Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $181
High-end/Boutique
$49
$150+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "FabFilter Pro-Q 3". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Unleash your creativity with the FabFilter Pro-Q 3, a versatile EQ plugin that stands out in any mix engineer's toolkit. Its sophisticated design allows you to shape sound with precision, whether you're making subtle adjustments or engaging in complex frequency sculpting. The 24-band dynamic equalizer offers a mix of analog warmth and digital precision, thanks to its Natural Phase and Linear Phase modes. This plugin is not just versatile in its sound-shaping capabilities but also in its user-friendly interface, which features a large interactive EQ display that simplifies the process of creating and tweaking EQ bands.
With Pro-Q 3, you can effortlessly identify and eliminate frequency collisions, aided by its revamped spectrum analyzer and Spectrum Grab function. The plugin also supports Dolby Atmos, making it a future-ready tool for immersive audio projects. The inclusion of a Piano Roll display ensures your EQ decisions are always musically informed, while the innovative Auto Gain mode compensates for volume changes, keeping your mix balanced. Whether you are a seasoned pro or an aspiring engineer, the Pro-Q 3 promises a rich blend of features that elevate your mixing and mastering sessions.
Key Features:
- 24-band dynamic equalizer with Natural Phase and Linear Phase modes
- Dolby Atmos support with intelligent per-band speaker selection
- Brickwall LP/HP filter slope for aggressive frequency elimination
- Spectrum analyzer with collision detection and Spectrum Grab function
- Per-band Mid-Side and Left-Right processing modes
- Auto Gain with channel weighting and dynamic gain correction
- EQ Match feature for seamless integration with other Pro-Q 3 instances
- Up to 96 dB/octave filter slope and diverse filter types
- Piano Roll display for musically guided EQ adjustments
- Zero Latency mode for live tracking and performance
Product specs
| Software Type | Dynamic EQ |
| Platform | Mac, PC |
| Upgrade/Full | Full |
| Download/Boxed | Download |
| Bit Depth | 64-bit |
| Plug-in Formats | AAX, AU, VST, CLAP |
| Additional Compatibility | AudioSuite |
| Hardware Requirements - Mac | Intel Core 2 Duo or higher, 4GB RAM minimum |
| Hardware Requirements - PC | Intel Core 2 Duo / AMD Athlon 64 X2 or higher, 4GB RAM minimum |
| OS Requirements - Mac | macOS 10.13 or later |
| OS Requirements - PC | Windows 7 SP1 or later |
FAQs
-
What are the main features of the FabFilter Pro-Q 3 EQ plugin?
-
The FabFilter Pro-Q 3 offers a 24-band dynamic EQ with Dynamic Range and Threshold controls, perfect analog EQ shape matching, Linear Phase mode, and surround support up to 7.1.2 Dolby Atmos. It also includes mid/side processing options, a brickwall LP/HP filter slope, and an improved spectrum analyzer with frequency collision indication.
-
Is FabFilter Pro-Q 3 compatible with my DAW?
-
FabFilter Pro-Q 3 is compatible with DAWs that support AAX, AU, VST, CLAP, and AudioSuite plugin formats. It works on both Mac and PC platforms, ensuring broad compatibility across most popular DAWs.
-
How does the Dynamic EQ feature work in FabFilter Pro-Q 3?
-
The Dynamic EQ in FabFilter Pro-Q 3 allows you to adjust the EQ bands dynamically based on the input signal. It features Dynamic Range and Threshold controls, along with an intelligent Auto Threshold mode, providing precise control over dynamic processing.
-
What are the system requirements for running FabFilter Pro-Q 3 on a Mac?
-
To run FabFilter Pro-Q 3 on a Mac, you'll need macOS 10.13 or later, an Intel Core 2 Duo processor or higher, and a minimum of 4GB RAM.
-
Can I use FabFilter Pro-Q 3 for surround sound mixing?
-
Yes, FabFilter Pro-Q 3 supports surround sound mixing up to 7.1.2 Dolby Atmos, with intelligent per-band speaker selection, making it suitable for complex audio environments.
-
How does the spectrum analyzer in FabFilter Pro-Q 3 improve mixing?
-
The spectrum analyzer in FabFilter Pro-Q 3 includes frequency collision indication and the ability to show the spectrum of any other Pro-Q 3 instance, helping you identify and address frequency clashes effectively during mixing.
