Pro-R 2

Name: Pro-R 2
Price: 149 USD
Author: FabFilter

by FabFilter · Reverb · Algorithmic

vst3s Score 9.2/10 · rated #2 of 10 reverbs

A reverb built around perceptual controls such as Space and Distance instead of raw room parameters. The decay-rate EQ shows and edits how the tail decays at every frequency.

Version 2 added Vintage and Plate algorithms, impulse-response import for convolution-style sounds, immersive support up to Dolby Atmos, and ducking and gating for reverbs that stay out of the way.

Best for: Vocals, Drums, Acoustic Instruments, Keys & Synths. Genres: all genres.

Keywords: impulse-response based, plate, algorithmic, gated, mixing, clean, drums, ducking, vocals, wide, room, smooth, 80s, 90s, convolution, digital classic, freeze, hall, hardware emulation, metallic, musical, snare.

What it does

Pro-R 2 is FabFilter's algorithmic reverb, released in November 2023. Instead of a long list of technical parameters, it's built around a few musical controls and a display that shows the decay across the frequency range.

Space and Distance: one stepless Space knob moves smoothly from small rooms to large halls, blending room model and decay time; Distance sets how close the source sounds within that space.
Decay Rate EQ: a parametric EQ that changes the decay time per frequency, so you can shorten the low end or let the highs ring longer. A separate six-band Post EQ shapes the tone of the reverb itself.
Styles: the clean Modern algorithm is joined in version 2 by Vintage (modelled on '80s and '90s digital reverbs) and Plate (metallic plate sounds).
IR import: load an impulse response and Pro-R 2 analyses it and sets its own parameters to approximate that space.
Shaping: Character (from a clean, smooth decay to a livelier one with clear reflections), Brightness, Thickness, and Stereo Width from mono to extra-wide.
Also: Ducking, Auto Gate for gated effects, a Freeze button, and Dolby Atmos/surround support up to 9.1.6.

FabFilter offers a 30-day trial.

Source: FabFilter product page

When to use it

Pro-R 2 is the most controllable reverb in this list: where VintageVerb, LX480 and Seventh Heaven give you the sound of particular hardware, Pro-R 2 lets you shape a space precisely, with the decay-rate EQ doing a job none of the others do as directly. It's cleaner and more modern-sounding by default, though the Vintage and Plate styles now cover some of the same ground as VintageVerb. For huge, evolving clouds, Supermassive and Blackhole go much further.

Best for: everyday mix reverbs on vocals, drums and instruments where you want the tail to sit exactly right, gated snare effects, and Atmos mixing.
Genres: pop, rock, electronic, hip-hop, and film/TV work; it's a generalist.
Look elsewhere if: you want the specific colour of a classic unit (LX480, Seventh Heaven, SP2016), realistic captured spaces (Altiverb), or a spring reverb, which Pro-R 2 doesn't have.
Tip: use the Decay Rate EQ to shorten the low-end decay instead of cutting lows with the Post EQ; the reverb stays full but stops muddying the mix.

What producers say

Reviewers see it as a big step up from the original Pro-R, with the new styles and workflow praised and IR import seen as a fun extra rather than a convolution replacement.

MusicTech (9/10) liked how well the algorithms sit in a mix and found the Vintage and Plate styles very different from Modern, but called IR import "hit-and-miss" and missed a spring algorithm and FabFilter's usual modulation options.
Tape Op (Larry Crane) found it much easier to use than the busy display suggests and singled out Distance, Width and how fast you can get a gated reverb.
KVR users rate it 5 out of 5 (from a small number of reviews), calling it flexible and good-sounding.
Gripe: the display looks complex at first, which can put off people who prefer a simple reverb.

Where to buy

Sweetwater: $149
Plugin Boutique: $149 (regular $199)
Best Service: $169
Audio Plugin Deals: $179
FabFilter: $199
PluginFox: $199
AudioDeluxe: $199

Tutorials and reviews

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