FabFilter Pro-Q 4 vs Softube Saturation Knob

Specs, price and the Dubspot Score, side by side — with our verdict on which effect to buy.

Effect

FabFilter Pro-Q 4

FabFilter · $199

9.3
Essential
Effect

Softube Saturation Knob

Softube · Free

8.2
Great

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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.

Specs compared

FabFilter Pro-Q 4Softube Saturation Knob
Price$199Free
Dubspot Score9.38.2
FormatsVST, VST3, AU, CLAP, AAX Native, AudioSuiteVST3, AU, AAX
EQ bandsUp to 24 bands
Filter shapesBell, Notch, High/Low Shelf, High/Low Cut, Band Pass, Tilt Shelf, Flat Tilt, All Pass
Filter slopeUp to 96 dB/octave, plus Brickwall option for LP/HP
Processing modesZero latency, Natural Phase, Linear Phase, plus Gentle/Warm character modes
Dynamic processingDynamic EQ and spectral dynamics with adjustable attack/release
Channel modesMid/side and left/right; surround up to Dolby Atmos 9.1.6
Product typeeffect from Softube
DeveloperSoftube
Typical priceFree
FormatsVST3, AU, AAX
Primary jobfocused effect work in modern sessions
Catalog statusCurrent as of 2026

See the full plugin database for more comparisons.