FabFilter PRO-DS Users Manual

Table of contents

1

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Table of Contents

About FabFilter Pro-DS

Overview

Loading presets
Purchasing FabFilter Pro-DS

Support

2

Introduction

Quick start

Using FabFilter Pro-DS

Knobs
Basic controls
Advanced controls
Metering
Oversampling
Input and output options
MIDI learn
Undo, redo, A/B switch

Presets

Saving presets
How presets are stored

Purchasing FabFilter Pro-DS

Entering your license key

Support

Manual installation
VST plug-in versions
External side chaining
License agreement
About FabFilter

About FabFilter Pro-DS

3

Every mix or mastering engineer often has to deal with over-sibilant vocals. Even when using the best
microphones, pre-amps and converters, 's' and 't' sounds can easily get over-accentuated during post­processing like compression, saturation or limiting. For all these cases, FabFilter Pro-DS comes to the rescue!

With its highly intelligent 'Single Vocal' detection algorithm, it accurately and transparently attenuates sibilance
in vocal recordings. Plus when using Pro-DS in 'Allround' mode, it's a great tool for high-frequency limiting of
any material, like drums or full mixes. Try it out yourself!

Key features include highly intelligent 'Single Vocal' detection to detect sibilance in vocals, transparent
program-dependent compression/limiting, high-quality 64-bit internal processing, adjustable threshold, range
and detection HP and LP filtering, Wide Band or linear-phase Split Band processing, optional look-ahead time
up to 15 ms, adjustable stereo linking with optional mid-only or side-only processing and up to four times
linear-phase oversampling.

FabFilter Pro-DS is available in VST, VST3, AU (Audio Units), AAX Native and AudioSuite formats (all both 64­bit and 32-bit), as well as RTAS (32-bit only), for Mac OS X and Windows.

Windows requirements

32-bit: Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP
64-bit: Windows 10, 8, 7 or Vista (x64)
VST 2/3 host or Pro Tools

Next: Quick start

See Also

Using FabFilter Pro-DS

Mac OS X requirements

OS X 10.6 or higher
AU or VST 2/3 host or Pro Tools
Intel processor

Quick start

4

The installer will copy the FabFilter Pro-DS plug-in into the common VST, VST 3, AU (macOS only) and Pro
Tools plug-in folders on your computer. On macOS, the global plug-in folders in /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins are
used.

In most cases, your host will then recognize the plugin automatically. However, if the instructions below do not
work, see Manual

Cubase

Choose an empty insert slot, for example in the Mixer, and select FabFilter Pro-DS from the menu that
appears. To use the MIDI features in Pro-DS, create a new MIDI track and set its output to the Pro-DS
instance you have just created. (The VST 3 version of Pro-DS can be found in the Dynamics section.)

Logic Pro

Choose an empty insert slot on one of your audio tracks, instrument tracks or buses and select FabFilter
Pro-DS from the pop-up menu. You will find FabFilter Pro-DS in the Audio Units > FabFilter section
(named FF Pro-DS).

Ableton Live

In Session view, select the track you would like to place FabFilter Pro-DS on, for example by clicking the
track name. At the left top of Ableton Live's interface, click on the Plug-in Device Browser icon (third icon
from the top). From the plug-ins list, double-click FabFilter/FabFilter Pro-DS, or drag it onto the track.

Pro Tools

Choose an empty insert slot on one of your audio tracks, instrument tracks or buses and select FabFilter
Pro-DS from the pop-up menu in the Dynamics section.

To begin, just open the plug-in and adjust the Threshold and Range knobs. Enjoy!
Next: FabFilter Pro-DS overview

See Also

About FabFilter Pro-DS

installation instead.

Overview

5

The interface of FabFilter Pro-DS is designed to be easy to use while providing all necessary information and
controls. It consists of the following elements:

Real-time level display

In the top section of the plug-in, the real-time moving level display and the level meters show you at a
glance what's happening to your audio. The unaffected output level is shown in transparent grey, while
affected parts (where gain reduction is applied) are shown in light green. See Metering

Level metering

At the right of the interface, the output level meter, gain reduction meter and their read-outs provide an
immediate overview of the current output and gain reduction levels. See Metering

Basic controls

Using the large yellow Threshold and Range knobs, and the high-pass and low-pass filter sliders, you can
set up basic de-essing functionality. These controls determine the amount of gain reduction and the
frequency range on which the de-esser will trigger. To the right of the large knobs, you can toggle
between the highly intelligent Single Vocal and classic Allround modes. See Basic controls

Advanced controls

Centered in the interface, under the Mode buttons, you can toggle between Wide Band and Split Band
processing, and between using the internal or external input for the side-chain. See Advanced

Stereo linking and lookahead

Next to the level meters, at the right of the interface, you can control the amount of stereo linking (with
optional Mid-only or Side-only processing), and lookahead time. See Advanced controls

MIDI Learn

MIDI Learn lets you easily associate any MIDI controller with any plug-in parameter. See MIDI Learn

Oversampling

The Oversampling setting sets the amount of internal oversampling, which reduces possible aliasing for
fast/aggressive de-essing at the cost of additional CPU usage. See Oversampling

Input and output options

On the far right of the bottom bar, you can bypass the entire plug-in and adjust the initial input and final
output levels. See Input and output

Presets, undo, A/B, help

With the preset buttons, you can easily browse through the factory presets or save your own settings so
you can re-use them in other songs. The Undo, Redo, A/B and Copy buttons at the top of the plug-in
interface enable you to undo your changes and switch between different states of the plug-in. Finally, the
Help menu provides access to help and version information. See Loading presets

switch.

options.