Videos
FabFilter
Introduction to FabFilter Pro-Q 3
Reviews
PROS
-
Highly flexible with up to 24 bands for detailed EQ control
-
Dynamic EQ capabilities allow for precise frequency adjustments
-
Excellent GUI with visual feedback aids in intuitive use
-
Transparent sound, ideal for both subtractive and additive EQ tasks
-
Mid/side processing enhances stereo field manipulation
-
Extremely versatile, suitable for individual tracks and mastering
-
Auto-gain feature simplifies gain staging and workflow
-
Industry standard, trusted by professionals for reliable performance
-
Resource friendly, doesn't strain CPU even with multiple instances
-
Exceptional for surgical EQ tasks and problem frequency isolation
CONS
-
Some users find it expensive compared to other EQ options
-
Lacks the analog warmth of hardware EQs for certain tasks
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about FabFilter Pro-Q 3.
Comparisons
-
ToneBoosters EQv4 is highlighted as offering 90% of Pro-Q 3's functionality at just 20% of the cost, providing a more budget-friendly option.
Source -
The JST EQ by Joey Sturgis Tones is suggested as a budget-friendly alternative to Pro-Q 3, sharing many features but at a lower price.
Source -
Kirchhoff EQ is noted as a comparable alternative, particularly for its dynamic EQ control, though it lacks Pro-Q 3's frequency masking visualization.
Source
Use cases and applications
-
The Pro-Q 3's dynamic EQ functionality is praised for maintaining mix clarity when static cuts make the mix sound dull.
Source -
The EQ matching feature in Pro-Q 3 is noted for its utility in reverse-engineering sounds, providing creative sound design opportunities.
Source -
Many users prefer using Pro-Q 3's linear phase mode on vocals for its clean, transparent sound, despite its high CPU usage.
Source
User experience
-
Some users note the minimized version of Pro-Q 3 is efficient on CPU, making it feasible to use as the default EQ on multiple channels without resource strain.
Source -
Users report that Pro-Q 3 significantly enhances workflow speed, especially when working on tight deadlines.
Source -
Owners appreciate the mid-side processing and intuitive UI, which significantly improves workflow efficiency.
Source
Features and functionality
-
Users appreciate the full-screen mode, which maximizes the analyzer display, allowing for quicker identification of problem frequencies.
Source -
The Pro-Q 3's EQ curves maintain integrity near the Nyquist frequency, avoiding the "cramping" effect found in other EQs for high-frequency filters.
Source -
The Pro-Q 3's ability to visualize frequency conflicts between tracks using multiple instances is a unique feature not found in other EQs.
Source -
Pro-Q 3 offers extensive y-axis scale customization from 3dB to 30dB, which can be set as a default preset for consistent visual scaling.
Source -
Users appreciate the ability to sidechain the EQ to different sources, enhancing flexibility in mixing scenarios.
Source -
Pro-Q 3 includes a brick wall function, although it's advised to use it cautiously as it can cause phase issues.
Source -
Dynamic EQ feature allows turning any band into a compressor, providing nuanced control over specific frequency ranges.
Source
Value and pricing
-
Pro-Q 3 is considered a premium plugin, but its extensive feature set and usability justify the investment for many users, despite the availability of cheaper alternatives.
Source -
FabFilter offers significant discounts for students and price reductions when purchasing multiple plugins, enhancing its affordability.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 63 Reviews and 443 Ratings
Best. EQ. Outthere.
Basically the only EQ I use. I do use Maäg EQ4 on the master channel, when mastering projects, but that's it. Pro-Q does everything else.. Sculpting, cleaning, filtering, removing low or high frequencies, mid, side, etc etc.
1824
Unbelievable Versatile Digital EQ!!!
My Favorite Digital EQ (Versatile) works wonderful on just about anything
Exceptional Sound Quality
Solves Problems BIG TIME!
Excellent Control
Worth EVERY Dollar - you will use this on everything - If you only own 1 Digital EQ the THIS should be 'The ONE'!
5455
5 stars, 2nd most used EQ
5 stars, 2nd favorite plugin EQ. Goes Massenburg, ProQ 2. I'd be fine with just the 2 plugin EQ options honestly, I rarely use anything else...ever. Most used plugins I have. The feature set on the Pro Q is nice & a big part of how it gets used as often as it does. It's a solid problem solver.
The Massenburg is a better sounding plugin EQ, but it's feature set is limited. It does what it does very well & that's it. No bells & whistles & that suits me just fine.
The ProQ 2 covers the mid side, the ease of finding problem frequencies, etc. & general problem solving, etc. it's what has made it a go to for EQ work where the Massenburg isn't a fit.
Lastly- the GUI is, I'm sure already mentioned, but refreshing & it's how I wish more developers would think.
It's a plugin for shits sake.
