FabFilter Pro-R 2: The Ultimate Algorithmic Reverb
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Developer | FabFilter |
| Price | $199 |
| Type | High-resolution algorithmic reverb |
| Spaces | 12 types (Hall, Chamber, Plate, Spring, etc.) |
| Formats | VST, VST3, AU, AAX |
| Decay Time | 0.1s to 30s |
| Post-EQ | 6-band integrated |
| Ducking | Sidechain to clear reverb on strong signal |
The FabFilter Pro-R 2 is considered by many as the best algorithmic reverb available as a plugin. Clean interface, ultra-realistic spaces, natural decay, and that clarity missing from so many other reverbs.
Price: $199. In this complete review, we'll see if Pro-R 2 is really worth its price against Valhalla ($50), Exponential Audio, and convolution reverbs.
🌊 Why Reverb is the Most Important Effect
Reverb creates the illusion of acoustic space around your sounds. It's what differentiates an amateur mix (dry, flat) from a pro mix (depth, cohesion, spatialization).
Reverb roles:
- ✅ Create depth: Move elements away or bring them closer
- ✅ Glue the mix: Make instruments sound together in the same space
- ✅ Add emotion: Large hall = epic, small room = intimate
- ✅ Mask defects: Soften aggressive transients
- ✅ Widen stereo: Fill the sides of the mix
💡 Golden Rule
One reverb per mix (or 2 max). Use the same reverb in send/return for all instruments = spatial cohesion. Pro-R 2 excels in this role.
🖥️ Interface: Simple yet Powerful
FabFilter achieved the impossible: a reverb ultra-simple on the surface, but with unmatched depth of control when you dig.
Simple View:
- 🎚️ Space: Choose your space type (1 click)
- 🎚️ Decay Time: Reverb tail duration
- 🎚️ Character: Vintage/modern, dark/bright
- 🎚️ Distance: Close/far
- 🎚️ Mix: Wet/Dry
In 30 seconds, you have a pro sound. But if you want to go further...
Advanced View:
- ✅ 6-band Post-EQ: Sculpt the reverb sound
- ✅ Decay Rate EQ: Long-ringing bass, short highs = natural
- ✅ Early Reflections: Adjust first reflections (size perception)
- ✅ Modulation: Subtle chorus for more organic reverbs
- ✅ Ducking: Reverb fades when vocals sing = clarity++
🎯 Pro Workflow
Start in Simple mode. Find your space and decay time. THEN switch to Advanced to refine Post-EQ and Decay Rate. That's the secret to transparent, natural reverb.
🎵 Audio Quality: Clarity & Natural
Pro-R 2 audio quality is exceptional. The decay is ultra-natural, with no metallic artifacts, no mud in the bass, no excessive brightness in the highs.
The 12 Spaces Explained:
| Space | Character | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Concert Hall | Large, epic, natural | Orchestras, ballads, cinematic mixes |
| Church | Very large, reflective | Choirs, ambient, sound design |
| Theatre | Medium, warm | Vocals, jazz, acoustic |
| Medium Hall | Versatile, balanced | Pop, rock, most mixes |
| Small Hall | Intimate, controlled | Rap vocals, solo instruments |
| Chamber | Bright, fast | Percussion, sound design |
| Medium Room | Natural studio | Drums, close-mic vocals |
| Small Room | Very short, ambience | Adding life without long tail |
| Plate | Vintage 60s, dense | Retro vocals, snare, vintage mix |
| Spring | Metallic boing | Surf guitars, dub reggae |
| Cathedral | Immense, reverberant | Pads, ambient, textures |
| Box | Small, reflective | Creative effects, phone voice |
⚖️ Pro-R 2 vs Valhalla vs Exponential Audio
| Criteria | FabFilter Pro-R 2 | Valhalla Room | Exponential R4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $199 | $50 | $299 |
| Interface | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Modern | ⭐⭐⭐ Sober | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Detailed |
| Audio quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Clarity++ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Dense | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Realistic |
| Naturalness | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Perfect | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Unbeatable |
| CPU | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Light | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Ultra-light | ⭐⭐⭐ Heavy |
| Workflow | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Intuitive++ | ⭐⭐⭐ Basic | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Complex |
| Ducking | ✅ Integrated | ❌ No | ✅ Integrated |
| Post-EQ | ✅ 6 bands | ❌ Basic | ✅ Detailed |
Comparison verdict:
- Pro-R 2 = Best quality/workflow/clarity balance. The pro choice.
- Valhalla Room = Incredible value ($50). Dense, vintage sound.
- Exponential R4 = Most realistic, but complex and CPU-heavy.
🎨 Advanced Techniques with Pro-R 2
1. Automatic Ducking (Vocal Clarity)
Activate Ducking, adjust threshold. Reverb automatically fades when vocals sing, returns in silences = maximum clarity + space.
2. Decay Rate EQ (Natural Reverb)
Set bass to long decay (natural hall sound), highs to short decay (avoids excessive brightness). This is what makes Pro-R 2 so realistic.
3. Post-EQ High-Pass (Clean Mix)
Cut bass below 200-300 Hz in the reverb. Keeps mix clean, avoids mud, preserves kick/bass.
4. Distance Control (3D Depth)
Lead vocals = Distance 30% (close). Backing vocals = Distance 70% (far). Create 3D depth in your mix.
5. Parallel Reverb (Maximum Impact)
Reverb in send/return at 100% wet. Mix with fader = total control. Universal pro technique.
🎯 Final Verdict
The FabFilter Pro-R 2 is the best algorithmic reverb for modern production. Clarity, natural sound, intuitive workflow, integrated ducking. $199 well spent.
✅ Strengths
- Exceptional audio quality (clarity + natural)
- Simple interface on surface, deep in details
- 12 spaces covering all needs
- Integrated ducking (automatic clarity)
- 6-band Post-EQ + Decay Rate EQ
- Optimized CPU
- Excellent presets
❌ Weaknesses
- High price (but justified)
- Valhalla Room = $50 and almost as good for some uses
- No convolution (but it's algorithmic)