Equalization is a core process in modern music production. Whether you’re mixing vocals or mastering a full track, the right EQ tool can make or break your sound. In this article, we compare three cutting-edge EQ plugins: FabFilter Pro-Q 4, Soundtheory Gullfoss, and Waves Curves AQ — each bringing unique approaches to frequency shaping.
FabFilter Pro-Q 4: Smarter Precision
FabFilter Pro-Q 4 evolves the already powerful Pro-Q 3 with enhanced AI-assisted features and smarter workflows:
- AI Assist (New): Automatically suggests EQ moves based on real-time audio analysis.
- Improved Dynamic EQ: Greater precision with better visual feedback for dynamic processing.
- Advanced Mid/Side and Surround Support: Including Dolby Atmos compatibility for immersive productions.
- Fluid Workflow: Still one of the cleanest and fastest EQ interfaces available.
Best for: Detailed mixing and mastering, surgical correction, immersive audio workflows.
Soundtheory Gullfoss: Perceptual Equalization
Gullfoss uses real-time psychoacoustic modeling to adjust frequencies based on how we actually hear:
- Automatic Intelligent Adjustments: Enhances clarity and balances tonal relationships instantly.
- Simple Control Set: Sliders like “Recover” and “Tame” make it extremely easy to use.
- Transparent Output: Improves the mix without coloring it.
Best for: Quick tonal fixes, mastering, and improving overall mix clarity with minimal effort.
Waves Curves AQ: AI-Driven Resonance Suppression
Curves AQ is Waves’ newest plugin, using artificial intelligence to clean up resonant build-up and improve clarity:
- Learn Mode: Analyzes your audio and automatically creates EQ curves to suppress problematic frequencies.
- Sidechain Unmasking: Helps resolve frequency conflicts between overlapping elements (e.g., vocals and synths).
- Advanced Controls: Shape the behavior with attack/release, tilt, precision, and smoothing options.
- Multiband Targeting: Lets you focus on specific frequency ranges dynamically.
Best for: Fast mix cleanup, unmasking, taming harshness, and enhancing clarity in a modern production flow.
Plugin Comparison
| Plugin | Core Strength | Best Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| FabFilter Pro-Q 4 | Surgical precision + AI assist | Mixing, mastering, immersive audio |
| Gullfoss | Perceptual clarity enhancement | Quick mix fixes, mastering, transparency |
| Waves Curves AQ | Adaptive resonance suppression | Resonance cleanup, unmasking, fast workflow |
Final Thoughts
Each of these EQ plugins delivers unique strengths:
- FabFilter Pro-Q 4 is the go-to for clean, surgical EQ with pro-grade precision and new AI guidance.
- Soundtheory Gullfoss is ideal when you want fast, intelligent tonal balance with minimal tweaking.
- Waves Curves AQ shines in controlling resonance, cleaning harshness, and separating elements in a dense mix.
The best choice depends on your production style, goals, and the type of material you’re working with. All three are powerful — the real magic is how you use them.