.

.

.

controls.

.

.

.

and Undo, redo, A/B

Next: Knobs

See Also

6

Quick start

Knobs

7

It is easy to control FabFilter Pro-DS's parameters with the large round knobs. They will light up when you
move the mouse cursor around to indicate that you can adjust them. The moment you move the mouse cursor
over a knob, a parameter value display will pop up, which shows the name and the current value of the
parameter.

All knobs support four ways of control:

1. Vertical mode
Click on the center area of a knob and drag up or down to rotate it. The knob reacts to the speed with
which you are dragging, so if you move the mouse slowly, you make precise adjustments.

2. Rotate mode
Grab the arrow of the knob and drag it around. By moving the mouse cursor further away from the
knob while dragging it, you can make precise adjustments.

3. Mouse wheel mode
Perhaps the easiest way to make adjustments is by using the mouse wheel when you hover over a
knob. This mode works for all the knobs and possible panning rings. (On Windows, you might need to
click in the plug-in interface first to make sure it is the active window.)

4. Text entry mode
Double-click a knob to enter an exact value using the keyboard.

Tips

To reset a knob to its default position, hold down the Ctrl key (Windows) or Command key (macOS) and
click the knob once. Note: In Pro Tools, Pro-DS uses the default Pro Tools keyboard shortcut for reset:
Alt+click.

To fine-tune a value when using vertical drag mode or the mouse wheel, hold down the Shift key while
dragging or moving the mouse wheel. Note: In Pro Tools, Pro-DS uses the default Pro Tools keyboard
shortcut for fine tune: Ctrl+drag on Windows or Command+drag on macOS.

There are several handy shortcuts in text entry mode. With frequency values, you can type e.g. '1k'
to set the value to 1000 Hz, and also 'A4' for 440 Hz, or even strings like 'C#3+13'. With dB values, you
can type e.g. '2x' to get +6 dB (the value that corresponds to two times louder). With all values, you can
also type a percentage (e.g. '50%' will put a knob exactly in the middle position).

Sometimes, knobs in our plug-in interfaces are linked: these be adjusted simultaneously by holding
down the Alt key (Shift key in Pro Tools) while dragging on one of them. For example, an output level
and input level setting of a plug-in could be adjusted simultaneously (in the opposite direction) this way.

Next: Basic controls

See Also

Overview

Basic controls

8

The large Threshold and Range knobs, the trigger frequency sliders and the Mode button are the most
important controls in Pro-DS. They greatly affect how Pro-DS reacts and sounds.

Threshold

The Threshold knob sets the threshold of the side-chain level above which the de-esser will trigger and apply
gain reduction. The circular side-chain level meter
and possibly stereo-linked signal that is used for detection. This feedback makes it a lot easier to choose a
proper Threshold setting.

Using the round Audition Triggering button, at the left top of the Threshold button, you can hear on which
parts of the audio Pro-DS is triggering and how much de-essing is taking place. This helps you choose an
appropriate Threshold level as well, making sure Pro-DS is catching all necessary peaks without triggering on
anything else.

Range

The Range knob simply scales the detected gain reduction so that it stays within a desired range, enabling you
to easily change the desired amount of de-essing.

around the Threshold knob shows the level of the filtered

Side-chain filtering

Using the high-pass and low-pass side-chain filter sliders, right under the large Threshold and Range knobs,
you specify the frequency range on which Pro-DS will trigger. You can choose any range between 2 kHz and 20
kHz. (Normal vocal s-sounds are usually have frequencies around 8 to 10 kHz).

Pro-DS's side-chain filtering is tuned in such a way that you can really zoom in on very specific frequencies,
without having to adjust the Threshold knob too much.

Using the Audition Sidechain button right beneath the HP and LP sliders, you can listen to the signal that is
used for triggering. It makes it much easier to find the appropriate frequency of the sound you want to
attenuate.

To help you even more, we have also built in a real-time spectrum
strong frequencies in the signal.

Single Vocal vs. Allround mode

When you want to de-ess a single vocal track, it's best to set the mode to Single Vocal. This enables a highly
intelligent detection algorithm, which splits sibilance from non-sibilance.

analyzer into this control, lighting up the

In Allround mode, triggering only depends on the frequency range, specified by the HP and LP filtering sliders,
in combination with the Threshold setting of course. This is intended for processing entire mixes, for example.

Tips

In Single Vocal mode, you can lower the Treshold all the way to -INF dB. This reduces the dynamic range
of the gain reduction: all sibilance will then be reduced by (roughly) the same amount (specified by
Range).

To brighten up your sound during mastering, you can use Pro-DS as a high-frequency limiter. Choose the
Allround mode and Split Band processing
bring up that frequency range again using a high shelving EQ filter (from FabFilter Pro-Q for example).

, and limit the transients of the high frequency range. Then,

Try it yourself!

Next: Advanced Controls

9

See Also

Overview
Metering

Advanced controls

10

After you have set up the basic working of the de-esser using the basic controls, you can tune the sound even
more using Pro-DS's advanced features.

Processing

Using the processing buttons, you can choose between Full Band processing and Split Band processing. When
Full Band processing is enabled, Pro-DS will lower the overall gain of the audio when sibilance is detected.
When Split Band is chosen, only high frequencies will be attenuated. The split frequency is determined
automatically according to the chosen high-pass sidechain filtering

When working with single vocals, the Wide Band option often gives you great results already, but when de­essing full mixes, or more complex audio, it's often best to use the Split Band mode and leave the lower
frequencies untouched. In some cases however, especially with single vocal material, Wide Band sounds more
natural. Note also that split-band processing introduces some additional latency (see Lookahead below).

