FabFilter Pro-R 2 Reverb Plug-In Review

Long-Term Evaluation

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FabFilter is one of those esteemed companies that has reached escape velocity — no matter what plug-in you choose from the Dutch concern, you really can’t go wrong. What really sets them apart is their brand-defining graphical user interface (GUI). The undulating interfaces dance in real time with the music, providing immediate visual feedback, and the minimal design is inviting, instead of intimidating.

FabFilter’s Pro-R 2 is the second incarnation of their first entry into the reverb world and comes with some significant improvements. First off, FabFilter added two new reverb algorithms to their quiver, Vintage and Plate. Plate aims to add the classic digital reverbs of the 80s, while Plate provides a metallic texture to the mix. Both are fine additions to the plug-in and help to round out the reverb options available.

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The second biggest enhancement is the sophisticated implementation of the major surround sound and immersive audio formats. Pro-R 2 supports up to 9.1.6 Dolby Atmos and the GUI magically adapts itself to the multi-channel format that you’ve setup in your DAW when you launch the plug-in. This saves immense time when configuring and you’re able to get to work immediately. More advanced users will welcome the Speakers setting for Decay Rate and Post EQ bands, offering much more control over decay times. The output level meters also adapt to the format, displaying all channels with identifying labels. Nice! We do have to note that some of this fairy dust will depend on your DAW and plug-in format, so your mileage may vary, but it worked for our reviewers without a hitch.

The sophisticated implementation of the major surround sound and immersive audio formats is one of the biggest enhancements in FabFilter’s Pro-R 2…

The next new feature is the ability to import your own Impulse Responses. The IR files are analyzed by Pro-R 2 and converted to reverb settings, decay rate and EQ to match the sound of the impulse response. This is great if you have a library of IR files, but even better if you want to go down the experimental rabbit hole and import all kinds of different files to see what Pro-R 2 spits out. This turned out to be great fun and the results, not only allow for fascinating sound design possibilities, but also work great on percussion for electronic music.

  FabFilter Pro-R 2’s revamped Preset Browser

The Thickness control applies an intuitive combination of density and saturation. Turning it up will make the reverb more dense, but will also introduce subtle non-linearities and dynamics to the sound. Turning it down will result in a more airy, sparse reverb. Note: The audible effect can vary quite a lot depending on the program material.

The new intelligent Ducking attribute helps to alleviate blurry mixes by dropping out the reverb when it isn’t the focal point and then allow it to expand when it is to achieve better separation and less mud. The obvious application is vocals, but it works great on breakdowns and minimal passages in electronic music when employed with PreDelay and the Distance controls.

FabFilter’s Pro-R 2 is an excellent sequel with enough enhancements and new features to make upgrading an easy decision.

The AutoGate is another new feature that will appeal to creative producers who want to add rhythmic elements to their reverbs — or basically anyone who’s reading this review. It’s super simple to use. Toggle the Enable button and then drag vertically to set the hold time, or use the Sync button to base the timing on the host tempo. The AutoGate triggers on the input signal and contains automatic threshold and attack/release settings. Works great on drums, acid lines and synths for pumping action.

AutoGate is another new feature that will appeal to creative producers who want to add rhythmic elements to their reverbs…

Less useful is the new Freeze function. Sound designers may find this more beneficial, but it essentially creates what FabFilter describes as a “state of eternal decay, reusing only the existing contents of the reverb tank until you disable Freeze mode again.” You can them employ some colorization like Character and Brightness to further tweak the wash, and then use AutoGate to create a rhythmic pulse, but it’s not something that will probably occur often in your workflow.

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FabFilter Pro-R 2 Features:

• Three core algorithms for simulating physical spaces, retro digital hardware and electromechanical plates
• Decay Rate EQ for shaping of tail frequencies over time, and six-band Post EQ for output equalization
• Full immersive audio support up to 9.1.6 Dolby Atmos, with per-band Decay Rate and Post EQ channel routing, and a dedicated panel for balancing individual reverb parameter levels between the front and back of the image
• Impulse Response import function (WAV and AIFF)
• Ducking control for separation of dry and wet signals
• Thickness control for dialing in program-dependent density and saturation
• Intelligent Auto Gate
• Freeze button for endless playback of the captured reverb buffer at the point of activation
• Full-featured preset browser, with tags, favorites, search and filter functions, and new factory preset library
• Optional piano scale in the interactive reverb display for musical EQ frequency referencing and snapping
• Output level meters
• Increased Decay Rate range (25-400%)
• Mid/Side option added to Post EQ
• Speakers settings added to Decay Rate and Post EQ for channel selection in immersive channel layouts
• Predelay knob moved to top section

Now that we’ve gotten the majority of the notable new features and enhancements, let’s take a look at the interface for those not familiar with the Pro-R 2. On the very top, you have a drop down menu for the Pro-R 2’s presets with the ability to scroll up or down with directional arrows. FabFilter enhanced the preset browser with support for tags, favorites and better mechanisms for finding a particular patch. Underneath you’ll find PreDelay, which can be synced to the host tempo, the type of reverb, Character, the new Thickness trait, Distance, Space, Brightness, Width, Ducking and Mix. As you can tell, FabFilter shapes reverbs differently than other manufacturers. While there may be fewer properties, it doesn’t mean it’s less powerful. FabFilter took considerable time and effort to distill how to sculpt reverb thats easy to understand and uncomplicated.

Below the reverb qualities is the visual representation of the sounds signature and dynamic range. Here is where you can employ FabFilter’s powerful EQ both Decay Rate EQ and Post to further tailor the reverb to your needs. In some ways, the Decay Rate EQ is Pro-R 2’s super power, allowing you to shape the decay throughout the frequency range with up to six High/Low Shelf , Bell or Notch curves. Furthermore, in this version FabFilter now provides mid/side and Left / Right options for Post EQ bands. In other words, if you can’t specifically shape your reverb with Pro-R 2, you’re not going to get there…ever.

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At the very bottom, you can utilize the MIDI Learn feature to assign most of Pro-R 2’s attributes to your controller, specify what the Analyzer is showcasing, Reverb+Post, Pre+Post or Off, and set the Input and Output levels. Although, it’s a tad anorexic, FabFilter’s right side displays the meters. FabFilter’s Pro-R 2 is available in VST, VST3, Audio Units, CLAP, AAX Native and AudioSuite formats, as well as an iOS app.

Conclusion

FabFilter’s Pro-R 2 is an excellent sequel with enough enhancements and new features to make upgrading an easy decision. If you’re not already part of the FabFilter ecosystem and are looking for a powerful, yet easy to use reverb plug-in for Mac and PC, you can’t go wrong with the Pro-R 2. Now here’s the best part. All this power will only set you back €/$169. Highly Recommended.

FabFilter Pro-R 2 Rating: 94%

FabFilter’s Pro-R 2 costs $/€169.

The Future: A great product from a great company that’s only getting better. We wouldn’t mind a few more reverb algorithms in the next version, both traditional, such as a Spring, and even some experimental follies.