Why do people prefer Fabfilter ProQ to similar plugins like UVI Shade?

[lastReminder]

Hi everyone, this is not a troll post, but a genuine Question.

When I watch many/most YouTube music production channels, it seems that pretty much everyone uses Fabfilter's ProQ as their basic paid general purpose mixing EQ (in addition to stock EQs and maybe some colourful analog emulations)

Personally, up until recently I mostly used Reapers stock EQ or some analog-modeled channel strips for my EQ needs, but since I got it very cheap on sale, I purchased UVI Shade recently to see what it's about. And honestly, at least to me, it pretty much looks the same to me as the Fabfilter EQ and even seems to be somewhat more flexible modulation-wise etc. And it's a lot cheaper. So how come, that even with competitors like these, Fabfilter's EQ sells so much better than the alternatives, to the extent, that it feels like pretty much everyone uses it. Are there some hidden features that I don't know about?

Thanks very much in advance!

ps. Again, I am not here to troll, or to tell anyone that UVI Shade is better than ProQ. I am genuinely interested in why ProQ is used so much more than the alternatives with very similar functionality

[whyterabbyt]

I dont use either, but since Pro_Q has been around since 2011, and Shades only since 2021 or so, then that would be the first obvious thing. Plus four major versions of Pro Q in that time.

Secondly, my perception of UVI is as a synth and 'creative' effect developer, whereas FF have a very solid reputation for their 'mixing' effects. So Pro Q and Shades may have different audiences.

Thirdly, probably Dan Worrall.

[Vortifex]

People see big names using it and think, "Oh, I need to use that if I want to sound pro like them". Same thing with live streaming/podcasting and the Shure SM7B mic. Everyone uses it because they think it's what you need to be 'pro', when there are plenty of decent alternatives that don't get as much publicity. Eventually it becomes a de facto standard.

Also remember that YouTubers get free stuff from companies like Fabfilter. How many times have you heard YouTubers say "The developer did send this to me but I'm free to say what I like about it"? I'm sure it's totally a coincidence that they like it very much and completely glossed over its flaws.

[martiu]

Shade is more of a creative effect with different filter modes and modulations, Pro-Q3 or 4 are mixing and mastering EQs

[lastReminder]

I dont use either, but since Pro_Q has been around since 2011, and Shades only since 2021 or so, then that would be the first obvious thing. Plus four major versions of Pro Q in that time.

Secondly, my perception of UVI is as a synth and 'creative' effect developer, whereas FF have a very solid reputation for their 'mixing' effects. So Pro Q and Shades may have different audiences.

Thirdly, probably Dan Worrall.

this makes a lot of sense. Actually, I use Shade now mostly as a "creative" effect, it's really fun to create automated dynamic filters to get auto-wah effects and stuff like that

[lastReminder]

Shade is more of a creative effect with different filter modes and modulations, Pro-Q3 or 4 are mixing and mastering EQs

You're right, but couldn't you use Shade as mixing and mastering EQs, too? I dont really see what ProQ can do and Shade can not. To me, they sound pretty much the same with the same settings but ymmv of course.

[MirkoVanHauten]

Shade is more of a creative effect with different filter modes and modulations, Pro-Q3 or 4 are mixing and mastering EQs

This. Pro-Q is my goto because it has a straight forward unrivaled UI, is super lightweight to be used on 100s of tracks, has a clean sound, and now offers features to make mixing and navigating instances even more easy. I love Shade for everything creative with its flexible modulations. I've used stock EQs before FabFilter but always felt something was missing, like phase modes, band-listening, even filter types.

[kraster]

Shade is more of a creative effect with different filter modes and modulations, Pro-Q3 or 4 are mixing and mastering EQs

You're right, but couldn't you use Shade as mixing and mastering EQs, too? I dont really see what ProQ can do and Shade can not. To me, they sound pretty much the same with the same settings but ymmv of course.

The problem with having an extended feature set is that it interferes with something that is built more towards being a functional eq.

Things like just soloing bands, control handles for dynamic eq, spectral eq, spectrum grab, multiple instancing make Pro Q a much more suitable general purpose eq.

It's also rock solid. Shade feels a little clunkier and less smooth. Its forte is definitely more as an effect eq. Shade feels like a cross between Pro Q and Volcano.

[Scoops]

I do not have knowledge of many of the vendors that create vst's for sound modification.
I do have a lot of IK, Izotope, and NI stuff.

I prefer FabFilter because it's easy to dial in, easy on the eyes, feature rich, and has a low cpu footprint. People complain about the price, but with patience and waiting for sales, the financial burden can be reduced by @50%

[martiu]

Shade is more of a creative effect with different filter modes and modulations, Pro-Q3 or 4 are mixing and mastering EQs

You're right, but couldn't you use Shade as mixing and mastering EQs, too?

Yes you can, personally i like to use more specific tools and Pro-Q3 is just that, EQ.

[skyman88882002]

I'm starting to move away from ProQ. I just got Toneboosters EQ Pro demo and it seems really interesting.

[foosnark]

I was gonna say, Toneboosters Pro Equalizer is my choice too.

Before that I was using CraveEQ, because it had the features I wanted and was far cheaper than other options. TB is a little bit nicer overall (albeit with a couple of strange interface quirks), and the ambience vs. direct selection for bands can be really interesting as a creative effect at times.

[martiu]

One more great creative EQ is apQualizr2, it is similar to Shade
https://www.apulsoft.ch/apqualizr2/

apq2_pp.png

[fisherKing]

there are lots of great eqs out there. i came up on the fabfilter ones, so that's what i use. and Q4 is exceptional, their best eq yet. but good eqs all do the same basic things, so you use what you like.

[Ah_Dziz]

I've never gotten what the big deal about FF is. Seems like some totally fine mixing tools but also a bit expensive. I use melda Mdynamiceq about 99% of the time when I need some serious EQ. The rest of the time I usually just use host stuff/ whatever is handy.