In the world of professional audio production, two names consistently stand out for their high-quality plugins: FabFilter and Sonnox. Both companies have earned reputations for developing top-tier audio processing tools that are widely used in mixing, mastering, and sound design. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the products, features, and unique offerings of both FabFilter and Sonnox, providing audio professionals and enthusiasts with valuable insights to inform their plugin choices.
Table of Contents
Company Backgrounds
FabFilter, founded in 2002 by Floris Klinkert and Frederik Slijkerman, is based in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The company has built its reputation on creating innovative, user-friendly plugins with exceptional sound quality. Their product line focuses on essential audio processing tools like equalizers, compressors, limiters, and creative effects.
Sonnox, originally part of Sony’s Oxford console division, became an independent company in 2007. Based in Oxfordshire, UK, Sonnox has leveraged its heritage in high-end console design to create plugins that emulate and expand upon classic hardware processors. Their products are known for their pristine sound quality and professional-grade features.
Product Range Comparison
FabFilter Product Line
FabFilter offers a focused range of plugins that cover the core needs of audio production:
1. Pro-Q 3: A highly regarded equalizer plugin known for its flexibility and sound quality.
2. Pro-C 2: A versatile compressor with multiple compression styles and advanced features.
3. Pro-L 2: A true peak limiter with various limiting algorithms and extensive metering.
4. Pro-R 2: A reverb plugin that combines natural and vintage sounds with intuitive controls.
5. Pro-MB: A multiband compression and expansion plugin with dynamic band splitting.
6. Saturn 2: A multiband distortion and saturation plugin with modulation capabilities.
7. Timeless 3: A delay plugin with advanced modulation and filtering options.
8. Volcano 3: A filter plugin with extensive modulation possibilities.
9. Twin 3: A powerful synthesizer plugin with high-quality sound and effects.
Sonnox Product Line
Sonnox offers a broader range of plugins, including both mixing and mastering tools as well as specialized processors:
1. Oxford EQ: A precise equalizer with five different EQ types and advanced features.
2. Oxford Dynamics: A comprehensive dynamics processor with compression, expansion, limiting, and gating.
3. Oxford Inflator: A unique enhancement plugin that increases perceived loudness and excitement.
4. Oxford Limiter: A high-quality limiter with various modes and extensive metering.
5. Oxford Reverb: A versatile reverb plugin with advanced early reflection and tail controls.
6. Oxford SuprEsser: A de-essing and dynamic EQ plugin with precise frequency control.
7. Oxford TransMod: A transient shaping plugin for adjusting attack and sustain characteristics.
8. Claro: An intelligent EQ with spectral analysis and matching capabilities.
9. VoxDoubler: A vocal enhancement plugin for creating doubling and widening effects.
Sound Quality and Processing Algorithms
Both FabFilter and Sonnox are renowned for their exceptional sound quality, but they approach audio processing in slightly different ways.
FabFilter plugins are known for their clean, transparent sound with a modern edge. Their algorithms are designed to provide precise control while maintaining the integrity of the source material. The Pro-Q 3 equalizer, for example, offers various filter types and slopes, allowing for surgical precision in frequency manipulation without introducing unwanted artifacts.
Sonnox plugins, drawing from their console heritage, often aim to recreate the warmth and character of analog hardware while offering the flexibility of digital processing. The Oxford EQ, for instance, provides multiple EQ types that emulate different analog circuits, allowing users to choose between clinical precision and subtle coloration.
In terms of dynamics processing, FabFilter’s Pro-C 2 compressor offers a range of compression styles, from clean and transparent to more colored and characterful. Sonnox’s Oxford Dynamics, on the other hand, provides a comprehensive suite of dynamics tools that closely emulate the behavior of high-end analog processors.
User Interface and Workflow
FabFilter is widely praised for its intuitive and visually appealing user interfaces. Their plugins feature large, interactive displays that provide immediate visual feedback. The Pro-Q 3, for example, allows users to create and manipulate EQ bands directly on the frequency spectrum, streamlining the equalization process. FabFilter’s interfaces are also highly customizable, with resizable windows and various display options to suit different workflows.
Sonnox plugins typically feature more traditional interfaces that closely resemble hardware units. While not as flashy as FabFilter’s designs, Sonnox interfaces are clear, functional, and familiar to users accustomed to working with hardware processors. The Oxford Dynamics plugin, for instance, presents its various sections (compressor, limiter, gate, etc.) in a layout similar to a channel strip on a mixing console.
Both companies prioritize efficient workflow, but FabFilter tends to emphasize modern, software-centric approaches, while Sonnox often draws inspiration from classic hardware designs.
Unique Features and Innovations
FabFilter and Sonnox both offer innovative features that set their plugins apart from the competition.
FabFilter’s Pro-Q 3 includes features like dynamic EQ, per-band mid/side processing, and an intelligent solo function that isolates the frequency range being edited. The Pro-MB multiband compressor uses dynamic band splitting, allowing for more natural transitions between frequency ranges. FabFilter also emphasizes modulation capabilities in plugins like Saturn 2 and Timeless 3, enabling complex, evolving effects.
