FabFilter Pro-R 2 is a high-end reverb plugin that builds upon the success of its predecessor, offering enhanced sound quality and new features. This versatile reverb tool is designed to recreate natural spaces, classic vintage reverbs, and plate reverbs with precision and clarity. Pro-R 2 stands out with its intuitive interface, featuring musical controls that make it accessible to both novice and experienced users. The plugin’s core strength lies in its ability to produce reverbs that sit perfectly in the mix without overpowering other elements.
Pros:
• Intuitive, musical controls that simplify complex reverb parameters
• High-quality sound that sits well in the mix without overwhelming other elements
• Versatile range of reverb types, from natural spaces to vintage and plate emulations
• Innovative Decay Rate EQ for precise control over frequency-dependent decay times
• Smooth, artifact-free parameter changes during real-time adjustments
Cons:
• Relatively high CPU usage, especially with complex settings
• Limited control over early reflections compared to some competing reverb plugins
One of the most significant improvements in Pro-R 2 is the addition of Vintage and Plate algorithms, expanding its sonic palette to include the warm, characterful sounds of classic digital reverb units from the ’80s and ’90s, as well as the distinctive metallic sheen of plate reverbs. These new algorithms complement the existing natural room simulations, providing users with a comprehensive toolkit for crafting the perfect reverb for any situation. Pro-R 2’s spectrum analyzer provides real-time visualization of the decay time across different frequencies, making it easier to fine-tune the reverb’s character.
At the heart of FabFilter Pro-R 2 is its Space control, which allows users to seamlessly blend between various room models. This stepless control is coupled with an automatic decay time adjustment, ensuring that the reverb always sounds natural regardless of the chosen space size. The Space control ranges from intimate ambiences to vast cathedrals, providing a wide spectrum of spatial effects.
The Decay Rate EQ is a standout feature that sets Pro-R 2 apart from many other reverb plugins. This six-band EQ allows for precise shaping of the reverb’s decay time across the frequency spectrum. Unlike traditional crossover systems, the Decay Rate EQ uses parametric bands, offering unprecedented flexibility in tailoring the reverb’s character. This feature is particularly useful for creating custom reverb responses that match specific instruments or mix requirements. Complementing the Decay Rate EQ is a six-band Post EQ, which enables further sculpting of the final reverb sound. This combination of EQs provides users with the tools to design reverbs of any style or character, from subtle ambiences to lush, evolving spaces.
Pro-R 2 introduces a Thickness control that adds saturation and compression to the reverb tail. This feature is invaluable for creating denser, more vintage-style reverbs or for adding weight to digital-sounding spaces. The built-in Ducking feature allows the reverb to dynamically respond to the input signal, helping it blend more seamlessly with the dry sound and preventing it from overwhelming quieter passages. The plugin’s Stereo Width control is intelligently designed to maintain a natural stereo image. It ranges from pure mono to true stereo and beyond, allowing users to create wide, immersive reverbs without introducing phase issues or compromising mono compatibility.
Pro-R 2 also supports full immersive audio and Dolby Atmos formats, making it suitable for surround sound and 3D audio production. This feature, combined with its high-quality algorithms, positions Pro-R 2 as a professional-grade tool for post-production and film scoring. The plugin includes an extensive preset library that covers a wide range of reverb types and applications. These presets serve as excellent starting points for creating custom reverbs and can be easily modified using the intuitive interface.
When compared to other high-end reverb plugins like Lexicon PCM Native Reverb Bundle or Eventide Blackhole, FabFilter Pro-R 2 holds its own in terms of sound quality and versatility. While it may not offer the same level of vintage emulation as the Lexicon, Pro-R 2’s modern approach to reverb design makes it more intuitive and quicker to achieve desired results. In contrast to algorithmic reverbs like Valhalla VintageVerb, Pro-R 2 offers more precise control over the reverb’s frequency response and decay characteristics. However, Valhalla’s offerings tend to be less CPU-intensive, which might be a consideration for users with limited processing power. Compared to convolution reverbs like Audio Ease Altiverb, Pro-R 2 provides more flexibility in shaping the reverb character. While convolution reverbs excel at recreating specific real-world spaces, Pro-R 2’s algorithmic approach allows for more creative sound design and easier tweaking to fit various mix contexts.
This plugin is best for:
• Mix engineers seeking a versatile, high-quality reverb that’s easy to fit in a mix
• Sound designers who need precise control over reverb characteristics
• Film and game audio professionals working with surround and immersive audio formats
• Musicians and producers looking for an intuitive reverb plugin with a wide range of natural and creative sounds
• Post-production engineers requiring a reverb that can handle both subtle ambiences and dramatic spatial effects
FabFilter Pro-R 2 represents a significant evolution in reverb plugin design, offering a powerful blend of sound quality, usability, and versatility. Its intuitive interface and musical controls make it accessible to users of all skill levels, while its advanced features provide the depth and precision required by professional audio engineers. The addition of vintage and plate algorithms expands its sonic palette, making it a comprehensive reverb solution for a wide range of applications. The plugin’s standout features, such as the Decay Rate EQ and flexible Space control, provide users with unprecedented control over the reverb’s character without requiring extensive technical knowledge. This approach to reverb design allows for quick and musical results, making Pro-R 2 an excellent choice for both creative sound design and practical mixing tasks. FabFilter Pro-R 2 strikes a balance between ease of use and depth of control, making it a strong contender in the crowded field of reverb plugins. Its ability to produce natural-sounding spaces as well as creative, otherworldly reverbs positions it as a versatile tool suitable for a wide range of music production, post-production, and sound design applications. Whether used for subtle ambience or as a featured effect, Pro-R 2 consistently delivers high-quality results that sit well in a mix.