Split-band processing (in combination with the Allround mode
de-esser functions as a high frequency limiter. The basic trick is to compress transients in the high frequencies
of the music, and bring up that same frequency range again afterwards using a high shelving filter (using
FabFilter Pro-Q for example). This can really brighten up the music, and glue the overall sound, giving it a nice
edge!

Sidechain input signal

At the bottom center of the interface, you can choose whether you would like to use the normal input signal or
the exteral side-chain input signal for triggering. Using an external side-chain signal can be very useful. For
example, when de-essing heavily processed/distorted vocals, you could use the original 'clean' vocal track as a
side-chain input, resulting in better detection results.

Stereo linking and mid-only / side-only processing

Using the single Stereo Link knob and its Stereo Link Mode button (only available in the stereo version of the
plug-in of course), you can both set a variable stereo linking for the trigger input signal, and choose between
normal stereo or mid-only/side-only processing.

setting.

) is also often used during mastering, where the

The first half of the knob's range sets stereo linking from 0% (fully unlinked, channels operate independently)
up to 100% (fully linked, resulting in the same gain reduction for both channels).

When turning the knob even further, you will eventually process only the mid-signal (mono content of the
processed audio), or only the side-signal (stereo content of the processed audio). Using the small Stereo Link
Mode button at the right bottom of the Stereo Link knob, you can toggle between the two.

Mid- or side-only processing can be very useful, for example while mastering. A lead vocal is often placed in the
center of the stereo image, so only de-essing the mid-signal will leave all stereo content untouched, ensuring
the most transparent end result possible. Alternatively, when de-essing backing vocals in a stereo mix (often
panned left or right), you could choose side-only de-essing, ensuring that Pro-DS leaves all mono content
untouced, like the lead vocal.

To better understand the working of these settings, enable the Audition Sidechain button right under the side­chain filtering sliders. You can now directly hear the effect of stereo linking and mid-only or side-only
processing!

Lookahead

With the Lookahead knob, Pro-DS can be set to start de-essing up to 15 ms before the trigger audio level
actually exceeds the threshold. This is an excellent way to catch transients and/or the start of sibilance.

Often, when de-essing vocals, a lookahead value of about 10 ms is optimal to ensure you're catching all of the

11

sibilance. Leaving a bit of the initial transient untouched might help to preserve a 'natural' s-sound, so take
your time to experiment and choose an appropriate value for the audio you're processing.

You can enable or disable look-ahead with the Lookahead Enabled button, just at the right-top of the
Lookahead knob. When look-ahead is disabled, processing is set to Wide Band and oversampling is off, Pro-DS
works without any latency. When look-ahead is enabled, the latency will be 15 ms, plus a small additional
latency if oversampling or split-band processing is used.

Tips

When choosing a look-ahead value, it might be handy to enabled the Audition Triggering mode, using the
round button at the left top of the Threshold knob. This way, you can hear right away whether you're
catching all of the detected sibilance.

Next: Metering

See Also

Basic controls
Overview

Metering

12

FabFilter Pro-DS's metering is specifically designed to give clear feedback on how the de-essing is affecting
your audio, helping you to set up the controls quickly and easily.

The real-time level display

The large real-time waveform level display at the top part of the interface shows you the incoming audio signal
(after the input gain
The unaffected parts are always dimmed and semi-transparent.

The highlighted parts show the reduced gain in light green, and the resulting gain in darker green, giving you
an immediate insight in how much processing is going on.

The detection input meter

The circular side-chain level meter around the Threshold knob shows the level of the filtered and possibly
stereo-linked signal that is used for detection, helping you to choose a proper Threshold setting.

has been applied), while highlighting the parts that are actually affected by the de-esser.

The spectrum display

Built into the sidechain filtering section
through the plug-in. It highlights the strong frequencies in the side-chain input signal, helping you to narrow
the triggering frequency range using the high-pass and low-pass sliders. Note that the analyzer shows you the
spectrum after it has been filtered as indicated by the sliders.

The level meters

At the right of the interface, the level meters show output and gain change.
Above the meter is a dB read-out, showing the maximum level that has been detected. You

can reset it by simply clicking on it.
When the output exceeds 0 dBFS, the meters will indicate clipping. To reset this, just click

on the meter area or on the read-out. Note: the actual audio is not clipped within Pro-DS.
The clipping indication is primarily useful for hosts that always keep all audio within the 0
dBFS range, like Pro Tools HD.

, a real-time spectrum analyzer will light up as soon as audio is running

Next: Oversampling

13

See Also

Overview
Basic contols
Advanced contols

Oversampling

14

The de-essing algorithm often needs to make very quick changes to the audio when attenuating sibilance.
These sudden changes can introduce a little aliasing, which causes distortion and generally reduces the quality
of the audio signal.

Oversampling is a way to reduce that aliasing by running the internal process at a sample rate that is two or
four times higher than the host's sample rate. When should you use oversampling? You need it more when the
de-esser is triggered often, and when using higher Range settings.

Of course, in return for a reduction of possible aliasing/distortion, the plug-in will use more CPU power when
using oversampling. In addition, oversampling introduces a small latency, in addition to any split-band and
look-ahead latency (see Advanced

Next: Input and output options

See Also

Overview

controls).

