FabFilter Pro-L 2 vs HOFA CD-Burn.DDP.Master
FabFilter Pro-L 2
fabfilter.com
HOFA CD-Burn.DDP.Master
hofa-plugins.deSide by side
| Figure | FabFilter Pro-L 2 | HOFA CD-Burn.DDP.Master |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | — |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 0 | 1 |
| Spec score · Audio Mastering Software | 8.1 (#9) | 8.2 (#6) |
| Founded | 2004 | 1988 |
| Headquarters | Amsterdam, Netherlands | Karlsdorf, Germany |
| Purpose | Pro-L 2 is a true-peak limiter for mixing and mastering, designed for loudness and transparent sound. | The app handles mastering and pre-mastering for CD, DDP, vinyl, and online distribution in one project. |
| Support | FabFilter offers help files, PDF manuals, FAQs, a user forum, and direct sales and technical support by email; it says it aims to answer emails within one working day. | HOFA lists weekday support by email at [email protected] and by telephone at +49 7251 3472-444. |
| Trial | FabFilter says its downloads are fully functional 30-day trial versions that can be unlocked with a license key after the evaluation period. | The product page advertises a 14-day free trial. |
Plans
In their own words
FabFilter Pro-L 2
FabFilter Pro-L 2 is a true-peak limiter plug-in for mixing and mastering, with tools for loudness control and transparent sound. It includes eight limiting algorithms and precise true-peak meters. Loudness metering supports EBU R128, ITU-R BS.1770-4, ATSC A/85, and TR-B32, while linear-phase oversampling is available up to 32x. For immersive and surround audio, it supports formats up to Dolby Atmos 9.1.6 with flexible channel linking. Processing options include adjustable look-ahead, attack, and release, external side-chain triggering, an optional DC offset filter, and dithering with three noise-shaping algorithms. FabFilter lists VST, VST3, Audio Units, CLAP, AAX Native, and AudioSuite formats. Desktop requirements are Windows Vista through Windows 11, or macOS 10.13 or later on 64-bit Apple Silicon or Intel; both require a compatible plug-in host or Pro Tools. An iPad version is linked through the Apple App Store. FabFilter offers a fully functional 30-day trial that can be unlocked with a license key. Support includes help files, manuals, FAQs, a user forum, and email sales and technical support.
HOFA CD-Burn.DDP.Master
HOFA CD-Burn.DDP.Master is a standalone mastering and pre-mastering application for CD, DDP, vinyl, and online distribution projects. It burns Red Book audio CDs and creates DDP images carrying CD-Text, ISRC, and EAN information. Editing includes cutting, trimming, fades, crossfades, and track metadata. Album sequencing, multi-CD projects, multi-session CDs, and batch processing are supported. Delivery options include DDP images, WAV, AIFF, MP3, and an iTunes itmsp package. HOFA plugins are included at no additional cost in the app, with automatable parameters, and the software connects to HOFA DDP Player Maker for client-review players. The standard edition does not list third-party VST3 or AU plugins, plugin-chain presets, clip-based plugin processing, or true-peak normalization; those are listed for PRO. It runs on macOS 10.13 or later and Windows 10 or later. The listed plan costs 89.90 EUR once, with a 14-day free trial and offline activation.