Sonnox’s Oxford Inflator is a standout plugin that uses a unique algorithm to increase perceived loudness and excitement without introducing traditional distortion or limiting. The Oxford SuprEsser combines de-essing with dynamic EQ, offering precise control over problematic frequencies. Sonnox’s Claro plugin introduces AI-assisted EQ, helping users identify and address frequency issues quickly.
CPU Efficiency and Performance
Both FabFilter and Sonnox are known for developing efficient plugins that balance high-quality processing with reasonable CPU usage. However, there are some differences in their approaches.
FabFilter plugins are generally praised for their efficiency, allowing users to run multiple instances without significantly taxing system resources. The company achieves this through careful optimization and by offering various quality settings in plugins like Pro-Q 3 and Pro-R 2, allowing users to balance sound quality with CPU usage.
Sonnox plugins, particularly their more complex processors like the Oxford Reverb, can be more CPU-intensive. However, this is often a trade-off for the depth of control and quality of processing they offer. Sonnox has made efforts to improve efficiency in recent years, with newer plugins like Claro designed to be more CPU-friendly.
Compatibility and Format Support
Both FabFilter and Sonnox offer excellent compatibility across different digital audio workstations (DAWs) and operating systems.
FabFilter plugins are available in VST, VST3, Audio Units, AAX Native, and AudioSuite formats, supporting both 64-bit and 32-bit systems. They are compatible with Windows (7 and later) and macOS (10.12 and later), including support for Apple Silicon.
Sonnox plugins are available in similar formats, including VST, VST3, Audio Units, and AAX. They support Windows (7 and later) and macOS (10.9 and later), with many of their plugins now optimized for Apple Silicon.
Both companies regularly update their plugins to ensure compatibility with the latest DAW versions and operating systems.
Pricing and Value
FabFilter and Sonnox both position themselves in the premium plugin market, with pricing that reflects the quality and capabilities of their products.
FabFilter offers individual plugins as well as bundles. Their flagship plugins like Pro-Q 3 and Pro-C 2 are priced competitively within the professional market. FabFilter also offers various bundles that provide significant savings for users looking to invest in multiple plugins.
Sonnox plugins are generally priced slightly higher than FabFilter’s offerings, reflecting their heritage in high-end studio equipment. However, Sonnox frequently offers sales and promotions, making their plugins more accessible. They also provide bundles, such as the Oxford Elite Collection, which offers substantial savings on their complete plugin suite.
Both companies offer demo versions of their plugins, allowing users to thoroughly test the products before making a purchase. This approach, combined with the high quality of their plugins, generally results in users feeling they’ve received good value for their investment.
Target Users and Applications
While both FabFilter and Sonnox cater to professional audio engineers and producers, they each have slightly different target audiences.
FabFilter’s modern interface design and workflow-oriented features make their plugins particularly appealing to younger producers and those working primarily in-the-box. Their plugins are widely used in electronic music production, pop, and hip-hop, but are versatile enough for any genre.
Sonnox, with its console heritage and more traditional interfaces, often appeals to experienced engineers who are accustomed to working with high-end hardware. Their plugins are frequently found in professional post-production facilities, mastering studios, and high-end recording studios. However, they are equally capable in modern production environments.
Both companies’ plugins are used across various applications, from music production and mixing to post-production for film and television, mastering, and live sound reinforcement.
Conclusion
FabFilter and Sonnox both offer exceptional quality plugins that cater to the needs of professional audio production. FabFilter excels in creating modern, intuitive interfaces with powerful features and pristine sound quality. Their plugins are particularly well-suited to users who prioritize workflow efficiency and visual feedback.
Sonnox, drawing from its heritage in high-end console design, offers plugins that often emulate the sound and behavior of classic hardware while providing the flexibility of digital processing. Their tools are particularly appealing to users who value traditional audio engineering approaches and the subtle coloration associated with high-end analog equipment.
Ultimately, the choice between FabFilter and Sonnox will depend on personal preference, workflow requirements, and specific project needs. Many professional studios and engineers choose to use plugins from both companies, leveraging the strengths of each to achieve the best possible results in their audio productions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can FabFilter and Sonnox plugins be used together in the same project?
Absolutely. Many audio professionals use plugins from both FabFilter and Sonnox in their projects. The plugins are designed to work within standard DAW environments and can be combined freely. In fact, using both can often provide a broader palette of sound shaping tools, allowing for more creative and precise audio processing.
How do the metering capabilities compare between FabFilter and Sonnox plugins?
Both companies offer excellent metering in their plugins, but with different emphases. FabFilter plugins often feature large, interactive displays with detailed visual feedback. For example, the Pro-L 2 limiter provides extensive loudness and true peak metering options. Sonnox plugins, particularly the Oxford Limiter, are known for their precise and comprehensive metering capabilities, often adhering closely to broadcast standards.
Are there any significant differences in how FabFilter and Sonnox handle oversampling and aliasing prevention?
Both FabFilter and Sonnox take oversampling and aliasing prevention seriously in their plugin designs. FabFilter often provides user-selectable oversampling options, allowing users to balance processing quality with CPU usage. Sonnox tends to build high-quality oversampling into their plugins by default, particularly in processors like the Oxford Limiter, which is known for its transparent limiting even at high gain reduction levels. In practice, both companies’ approaches result in high-quality, alias-free processing, with FabFilter offering more user control over the process.