or mid-side processing. If you need to filter the lows out of the sides, notch out some resonance from the middle, and attenuate a harsh crash cymbal on the left of a mix, you can do that all in one instance of the plug-in.

This per-band processing extends beyond stereo implementations into surround sound applications up to 7.1.2 (Dolby Atmos). You can select individual channels or grab selectable groups, all on a per-band basis.

Some aspects of previous versions have been improved, such as the Spectrum Analyzer, the Spectrum Grab function, MIDI learn, and the filter shapes themselves. Other features, such as selectable display ranges, intelligent solo mode, adjustable linear phase latency modes, zero latenc and natural phase modes, and the polarity inversion selector have been left alone. The plug-in is compatible with Mac and Windows. It can operate in AU, VST, AudioSuite, and AAX formats.