FabFilter Pro-R 2 is a flexible reverb
FabFilter Pro-R 2 is a flexible reverb
Overview
The FabFilter Pro-R 2 is a versatile reverb plugin that you’ll find yourself using more often than you might expect. Priced at £144 (with a 50-65% discount for previous FabFilter customers), it brings three reverb styles, new ducking and auto-gate features, and the ability to import IR files, turning them into customizable presets. Let’s delve into the details of this impressive upgrade.
Evolution from Pro-R 1
When FabFilter introduced the original Pro-R in 2016, it stood out with its easy-to-understand controls, natural sound, and innovative Decay Rate EQ. Fast forward seven years, and with the release of competing reverbs, it’s time for an upgrade. The Pro-R 2 maintains the user-friendly design of its predecessor while incorporating new features to enhance its flexibility.
Clean and Easy Controls
FabFilter focuses on simplicity without sacrificing power. Pro-R 2’s controls include Space, Brightness, Character, Distance, Width, Predelay, and Mix. The intuitive interface allows you to quickly shape the character of your reverbs, avoiding the complexity found in other plugins.
What’s New in FabFilter Pro-R 2?
While Pro-R 1 had many of the features mentioned, Pro-R 2 introduces three algorithms: Modern, Vintage, and Plate. Each algorithm offers distinct sounds, allowing users to experiment based on their desired outcome.
The Vintage style, while sounding less like a real space, adds a thick ’80s vibe to your mix. The Thickness dial is a notable addition, providing saturation and density to enhance the reverb’s color.
Duck and Cover
Pro-R 2 introduces built-in ducking and auto-gate features. The Ducking dial enhances separation between wet and dry signals by reducing reverb volume when triggered by the input. Auto-Gate, with adjustable time settings, facilitates the creation of classic ’80s gated reverb sounds.
Exotic Imports
A standout feature is the ability to import impulse response (IR) files, analyzed and recreated as algorithmic presets. While results may vary in accuracy, it’s a quick way to expand your preset collection and offers parameters for further tweaking.
Immerse Yourself
Improvements include enhanced output options on Decay Rate and Post EQ, supporting L/R or M/S outputs for each band. Pro-R 2 fully supports surround/immersive audio and Dolby Atmos, providing extensive output options for a finely crafted reverb space.
Conclusion
In conclusion, FabFilter Pro-R 2’s added features expand its sonic palette with new modes and additional character. While the IR import feature may be hit-and-miss, it remains a unique and exciting idea. The improved preset browser, Freeze button for infinite decays, and attention to detail make this update a solid enhancement to an already excellent reverb plugin.
Key Features
- Algorithmic reverb plugin
- VST, VST3, AU, AU3, AAX Native, and Audiosuite support
- 30-day trial available
- Modern, Vintage, and Plate algorithms
- User-friendly controls: Brightness, Character, Distance
- Step-less Space control with dozens of room models
- Flexible decay time editing with Decay Rate EQ
- 6-band Post-EQ
- Impulse response import feature
- Thickness control for saturation and compression
- Built-in ducking, auto-gate, and freeze features
- Immersive/Dolby Atmos functionality
- Surround mode with up to 9.1.6 channel layouts
- Improved preset browser
- L/R and M/S mode switching for Post EQ bands
- Surround mode speaker settings