Input and output options

15

At the righthand side of the bottom bar in the interface, FabFilter Pro-DS contains the bypass, input level and
output level parameters.

Bypass

You can bypass the entire plug-in with the Global Bypass toggle button to the left of the input level button.
While most hosts already provide the ability to bypass plug-ins, our internal global bypass feature is
guaranteed to correctly compensate the latency of the plug-in and it also applies soft bypassing to avoid clicks.
While the plug-in is bypassed, the display dims and a red light glows in the bypass button itself.

Input and output levels and panning

With the input and output level/pan knobs, you can fully adjust the stereo audio level both before and after of
the de-essing process.

Tips

You can directly adjust the input or output gain by clicking and dragging the button vertically, so there is
no need to click it first to display the knobs. You can also double-click the buttons to directly enter a
value using the keyboard.

Next: MIDI Learn

See Also

Overview
Knobs

MIDI Learn

Simply create a new MIDI track and set its output to the Pro-DS instance you would like to control via

16

Controlling FabFilter Pro-DS's parameters directly with MIDI is very easy using the MIDI Learn feature. With
MIDI Learn, you can associate any MIDI controller with any parameter.

Click the MIDI Learn button in the bottom bar to enter MIDI Learn mode. The interface dims and the
parameters that can be controlled are highlighted. Each parameter has a small text balloon that displays the
associated controller number. Now do the following to associate a controller number with a parameter:

1. Touch the control of the desired parameter in the interface that you wish to control. A red square will
mark the chosen parameter.

2. Adjust the slider or knob on your MIDI keyboard or MIDI controller that you want to associate with
that parameter.

That's it! The parameter will now be controlled with the MIDI controller. You can now go back to step 1 to
associate a different parameter. Note that there is no warning when you associate a different knob with a
controller number that is already used. It will just be replaced.

To exit MIDI Learn mode, click the MIDI Learn button again, or click Close at the top of the interface.
Click the small menu drop-down button next to the MIDI Learn button to access the MIDI Learn menu:

Enable MIDI

This globally turns MIDI control of parameters on or off: useful in hosts that automatically send all MIDI
events on a track to all effect plug-ins associated with that track as well.

Clear

This submenu shows all parameter associations and lets you delete individual associations or clear all
associations in one step.

Revert

Reverts to the last saved MIDI mapping (or the state when the plug-in was started).

Save

Saves the current MIDI mapping so Revert will go back to this state. The current mapping is
automatically saved when closing the plug-in.

Routing MIDI to effect plug-ins

For MIDI Learn to work properly, the plug-in need to actually receive MIDI of course. Depending on your host,
it can be quite difficult to route MIDI data to effect plug-ins. Here's how to do it in the most important hosts:

Logic Pro

Instead of adding FabFilter Pro-DS to one of the insert slots, create a new Instrument Track, and click
on the Instrument slot. Then choose AU MIDI-controlled Effects > FabFilter > FF Pro-DS. Now, the
plug-in receives MIDI. To get audio into the plug-in, click the 'Side Chain' drop down menu in Logic's
plug-in header and choose the actual input track. Next, you can mute that original track, so you only
hear the audio through the plug-in. The only downside is that plug-ins with an external side-chain cannot
use it anymore.

Cubase

MIDI.

Pro Tools

17

Create a new MIDI track. From the MIDI input drop down menu, choose your MIDI device (if not
already selected) and from the MIDI output drop down menu, choose FabFilter Pro-DS -> channel 1 for
the instance you would like to control.

Ableton Live

First of all, create a new MIDI track. From the 'MIDI from' drop down menu, choose your MIDI device (if
not already selected). Then, in the 'MIDI to' drop down menu, choose the Audio track that has FabFilter
Pro-DS on it. NOTE: only the first plug-in on any track can receive MIDI!

Next: Undo, redo, A/B switch

See Also

Overview

Undo, redo, A/B switch

18

The Undo and Redo buttons at the top of the FabFilter Pro-DS interface enable you to easily undo changes you
made to the plug-in. With the A/B feature, you can quickly switch between two different states of the plug-in.

The Undo button at the left will undo the last change. Every change to the plug-in (such as dragging a
knob or selecting a new preset) creates a new state in the undo history. The Undo button steps back
through the history to restore the previous states of the plug-in.

The Redo button cancels the last undo command. It steps forward through the history until you are back
at the most recent plug-in state.

The A/B button switches from A to B and back. Before switching, the current state of the plug-in is
saved, so if you click this button twice, you are back at the first state. The button highlights the currently
selected state (A or B). In the example above, the A state is active.

The Copy button copies the active state to the inactive state. This marks the current state of the plug-in
and allows you to go back to it easily with the A/B button. After clicking Copy, the button disables itself to
show that both states are equal, so there is nothing to copy anymore.

Notes

If the plug-in parameters are changed without using the plug-in interface, for example with MIDI or
automation, no new undo states are recorded.

The Undo and Redo buttons will disable themselves if there is nothing to undo or redo.

Next: Loading presets

See Also

Overview

Loading presets

19

FabFilter Pro-DS comes with a selection of excellent factory presets that provide ready-to-go de-essing setups
for many different scenarios and types of audio.

To load a preset, click the preset button. The presets menu will appear with all available presets. Click a
menu item to load that preset. The currently selected preset is highlighted with check marks.

To explore the presets one by one, click on the little arrow buttons to the left and right of the main preset
button. This will load the previous or next preset in the menu.

