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 TDR Nova
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
8.6Great
TDR Nova is Tokyo Dawn Labs' free parallel dynamic equalizer for parametric EQ, dynamic EQ, multiband compression, and wideband dynamics.
Editorial analysis
The key difference
FabFilter Pro-Q 4 and free TDR Nova both do dynamic EQ, which makes the comparison inevitable. One is a premium workflow king; the other is a free parallel dynamic equalizer that covers surprising ground.
Decisive signal
Pro-Q 4 is the modern EQ standard: unmatched interface, spectrum tools, dynamic bands, and mix/master polish. Nova is a free parallel dynamic EQ that can act as parametric EQ, dynamic EQ, and multiband/wideband compression. Pro-Q buys speed and refinement; Nova buys capability at $0.
Choose FabFilter Pro-Q 4 if
Choose Pro-Q 4 if EQ is central to your craft and you want the fastest, most refined dynamic EQ workflow available.
Open plugin file →Choose TDR Nova if
Choose free TDR Nova if you need serious dynamic EQ and multiband control without spending, or as a permanent secondary EQ.
Open plugin file →Buying verdict
Which should you buy?
Pro-Q 4 remains the EQ to beat if you mix daily and value workflow. Nova is mandatory freeware — install it even if you own Pro-Q. For many home studios, Nova alone covers a huge percentage of dynamic EQ needs until budget opens for FabFilter.
Technical matrix
Specs compared
| Signal | FabFilter Pro-Q 4 | TDR Nova |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199 | Free |
| Dubspot Score | 9.3 | 8.6 |
| Formats | VST, VST3, AU, CLAP, AAX Native, AudioSuite | VST2, 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 | — | Parallel dynamic equalizer |
| Version | — | 2.2.2 |
| Bands | — | 4 dynamic EQ bands + high-pass and low-pass sections |
| Use cases | — | Parametric EQ, dynamic EQ, frequency-selective / multiband / wideband compression |
| Formats | — | VST2, VST3, AAX (Win 64-bit); VST2, VST3, AU, AAX (Mac 64-bit) |
| System | — | Windows 7+; macOS 10.9+; OpenGL support |
| Paid upgrade | — | TDR Nova GE (Gentleman's Edition) adds bands and dynamics modes |
Quick reference
FabFilter Pro-Q 4 vs TDR Nova: FAQ
Can TDR Nova replace Pro-Q 4?
For many dynamic EQ and multiband tasks, Nova is surprisingly capable. Pro-Q 4 still wins on workflow, visualization, and overall mix EQ ergonomics.
Is TDR Nova free?
Yes. The standard edition is free; a paid Gentleman’s Edition adds more bands and advanced dynamics features.
Which should beginners install first?
Nova first — free and powerful. Graduate to Pro-Q 4 when interface speed and professional EQ workflow become a daily bottleneck.
See the full plugin database for more comparisons.