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 Mastering The Mix CARBON Q
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
CARBON Q is a session-wide EQ that sets tone and level for the mix, vocals, drums, bass, and music from one window. Launch price $55 from $78.
Technical matrix
Specs compared
| Signal | FabFilter Pro-Q 4 | Mastering The Mix CARBON Q |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199 | $55 launch / $78 |
| Dubspot Score | 9.3 | — |
| 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 | — | Session-wide 11-band EQ and volume balance |
| Bands | — | 20 Hz to 12 kHz, eleven fixed bands, ±9 dB |
| Instances | — | MIX, vocals, music, drums, bass |
| Latency | — | 41 ms linear phase |
| References | — | Local stem separation, nothing uploaded |
| Formats | — | VST3, AU, AAX |
| System | — | macOS 10.15+ Apple silicon, Windows 10+ |
| License | — | 2 seats, 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Price | — | $55 from $78, or £41.30 from £59, Save 30% |
See the full plugin database for more comparisons.