The preset button shows the name of the current preset. If you have changed the preset by adjusting one or
more parameters, the name is dimmed to indicate that this is not the original preset anymore.

Tips

The Default Setting preset is loaded automatically when FabFilter Pro-DS is started. To change the
default settings, simply overwrite this preset by clicking Options > Save As Default in the presets
menu.

To open a preset outside the presets folder, click Options > Open Other Preset. This might be useful if
someone sends you a preset by email, for example.

If somehow the factory presets are lost or not installed properly, click Options > Restore Factory

Presets in the preset menu to restore them.

MIDI Program Change and Bank Select
Loading a presets can also be done via MIDI, using Bank Select and Program Change messages. Click Options

> Enable MIDI Program Changes in the preset menu to enable or disable this feature. When enabled, the

corresponding bank/program numbers are shown in front of the preset name (for example: (2/65) My Preset).
This means that you can load that preset by first sending a Bank Select message to select bank 2 and then
sending a Program Change message to select program 65.

Important: All the presets in your preset folder are numbered automatically, starting with bank 0 and program

0. This way, you are able to access any of the presets via MIDI. However, this also means that when you add
new presets to the menu, bank/program numbers of other presets might change. Be aware of this when
recording program changes in a session!

Next: Saving presets

See Also

Overview

Saving presets

20

You can easily extend the included presets with new settings to build your own library of presets for FabFilter
Pro-DS that you can reuse in various projects. This is also a good way to copy settings across multiple
instances of FabFilter Pro-DS in a session.

To save the current setting as a preset, click the preset button, and then click Save As. A standard Save dialog
will appear. Type a name for the new preset and click Save to finish.

In the Save dialog, you can also rename and delete existing presets and create a new folder to store presets in.
New folders will show up as new categories in the preset menu. (On macOS, this should be done with the
Finder.)

See How presets are stored
Next: How presets are stored

See Also

Loading presets
Overview

to determine the preset folder location and learn more about factory presets.

How presets are stored

21

Presets for FabFilter Pro-DS are stored in separate files with the .ffp extension (for FabFilter Preset). All presets
reside in subfolders in the main preset folder. The subfolders will show up as separate categories in the preset
menu. You can also further divide the subfolders into categories.

You can manage the preset files just like other files on your computer. The easiest way to do this is in the Save
dialog that appears if you are saving a preset. The preset menu will automatically reload itself with the changes
when the dialog is closed.

Furthermore it is very easy to share your newly created presets with other users since FabFilter presets use the
same file format on both Windows and macOS.

The default location of the main preset folder is My Documents\FabFilter\Pro-DS for Windows, and
~/Library/Audio/Presets/FabFilter/FabFilter Pro-DS for macOS. To change this location, first copy all presets to
the desired new location, and then click Options > Change Preset Folder in the preset menu and select the
new folder.

Restoring factory presets
If you have accidentally lost the factory presets, you can easily restore them by clicking Options > Restore

Factory Presets in the preset menu. This will install all factory presets again.

Next: Purchasing FabFilter Pro-DS

See Also

Saving presets
Overview

Purchasing FabFilter Pro-DS

22

Once you have downloaded and installed the evaluation copy of FabFilter Pro-DS, you may evaluate it during
30 days. Every time you start the plug-in, you will see the following dialog:

While there are still days left, you can click Evaluate to start working with the plugin. If you want to keep
using FabFilter Pro-DS after the evaluation period, you must buy a copy in the online FabFilter Shop by clicking
the Buy Now button in the evaluation dialog.

Go to the FabFilter Shop and purchase FabFilter Pro-DS now

We accept credit cards from all major companies, check payments, wire payments, and PayPal. The FabFilter
Shop uses secure connections and encryption: therefore your personal information is completely safe.

Within a few minutes after you have purchased your copy, you will receive an email containing your personal
license key. You use this license key to turn the evaluation copy into a fully registered version without the
evaluation dialog and the 30-day trial restriction.

Note: If the evaluation period has expired but you didn't have the chance to properly evaluate the plug-in, you
can request a new evaluation period by contacting us at [e-mail]

.

Next: Entering your license key

See Also

Support
License agreement

Entering your license key

23

After you have purchased FabFilter Pro-DS in the online FabFilter Shop , you will immediately receive an e­mail containing your personal license key. This license key will turn the evaluation version into a fully registered
plug-in.

Start FabFilter Pro-DS and click Enter License in the evaluation dialog, or click Enter License on the Help
menu if the plug-in is already running.

Copy the license information from the email you have received and paste it into the text field. Make sure
that you are copying the entire license key including the Product and Licensee lines! If you are not sure
what text to copy, just copy and paste the whole e-mail.

After you have entered your license information, you will need to restart the plug-in host, so make sure you
save your settings if needed. From now on, you will be able to use FabFilter Pro-DS for an unlimited period of
time with full support via email.

Tips

After your purchase, you can always retrieve your license key again by logging into your personal

FabFilter account . Here you can also keep track of all your orders and take advantage of great

discounts when buying other FabFilter plug-ins.
To deauthorize your license key and remove it from the computer, click Deauthorize on the Help menu.

If you temporarily needed to install your license on another computer, or if you have transferred your
license to someone else, this is the way to deinstall your personal license key safely.

Next: Support

See Also

Purchasing FabFilter Pro-DS
Support
License agreement

Support

24

If you need help with problems or questions, and the help file does not provide an answer, please visit the
support pages on our web site.