I'm not interested in some massive GUI representation of a NEVE or API.
Actually that, in addition to being a hassle just serves to remind me of said plugins failings.
Version: FabFilter Pro-Q 2852
Probably the Best Equalizer I have Used
This is one of if not the best equalizer plugin that I have used. I use it up front on each channel in the mix to shape the signal right out of the instrument plugins. For example, I use it on a synth as the first plugin in the chain. I also use it in my master chain as the first plugin. The thing I like about this EQ is that it allows me to see what I am doing so clearly. I almost don't have to hear the music to know what it is going to sound like. And, this version 2 has an auto gain feature that while not perfect does a great job at keeping the levels going out of this plugin quite even with what was going into it. That is always a chore during the gain staging process and this EQ takes easily an hour out of the process for me.
Version: FabFilter Pro-Q 2205
Most popular EQ plugin out there, possibly the best.
This EQ plugin is practically an industry standard, and has a really nice GUI. It comes standard with lots of presets, too, which can be a good thing if you just want to try and stick them on your sounds in the mix or use as examples to go off of. I will say, though, that sometimes it can be easy to overlook DAWs simple, but effective, built-in EQ plugins.
213
The Perfect EQ.
The Perfect EQ.
Everything about this EQ is perfect. The sound, the look, the features, the workflow. I love this EQ because, although I use it mostly for subtractive EQing, the additive EQ sounds super transparent, especially in the higher frequencies.
I'd recommend getting to know whatever EQ you have already, but if you have the money to spend, get to know this one instead and it will most likely improve your production quality.
Version: FabFilter Pro-Q 2185
Best workhorse EQ on the planet
Like the title says, simply the best EQ on the planet. Why? It is highly flexibel, has awesome workflow and sounds awesome. And on top of that it is beautiful to look at. My go to EQ everyday. I wouldn't use it for coloring because it is very transparant. But there's plenty of other coloring EQ's on the market today.
Version: FabFilter Pro-Q 2166
The best EQ
This is an amazing EQ plugin and it is very very quick, i like how it more or less guesses whether you want a HPF or LPF according to where you click. The HD display also makes it much easier to see every single frequency you want to manipulate on its spectrum analyser. Also the amount of points and curves you can make allow so much freedom to mix however you want. The frequency automation is also very responsive which is great.
Version: FabFilter Pro-Q 1238
This is the pre-eminent EQ
As far as subtractive EQ goes, this plugin is a workhorse for mixing. Does alright with boosts too but they lack the flavor of analog gear, so I use them sparingly in favor of other EQs.
Artist usage
Add artist
In his YouTube video "Here Comes The Sun" Studio Walkthrough, Will K demonstrates his use of the FabFilter Pro-Q 3, highlighting it as one of his favorite EQ plugins.
Can be seen at 4:12 very short in the open project file of Eris & Exile in this video.
In the video "Restored Aurosonic Videoblog 3," Aurosonic demonstrates their use of the FabFilter Pro-Q 3 EQ plugin.
In a tweet, Laszlo shares a screenshot featuring the FabFilter Pro-Q 3, indicating it is part of his EQ process.
"As for the effects for the vocals, its not that much. Just use a Simple EQ a FabFilter Pro EQ. Yeah you either have 1 or 2, I made this with Pro Q"
"Plug-ins we use a lot are: Serum, Fabfilter bundle, Izotope bundle, Diva and the Melda bundle. All this runs on a Razer/Maingear PC."
When dicussing a vocal mix, Kove pulls up this plugin and says "Again just to control control this lower mid area. It's not doing a huge amount, it's still letting that first harmonic come through but im just keeping everything under control"
Used for vocals on "Gum Body" and "Time Flies", as stated by mix engineer Jesse Ray Ernster in this June 12, 2020 MusicTech interview and this June 2021 Sound on Sound interview respectively. An image of the settings for the "Lead Vox" channel of "Gum Body" can be found here.
MusicTech, June 12, 2020, "Mile-high mixes, Kanye and NES: Jesse Ray Ernster on mixing Burna Boy’s African Giant"
BURNA’S VOCAL: “A big part of the job of a mixer is knowing when not to change things,” insists Ernster, “Burna’s vocal usually doesn’t require much work, and this song was no exception! His vocal stem arrived with all processing and effects printed into the track, and it sounded identical to the approved reference mix that he had grown accustomed to hearing, so my job was to enhance subtly, without changing the vibe too much!”
