9.3Essential
FabFilter Pro-Q 4 is an equalizer plug-in with up to 24 bands, dynamic EQ, spectral dynamics, and linear/natural/zero-latency phase modes.
Plugin comparison
FabFilter Pro-Q 4 vs Cableguys Pancake 2
Specs, price and the Dubspot Score, side by side — with our verdict on which effect to buy.
Independent score / workflow fit / buying signal
Contenders
The side-by-side
8.0Great
Cableguys Pancake 2 is a free auto-panner plugin for tempo-synced stereo motion and creative pan effects.
Score verdict
Which should you buy?
On the Dubspot Score, FabFilter Pro-Q 4 comes out ahead (9.3). That said, the right pick depends on your workflow and budget — read both reviews before deciding.
Technical matrix
Specs compared
| Signal | FabFilter Pro-Q 4 | Cableguys Pancake 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199 | Free |
| Dubspot Score | 9.3 | 8.0 |
| Formats | VST, VST3, AU, CLAP, AAX Native, AudioSuite | VST3, AU, AAX |
| EQ bands | Up to 24 bands | — |
| Filter shapes | Bell, Notch, High/Low Shelf, High/Low Cut, Band Pass, Tilt Shelf, Flat Tilt, All Pass | — |
| Filter slope | Up to 96 dB/octave, plus Brickwall option for LP/HP | — |
| Processing modes | Zero latency, Natural Phase, Linear Phase, plus Gentle/Warm character modes | — |
| Dynamic processing | Dynamic EQ and spectral dynamics with adjustable attack/release | — |
| Channel modes | Mid/side and left/right; surround up to Dolby Atmos 9.1.6 | — |
| Type | — | Auto-panner |
| Developer | — | Cableguys |
| Typical price | — | Free |
| Formats | — | VST3, AU, AAX |
| Primary job | — | Tempo-synced stereo panning |
| Catalog status | — | Current as of 2026 |
See the full plugin database for more comparisons.