Go to FabFilter Support

From here, you have direct access to the customer support forum, very useful tutorial videos for all FabFilter
plug-ins, online and PDF versions of all our help files, and a section with extra downloads (such as presets,
controller templates, older plug-in versions).

For sales-related questions and technical support, you can also contact FabFilter directly at [e-mail]

Reporting a bug

If you have encountered a bug in FabFilter Pro-DS, first of all make sure that you are using the latest version of
the plug-in, which you can find at www.fabfilter.com/download
Pro-DS that you are using by clicking Help > About in the plug-in interface. If the bug is still present in the
latest version, please send us an e-mail at [e-mail]
possible: operation system and version, host software and version, steps to reproduce the bug, etc. Thanks in
advance!

Next: Manual installation

See Also

Overview
About FabFilter

. You can easily check the version of FabFilter

and include as much technical information as

.

Manual installation

25

When installing FabFilter Pro-DS, the installation program will try to copy the plug-in into the appropriate plug­ins folders, and in most cases your host will recognize FabFilter Pro-DS automatically. Otherwise, please follow
these instructions:

Windows

On Windows, most hosts have their own VST plug-ins folder. So if you are using Windows and your host does
not recognize FabFilter Pro-DS, you need to locate the proper plug-ins folder for your host first (it is usually
shown in the Preferences or similar dialog). Then, copy the file FabFilter Pro-DS.dll from C:\Program
Files\FabFilter\Pro-DS (or C:\Program Files (x86)\FabFilter\Pro-DS if you are using a 32-bit host on 64-bit
Windows) to the plug-ins folder that you have found and restart the host so it can reload all its plug-ins. For
the AAX version of Pro-DS, copy the FabFilter Pro-DS.aaxplugin folder to the common Pro Tools AAX plug-in
folder on your computer; for the RTAS version of Pro-DS, copy the FabFilter Pro-DS.dpm and FabFilter Pro-
DS.dpm.rsr files to the Pro Tools RTAS plug-in folder on your computer.

You can simply uninstall plug-ins or bundles via the Control Panel.

macOS

On macOS, plug-ins are installed in the standard plug-in folders in the system Library folder. These are the only
possible correct locations:

Audio Units: /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components
VST/VST3: /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST and /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3
RTAS: /Library/Application Support/Digidesign/Plug-Ins
AAX: /Library/Application Support/Avid/Audio/Plug-Ins

Note: AU and VST/VST3 plug-ins may also be placed in the user's Library folders under
/Users/<username>/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins.

To uninstall the plug-ins from your Mac, you can just delete the specific FabFilter plug-in files at the above
locations. Finally, if you really want to delete all data written by our plug-ins, you can remove the following
folders/files from the user Library folder as well:

/Users/<username>/Library/Audio/Presets/FabFilter/FabFilter Pro-DS
/Users/<username>/Library/Application Support/FabFilter/Pro-DS
/Users/<username>/Library/Preferences/com.fabfilter.Pro-DS.1.plist

Note: Since OS X 10.7 (Lion), the system and user Library folders are marked as hidden by default. To make
them visible again in Finder, open Terminal (found in /Applications/Utilities) and enter the following commands:

chflags nohidden /Library
chflags nohidden ~/Library

If you still have problems, contact FabFilter Support .
Next: VST plug-in versions

See Also

Quick start
Support

VST plug-in versions

26

FabFilter Pro-DS is available in both VST 2 and VST 3 formats. They can be installed and used both at the same
time. The VST 3 format offers easy side-chaining and is more CPU-friendly in some cases, but it can only be
used by hosts that support it, for example recent versions of Cubase, Studio One or FL Studio. The VST 2
format is compatible with a larger variety of hosts.

Both the VST 2 and VST 3 versions of the plug-in automatically adapt themselves to the channel layout of the
track they are inserted on (mono/stereo).

For the VST 2 format, there is a separate FabFilter Pro-DS (Mono) version of the plug-in which always runs in
mono mode. This is included for backwards compatibility with existing sessions. For new sessions we
recommend to use the regular plug-in which automatically adapts itself to the track it is inserted on.

Next: External side chaining

See Also

Quick start
Manual installation

External side chaining

From the VST (or Audio Units) plug-in menu, also at the left top of Ableton Live's interface, drag FabFilter

27

FabFilter Pro-DS offers the possibility of feeding an external signal to its side chain, so that you can make it
trigger on a different signal than the audio it is actually processing. Feeding a signal to a plug-in's side-chain
inputs works slightly different in various hosts. This topic describes the procedure for some of the most popular
hosts around: Cubase

To explain how it works, we use a scenario with two tracks. The first one contains the audio that we want to
process with Pro-DS, which we'll call the main track from now. The second track contains the audio that we
want to route to Pro-DS's external side-chain input and use as trigger signal. We'll call this track the side chain
track.

After setting up everything according to the instructions below for your host, you can check whether everything
is routed correctly. Play the audio and enable FabFilter Pro-DS's Audition button to listen to the side-chain
signal. While auditioning, the real-time display and metering show the side-chain level, so you can easily set a
correct trigger threshold. Afterwards, disable the Audition mode again. Now, you'll hear that Pro-DS on the
main track will react to the sound of the side-chain track. Of course, you can fine-tune the plug-ins settings to
customize the effect.