The first plug-in on the vocal chain was the Metric Halo Transient Control, with the sustain knob turned down to tame some of the effects and cut down room reverberation that had bled into the microphone, for a closer, more up-front vocal. Next, Ernster deployed the trusty bx_SSL E channel plug-in to boost 4.3khz and 13.5khz to help emphasize some of the consonants of Burna’s vocal, for better intelligibility.
Not one to believe in magic frequencies, Ernster’s technique is to “sweep around until the sound feels better to my ears.” Liking where the vocal was sitting against the track, but with certain phrases poking out unevenly, Ernster reached for a compressor. But his favourites – Rev E 1176, CLA-76 – all altered the ratio between vocals and effects too much, making the voice sound washed out. “I ended up rolling with a combo of clip-gain automation and some subtle compression on the Metric Halo Channel Strip. That glued the vocal into place without changing the character that we all loved from the reference mix.”
“After that, I used an instance of Soothe to tame a few whistley resonances that were poking through and causing harshness at 2.9khz and 5.3khz. The final step in the vocal processing sees the Acustica Amber3 (which emulates the Avalon AD2055) boosted at 25khz for some “silky air”. “I usually reach for the Crane Song Phoenix as a final touch to pull a bit of grit forward, and in this scenario, I used the Luster/Sapphire setting with a 68% mix. Finally, I used a FabFilter ProQ3 to cut 0.73dB at 490hz to dial back a resonance.”
VOCAL FX & DEPTH: “Lately, I’ve been focusing on depth within my mixes,” says Ernster. “It’s crucial to me that the singer is glued into a similar sonic environment as the rest of the arrangement.”
“I sent Burna’s vocal to a series of effects busses that I used to fuse the vocal into the metaphorical space of the song. On this song, I used a few different simple Waves H-Delay tracks set at 1/2, 1/4, 1/8th, 1/16th note, and a quick slap setting. All of these fed into reverb tracks with Revibe II, Valhalla VintageVerb (Dirty Plate), and Lexicon Medium Hall. I adjusted the blend of these multiple effects auxes until the blend felt glued, but also still similar enough to the reference mix – just better and deeper.”
Sound on Sound, June 2021, "Inside Track: Burna Boy 'Time Flies'"
“The song already felt great after a few minutes of mixing,” Ernster continues. “The reference mix felt good, the beat was solid too. As I mentioned earlier, after that it was a matter of getting the vocals to shine. Dialling in the vocals took quite a bit of time on this song, because there were so many of them. This song was all about the backing vocals, getting them to sit in a place where they can shine and sparkle and just sit perfectly.
“Pretty much every background vocal on the song has the CLA Mix Hub channel strip, doing some high‑pass filtering, some EQ, and compression. I approached this mix a bit like a console mix, and dialling in every background vocal with the Mix Hub got them where I wanted them to be. I did not need 10 plug‑ins to make the background vocals sound good. This plug‑in just lit them up.
“One interesting moment with the backing vocals is in the bridge of the song. Diddy had a vision that these ‘welelel’ vocals would not only be wide but would also be wrapping around, with the panning going from left to right. So I put on the Waves S1 Shuffler, turned up the width knob and then automated the panning. It was a bold Diddy move that really paid off. It became a special moment, and is one of my favourite spots in the song.
“Underneath the ‘welelel’ track are nine backing vocal aux effect tracks, which are a ModDelay 3; 16th‑note, eighth‑note, quarter‑note and half‑note delays (all the Valhalla Delay); a ping‑pong delay (Waves H‑Delay); and all those tracks have sends to a Valhalla Vintage Verb plate and the FabFilfter Pro‑R. And all those feed the BGV FX bus. I was just moving these effects all around until they felt right.
“Burna’s main lead vocal is in red. One technique I learned from my dad is to ride the fader on vocals, so you don’t get the anomalies that you can get when compression is applied to a recorded voice. As I don’t have a fader, I chopped up the vocal and then adjusted the Clip Gain for each phrase. As for processing, I added the Gullfoss EQ, that kind of rides the frequencies, and which I love. I used it on Burna’s voice on most of the album. There’s also a Pro‑Q 3 to notch out some frequencies, and the Acustica Amber 3 EQ, which adds the most gorgeous top end.
“There’s a send on the main lead vocal to an aux with the Soundtoys Devil‑Loc, adding parallel distortion. It’s a bus I try once in a while. If the vocal is sitting where I want it to sit in the mix volume‑wise, but it needs a little bit more glue, body and warmth, I’ll go for the Devil‑Loc. It brings the vocal straight up into your face. If you want a pop vocal that is right on top of everything, this is it.
