Mastering doesn’t require dozens of plugins. With the FabFilter suite alone, you can create a clean, loud, and professional master.

In this tutorial, you’ll learn exactly how to master a track using only FabFilter plugins—from EQ to final limiting.

🔹 Step 1: Clean Up the Mix with EQ

🎚 Plugin: FabFilter Pro-Q 3

What You’ll Do:

1. Insert Pro-Q 3 on your master channel.

2. Add a high-pass filter at 20–30 Hz to remove unwanted rumble.

3. Identify harsh frequencies (often 2kHz–5kHz) and reduce them gently.

4. Use Dynamic EQ mode to control resonances transparently.

5. Keep boosts subtle (no more than 1–1.5 dB).

👉 The goal is balance, not drastic tone changes.

🔹 Step 2: Glue the Mix with Compression

🎚 Plugin: FabFilter Pro-C 2

Suggested Settings:

• Style: Mastering

• Ratio: 1.5:1 – 2:1

• Attack: 20–40 ms

• Release: Auto

• Gain Reduction: 1–2 dB maximum

Why?

This adds cohesion and smooths dynamics without squashing the track.

👉 If it sounds obviously compressed, reduce the threshold.

🔹 Step 3: Control Specific Frequencies (Optional)

🎚 Plugin: FabFilter Pro-MB

Use This To:

• Tighten the low end (below 120 Hz)

• Smooth harsh vocals (2kHz–5kHz)

• Control overly bright highs

Keep compression gentle and transparent.

👉 This step is polish—not repair.

🔹 Step 4: Add Warmth and Harmonics

🎚 Plugin: FabFilter Saturn 2

How to Apply:

• Choose a Tape or Tube style.

• Keep Drive low (5–15%).

• Use multiband mode for subtle high-end enhancement.

This adds character without distortion.

👉 You should feel it more than hear it.

🔹 Step 5: Final Loudness with Limiting

🎚 Plugin: FabFilter Pro-L 2

Recommended Settings:

• Style: Transparent or Modern

• True Peak Limiting: ON

• Output Ceiling: -1.0 dB

Target Loudness:

• Streaming: around -14 LUFS

• Pop/Rock: -9 to -12 LUFS

• EDM: -8 to -10 LUFS

👉 Avoid constant heavy gain reduction.

🎧 Final FabFilter Mastering Chain

1. Pro-Q 3 – Cleanup & tonal balance

2. Pro-C 2 – Glue compression

3. Pro-MB – Frequency control (optional)

4. Saturn 2 – Subtle saturation

5. Pro-L 2 – Final limiter

🔥 Pro Mastering Tips

✔ Use reference tracks
✔ Check your mix in mono
✔ Monitor at low volume
✔ Take ear breaks
✔ Export in 24-bit WAV