Cubase

Open Cubase and create a new empty project.
Add two audio tracks that we'll use as main track and side chain track.
Add audio files on both the main track and the side chain track. You can simply drag audio files from a

Finder/Explorer window onto a track.
Open the Mixer. In the main track, click on an empty insert slot and select the VST 3 version of FabFilter

Pro-DS in the Dynamics menu (note the VST 3 icon which looks like ///).
Open FabFilter Pro-DS's interface and set Side Chain to Ext.
In the plug-in header, click on the Activate Side-Chain button (right of the R/W buttons) to enable the

external side chain in Cubase.
At the top of the Mixer, set the output for the side chain track to the side-chain input of FabFilter Pro-DS.

, Logic Pro, Ableton Live and Pro Tools.

Logic Pro

Open Logic Pro and create a new empty project via File > New...
Add two audio tracks (via Track > New...) that we'll use as main track and side chain track.
Add audio files on both the main track and the side chain track. You can simply drag audio files from a

Finder/Explorer window onto a track.
Select the main track and add Pro-DS in the first Insert effect slot.
Open FabFilter Pro-DS's interface and set Side Chain to Ext.
In the right top corner of the plug-in interface header, in the 'Side Chain' menu, choose the side chain

track. Now, the signal from the side chain track is sent to FabFilter Pro-DS's external side-chain input.

Ableton Live

Open Ableton Live and start with an empty arrangement. We'll use Track 1 as the side chain track and
Track 2 as the main track.

From the folder menu's on at the left top of Ableton Live's interface, drag different audio clips to the first
empty slots of Track 1 and Track 2.

Pro-DS onto Track 2, the main track.

Open FabFilter Pro-DS's interface and set Side Chain to Ext.

28

In Track 1 (the side chain track) in the 'Audio To' menu select 'Track 2' instead of the default 'Master'.
Now, an extra menu appears right below: choose 'FF Pro-DS 3/4' instead of the default 'Track In' to route
the track's signal to FabFilter Pro-DS's external side chain inputs.

Note: In the scenario above, you won't hear Track 1 (the side-chain signal) anymore, since its audio is
only routed to Pro-DS's side-chain inputs. To avoid this, use one additional track (e.g. Track 3), choose
'Track 1' from its 'Audio From' dropdown menu, and in the 'Audio To' menu select 'Track 2' instead of the
default 'Master'. Now, from the extra menu below choose 'FF Pro-DS 3/4'. Of course, you can now leave
Track 1's 'Audio To' setting to the original 'Master' so you will still hear the signal.

Pro Tools

Open Pro Tools and start a new empty session.
Create two audio tracks that we'll use as main track and side chain track. Add audio files to both track.
Open the Mix window to display the tracks with their Insert slots and Sends slots.
In the first 'Sends' slot of the side chain track, choose 'Bus 1'. The track view for Bus 1 will open: set its

level slider to 0.0 dB so the bus actually produces audio!
In the first 'Inserts' slot of the main track, choose Dynamics > FabFilter Pro-DS.
Open FabFilter Pro-DS's interface and set Side Chain to Ext.
Now, in the 'Key Input' menu of the plug-in interface (just above the FabFilter logo), choose bus > Bus 1

instead of the default 'no key input'. Now, the audio from the side chain track is routed to Pro-DS's
external side chain input via Bus 1.

Next: License agreement

See Also

Quick start
Manual installation

FabFilter Software License Agreement

29

This license agreement concerns and describes your rights and the conditions upon which you may use the
FabFilter software you selected. We advise you to read this entire agreement. By accepting this agreement or
by using FabFilter software, you agree to all of these terms. If you do not accept and comply with these terms,
you may not use the FabFilter software or its features.

Applicability

This license agreement applies to all the FabFilter software, plug-ins and programs you may use during the
Evaluation period, and/or thereafter subject to an acquired license key to certain FabFilter software of any
version, including any and all upgrades, supplements or services, unless other terms come with such versions,
upgrades or supplements.

Licenses

The software will be licensed to the Customer, not sold. With the FabFilter license key, you will be granted after
full payment the right in perpetuity (meaning that the license agreement shall not automatically expire) to
install, run and use the software concerned under certain conditions. These conditions vary subject to the
license you acquired. FabFilter distinguishes the following licenses:

A Personal License is a named license to the software concerned, granting access to the software on an
unlimited number of Devices, as long the license is used by the designated person who acquired the
FabFilter license key. Usage of the Personal license by someone else but the designated licensee is an
infringement of the rights of FabFilter. The Customer should at all times protect its license key from theft
and/or abuse.

A Site License is a non-personal license to the FabFilter software concerned, acquired on the name of an
institution or entity, who is the licensee. A Site License will grant access to the FabFilter software on a
certain maximum number of designated Devices, as specified in the license key itself (e.g. "20 seats"). If
the Site License is used on computers/servers for any form of automated processing, the licensee may
not make any plug-in controls/parameters of the FabFilter software available to the end users of the
FabFilter software, i.e. only "black box" processing is allowed.

These FabFilter licenses, whether a Personal or Site License, will give you access to certain FabFilter software of
the specified major version. The license will include all future minor updates to the software (e.g. version 2.19
to version 2.20), which typically include bug fixes or small new features. The license will exclude any future
new major versions of the products (e.g. version 1.x to version 2.x). To allow yourself access to such new
major version of the software, a new FabFilter license to such major version must be acquired.

All FabFilter licenses, both Personal or Site License, give the Customer or end user the right to install and use
the FabFilter software to the extent it has been developed and under the conditions herein. Any rights not
explicitly granted to you, the Customer, remain with FabFilter, including but not limited to the right to alter,
reverse engineer, reverse compile, take apart, or disassemble the FabFilter software or any of the files in the
distribution.