“I also have other vocal aux effect tracks, ie. different delays, reverbs, pitch‑shifts. I generally do not use reverbs on the lead vocal, but only delays, because they take up less space. Then I’ll have a delay to feed a reverb that can sit in the background. The pre‑delay creates this ocean of ambience that does not take away from the intimacy and upfront nature of the lead vocal.
“There are a couple of tracks called ‘Throw’, and I create those by dragging duplicate audio to a separate track, and then putting an effect on with the mix at 100 percent, in this case Valhalla Delays. I don’t really like using automation on sends and muting and so on, as it’s a really slow workflow. It takes one second to drag down some audio, add a delay and done.
“Below the ‘Throw’ tracks are two Time Adjuster aux tracks and a Valhalla Space Modulator aux track. Together they recreate the Eventide H3000 wide vocal effect. The Time Adjuster plug‑in delays the left and right channels a bit, and one channel has the CLA MixHub to add some distortion and the other channel has the lo‑fi. The Valhalla Space Modulator is followed by a Cranesong Phoenix II, driving really hard in Dark Essence mode. These three go to an aux called ‘SHIFT M’, and it turns a mono vocal into a wide, enveloping, beautiful vocal. Also, there’s a ‘Lead Vocal All FX’ aux with the Pro‑Q 3 EQ that takes out all top and bottom, which you don’t need on vocal effects.”
Album Usage
The FabFilter Pro-Q 3 has been featured on the following albums:
bittersweet
Madison Beer (2025)
Are We There
Breaka (2025)
american dream (nightcore version)
21 Savage (2024)
Open Your Eyes
Funkin Matt (2024)
Modern Girl
Bleachers (2023)
Lucky
Bad Snacks (2022)
snowfall
Øneheart (2022)
Neon Medusa
The Midnight (2021)
Good News
Megan Thee Stallion (2020)
Exciting New Sound
Will Sparks (2020)
Ex Machina
Metrik (2020)
Say So (feat. Nicki Minaj)
Nicki Minaj & Doja Cat (2020)
Old Town Road (Remix)
Billy Ray Cyrus & Lil Nas X & Mason Ramsey (2019)
Echoes
Ben Duffy & Kove (2019)
Obsidian
Huminal (2019)
KIRK
DaBaby (2019)
Gravity
Metrik (2019)
Can't Erase
Rebecca & Fiona & Nause (2019)
bad guy (with Justin Bieber)
Justin Bieber & Billie Eilish (2019)
Be Honest (feat. Burna Boy)
Jorja Smith (2019)
Crumbling
Mid-Air Thief (2019)
Macropsia
Huminal (2018)
How Does It Feel
M-22 (2018)
Dead Inside
Taska Black (2018)
All The Stars (with SZA)
Kendrick Lamar & SZA (2018)
Sober
Cat Dealers (2017)
Lots to Say
Mark Villa & Keanu Silva (2017)
Bodak Yellow (feat. Kodak Black)
Cardi B & Kodak Black (2017)
Breathe
Jonas Aden (2016)
Is It Love
3LAU (2016)
Blau & Pink
Dat Adam (2016)
Sweet & Sour (Extended Mix)
Mike Williams & Mike Williams (2016)
Memories (feat. Sirah) [Radio Edit]
Bassjackers & KSHMR (2015)
Secrets (Remixes)
Tiësto & KSHMR & Vassy (2015)
Secrets (Diplo Remix)
Tiësto & KSHMR & Vassy (2015)
Secrets (Radio Edit)
Tiësto & KSHMR & Vassy (2015)
Edge EP
Neonlight (2015)
See You Soon
Michael Brun (2015)
The One
W&W (2015)
The End (Megaphonix Remix)
Lucky Date & Megaphonix (2015)
Memories (feat. Sirah)
Bassjackers & KSHMR (2015)
Heartbeats
Matt Nash (2015)
Here Comes The Sun
Will K (2015)
Rattlesnake
Rogue (2015)
A Head Full of Dreams
Coldplay (2015)
Purpose (Deluxe)
Justin Bieber (2015)
Turn It Around
DubVision (2014)
Turn It Back
Deepend (2014)
Party Face
Victor Porfidio (2014)
Max Ammo
Firebeatz (2013)
Retaliate
Angerfist (2012)
In The Mode
Roni Size & Roni Size / Reprazent (2000)
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use FabFilter Pro-Q 3, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
Show yoursSimilar
Add recommendation2 alternative and related items for FabFilter Pro-Q 3, curated by the Equipboard community.
$249.00
More FabFilter EQ Plugins
Accessories & Related Items
Gear Guides
Most Popular EQ Plugins
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
trakatiksGear IQ 425
-