FabFilter Pro-L 2 vs Matchering

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.

Matchering is open-source software for matching and mastering audio. Give it a TARGET track and a REFERENCE track, and it produces a mastered TARGET that follows the reference’s RMS, frequency response, peak amplitude, and stereo width. Matchering 2.0 comes as a containerized web application, Python library, and ComfyUI node, and is integrated into the UVR5 Desktop App. The Python library also provides a command-line application and can connect with the Python ecosystem. It requires Python 3.8.0 or later and a machine with 4 GB of RAM. WAV and MP3 are supported input formats, though MP3 loading needs a separate FFmpeg installation. The project says the algorithm uses digital signal processing rather than a neural network, and works well across nearly all genres, especially EDM, with an exception for experimental music with a very specific form. The free plan is listed at free under GPLv3, with no published paid plans. The maker advises against exposing its web application to the public Internet without security and scalability changes.