A Bundle License is Personal or Site License for multiple FabFilter software products, which gives the Customer
or end user the right to install and use the specific software products that the bundle (e.g. Total Bundle)
contains at the moment of purchasing the Bundle License. Any software products or new major software
versions added to the bundle after that date cannot be claimed as part of the prior acquired Bundle License. A
Bundle License (if not Educational or NFR) can only be transferred as a whole, using a License Transfer.

An Upgrade License is a Personal or Site License for a new major version of FabFilter software. You may only
use an Upgrade License if you have a license for the previous major version of the same FabFilter software.

Educational (EDU) and NFR licenses

A Personal or Site License can be marked as EDU (Educational) or NFR (Not For Resale), meaning the following:

A Personal or Site License marked as Educational License is equal to the respective Personal or Site
License, with the only exception that the Educational License may not be transferred to a third party.

A Personal or Site License marked as NFR ("Not For Resale"), is typically intended for journalists that wish
to review the FabFilter software. A License marked as NFR is equal to the respective Personal or Site
License, with the only exception that the NFR License may not be transferred to a third party.

Duration and Evaluation

As specified in the specific terms per license, all licenses will be granted for perpetuity (meaning that the
license agreement shall not automatically expire), as long as all conditions herein are respected.

The Evaluation period is a period of thirty (30) days commencing on the first day of using the software
concerned and automatically expiring 30 days thereafter. After the Evaluation period has expired and no
FabFilter license key has been acquired, the software will stop working and should be removed from your
computer.

In addition to any and all such possibilities that FabFilter may have in accordance with the law, FabFilter may
terminate without prior notice or warning in case of abuse of the FabFilter software as well as in case of
(personal) bankruptcy.

Support

30

FabFilter shall give its reasonable commercial efforts to service any major version of any FabFilter software
including email support. FabFilter is entitled to terminate support for any major version of any FabFilter
software at any time at its sole discretion.

License Transfer

A Personal or Site License (not Educational or NFR) may be transferred to a third party. You will have to buy a
License Transfer to activate the "transfer"-option in your FabFilter account

. After this option has been

activated you will be able to transfer your license to any third party.

Third Party Software

VST is a trademark of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH. RTAS and AAX are trademarks of Avid Technology,
inc. Audio Units is a trademark of Apple Computer, inc.

Applicable Law

This license agreement is governed by Dutch law. The courts of Amsterdam are authorized courts to rule on
any dispute that may arise from this license agreement.

Disclaimer

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, FABFILTER, FREDERIK SLIJKERMAN AND FLORIS KLINKERT,
AUTHORS OF THIS FABFILTER PRODUCT, SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR
IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF NON-INFRINGEMENT,
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. FABFILTER, FREDERIK SLIJKERMAN AND
FLORIS KLINKERT, DO NOT WARRANT THAT THE SOFTWARE WILL MEET YOUR REQUIREMENTS OR THAT THE
SOFTWARE WILL OPERATE ERROR-FREE OR UNINTERRUPTED. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW,
FABFILTER, FREDERIK SLIJKERMAN AND FLORIS KLINKERT, SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGE A
FABFILTER PRODUCT MAY CAUSE OR DAMAGES THAT MAY ARISE OUT OF THE USE OF A FABFILTER PRODUCT
OR INABILITY TO USE A FABFILTER PRODUCT, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL,
CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES. IN NO EVENT FABFILTER, FREDERIK SLIJKERMAN OR FLORIS
KLINKERT WILL BE LIABLE FOR AN AMOUNT IN EXCESS OF TWO HUNDRED FIFTY EUROS (€ 250,00).

Next: About FabFilter

See Also

Purchase FabFilter Pro-L
Support

About FabFilter

31

Beautiful sound. Fantastic workflow. These are the foundations of FabFilter. We create powerful audio plug-ins
with superb sound quality and innovative interfaces.

A unique perspective

At FabFilter, we make the best possible tools for music production and audio processing. To achieve this, we
continually rethink and challenge industry standards: we've never been afraid of reinventing the wheel.
Considering every little detail, we tune our algorithms and interfaces until they sound perfect, look amazing and
feel great to work with.

It's the sound that counts

Above everything else, you need superb sound quality. That's why we put a lot of effort into developing unique
audio processing algorithms, ranging from our famous resonating filters to transparent high-end EQ and
dynamics processing.

Innovative interfaces, great design

Every FabFilter plug-in has an easy-to-use, well-designed interface aimed at providing unsurpassed workflow.
Our plug-ins focus on the task you're performing at that specific moment: they expose the features you need,
when you need them. And because of our special attention to design, you'll be delighted every time you open a
FabFilter plug-in.

Don't take our word for it

We always set the highest standard for sound quality, usability and design to make truly great products that
raise the bar on what audio software can do. That's why we're very happy with the praise we've received from
users and press alike:

"In the decade since the release of its first plug-in, One, FabFilter has made an indelible mark on the
music production landscape." — Computer Music magazine

"While many other software developers are busy trying to model hardware, FabFilter is leaving them
in the dust by being visionaries and reaching into the future. FabFilter stuff is just on another level."
— Jeff Sanders

"FabFilter has an enviable reputation for making easy-to-use, powerful tools." — Music Tech
magazine

FabFilter was founded in 2002 by Frederik Slijkerman and Floris Klinkert, and is based in Amsterdam, The
Netherlands.

See Also

Support
FabFilter web site