How far can you take it with just one plugin? That’s the question we’re exploring today in a unique challenge: mixing an entire session using only FabFilter’s Pro-Q4. If you’re familiar with FabFilter, you know their tools are powerful and versatile, but could one EQ plugin handle every aspect of a mix?
When we first talked about the release of Pro-Q 4, we focused on its functionality and versatility. Today, we’re taking a closer look at just how much can be achieved with this single tool. Let’s dive into how creative thinking can push the boundaries of this remarkable plugin.
The Challenge: One Plugin to Rule Them All
FabFilter’s is primarily known as a high-end equalizer. With its pristine sound quality, intuitive interface, and new features like dynamic EQ bands and spectral processing, it’s a great mixing tool. But can it go beyond EQ tasks to solve problems like mic bleed, frequency masking, and dynamics control?
Our mixing session features a cover of a Louis Armstrong classic recorded by the Dixie Fellows. With 11 tracks, including drums, bass, banjo, brass, clarinets, and vocals, this session was perfect for testing Pro-Q4’s capabilities.
Creative Uses of Pro-Q4
Here’s how the plugin was used in unconventional and creative ways:
1. Bleed Reduction in Drum Tracks
The drum mics picked up plenty of bleed due to the live recording environment. Pro-Q4’s dynamic EQ bands acted almost like a gate, attenuating unwanted frequencies while letting the kick and snare transients shine through. By combining fast attack settings and sidechain frequency filtering, the bleed was tamed effectively, making the drums sound tighter and cleaner.
2. Dynamic Stereo Enhancement
Overheads and banjo tracks were enhanced with a subtle stereo widening trick. By making small, complementary EQ adjustments to the left and right channels, the tracks gained a richer, more spacious sound. This technique highlights how Pro-Q4 can do more than just EQ—it can also add depth and dimension to your mix.
3. Frequency Masking Fixes with Spectral Bands
When the kick and bass clashed in the low-end, the new spectral band feature came to the rescue. With sidechain input from the kick, Pro-Q4 dynamically ducked the conflicting frequencies on the bass track, resulting in a cleaner, more defined low-end.
4. Dynamic Compression on Melodic Tracks
For tracks like clarinets and trombone, dynamic bands were used to control excessive peaks, functioning as a pseudo-compressor. This approach preserved the musicality of the performance while maintaining balance across the mix.
5. Saturation for Tone Shaping
Pro-Q4’s saturation styles were a game-changer. Whether adding warmth to vocals, subtle harmonics to cymbals, or clarity to brass, the built-in saturation options provided character and depth without the need for external plugins.
6. Quick Fixes with Presets
Even presets got their moment in the spotlight! The “Forward controlled vocal” preset proved to be an excellent starting point for vocal processing, saving time while delivering a polished sound.
Lessons Learned
Using only Pro-Q4 forced a creative workflow, uncovering its full potential. While it’s not a replacement for specialized plugins like dedicated compressors or saturation units, Pro-Q4 proved to be an incredibly versatile tool capable of handling complex tasks.
How Far Can You Take It?
This experiment showed that Pro-Q4 can do more than expected, solving challenges and shaping a mix creatively. But is it enough to replace an entire arsenal of plugins? That’s a question worth pondering.
Want to see the full process in action? Watch the video below to see how Pro-Q4 was used to transform the mix step by step. Let us know in the comments: what’s your favorite Pro-Q trick? Could you imagine mixing an entire project with just this plugin?
And here’s a holiday surprise for you – we’ve got amazing gifts! 🎁🎁🎁 You can download 3 FREE CUSTOM-MADE PRESETS for FabFilter PRO-Q 4 directly from our website!
Bass-Kick Spectral Sidechain
Designed to cut the kick transient from the bass track.
Drum De-Bleed
Designed to reduce cymbal bleed in drum mics.
Stereo Boost
Stereo Widening Effect.
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