Smart:EQ 4 vs Pro-Q 3 | Feature Review

Hey everyone! In today's video, I'll be walking through and comparing two of the most popular EQ plugins on the market: Sonible Smart:EQ 4 and FabFilter Pro-Q 3. Many have asked me about my thoughts on Smart:EQ 4 on past videos. After using it for a few months now, I wanted to create a video highlighting its unique features, similarities, and differences when comparing it to flagship EQs like Fabfilter Pro-Q3.

I kick things off by showcasing common features of Smart:EQ 4 and Pro-Q 3 such as adding up to 24 filters, whether static or dynamic, and the flexibility to switch filters to mid/side mode. While Pro-Q 3 takes it a step further by offering left/right processing and a wider variety of filter types, I delve into what sets them apart and how they cater to your mixing needs.

One of the standout features I examine is Pro-Q 3's multi-track analyzer which helps with identifying and addressing frequency masking. In contrast, Smart:EQ 4 offers a group feature, which intelligently analyzes signals across all channels within a group, adjusting frequencies automatically to ensure a clear, balanced mix.

My goal is to help producers and those looking for new plugins asnwer the question - Is Sonible Smart:EQ 4 better than FabFilter Pro-Q 3? Are the intelligent features of Smart:EQ 4 worth the cost of the plugin? Who should consider these EQ plugins as their go-to tool for music production?

While my main DAW is FL Studio, for this particular review, I'm working in Cuebase 13 due to some stability issues with Smart:EQ 4 in FL Studio. This switch offers a fresh perspective on mixing in Cuebase, while still holding true to my roots in FL Studio.

🎧 Why This Plugin Review?

This comparison is essential for professional musicians, producers, and anyone passionate about mixing and mastering. Whether you're mixing in FL Studio, Cuebase, or another DAW, join me as I unravel the complexities of both Smart:EQ4 and Pro-Q 3 plugins to help you make informed decisions for your music production.

0:00 Intro
0:38 Notice for FL Studio Users
1:12 Comparing Smart:EQ 4 and Pro-Q 3 Common Features
1:49 Comparing Smart:EQ 4 and Pro-Q 3 Filter Options
2:43 Comparing Smart:EQ 4 and Pro-Q 3 Filter Types
4:39 Saving multiple EQ States in both EQs
5:23 Sidechaining Pro-Q 3 vs Smart:EQ 4
6:03 Pro-Q 3 multi-track analysis vs Smart:EQ 4 group mode
7:10 Smart:EQ 4 Glitched in real-time
7:34 Using "Group" feature to unmask in Smart:EQ 4
11:26 Unmasking in Fabfilter Pro-Q 3
12:02 Is Sonible Smart:EQ 4 worth buying
13:09 Is Smart:EQ 4 better than Fabfilter Pro-Q 3
13:36 Final Thoughts

✅ Got questions or want to share your thoughts? Drop a comment below! And don't forget to hit like and subscribe for more music production tips and tricks, FL Studio tutorials, plugin overviews, mixing and mastering tutorials, and so much more.

🔍 Tags: #mixingandmastering #audiomixing #musicproduction #musicproducer #beatmaking #fabfilter #proq3 #fabfilterproq3 #sonible #smarteq #smarteq4 #audioengineer #cuebase #cuebase13 #cuebase12 #vst #vstplugins #audiotutorial #sidechain #instrumental #imageline #flstudio #dynamiceq #midside #musicmastering #mastreringmusic