McDSP 6020 Ultimate EQ Native v7 is a versatile equalizer plugin that packs ten distinct EQ modules into a single interface. Drawing inspiration from classic hardware units and incorporating McDSP’s proprietary designs, this plugin offers a wide range of tonal shaping options for mixing and mastering tasks. The 6020 Ultimate EQ features a user-friendly interface that maintains visual consistency across all ten modules, making it easy to navigate and operate. Each module provides a unique set of EQ bands, ranging from two to four, with varying characteristics and tonal qualities. The plugin’s design philosophy encourages users to rely on their ears rather than visual representations, promoting a more intuitive approach to equalization. With its diverse collection of EQ models, the 6020 Ultimate EQ aims to cover a broad spectrum of equalization needs, from subtle tonal adjustments to more aggressive sound sculpting.
Pros:
• Ten distinct EQ modules in one plugin, offering a wide range of tonal options
• Intuitive interface with consistent design across all modules
• Encourages ear-based decision making rather than relying on visual cues
Cons:
• Some modules feature numerical graphics that don’t correspond to actual values, potentially confusing users
The McDSP 6020 Ultimate EQ Native v7 boasts an impressive array of features that cater to various equalization needs. The plugin’s ten modules each offer a unique approach to EQ, inspired by classic hardware units or designed from the ground up by McDSP. The E670 module, for instance, draws inspiration from the Fairchild 664 program equalizer, providing gentle low and high shelving EQ complemented by a mid-band parametric. This configuration allows for smooth, subtle adjustments suitable for a wide range of mixing scenarios.
The Moo Q module stands out with its all-tube design emulation, delivering a warm tone and ample headroom across its three bands. For users seeking a simpler approach, the iQ module offers a two-band equalizer that excels at adding low-end “glow” or high-end “sheen” to tracks or full mixes.
The E300 and E301 modules serve as utilitarian options, designed to complement the Opto-C/L compressor modules found in McDSP’s 6060 Ultimate Module Collection. These three-band EQs share similar frequency and gain ranges, with the E301 featuring slightly narrower bandwidths, especially at higher gain settings. Drawing from McDSP’s FilterBank technology, the British-E module combines characteristics of classic Neve equalizers, featuring a high-pass filter, low shelf, parametric, and high shelf configuration. This versatile module proves useful in various mixing situations.
The EZ Q module imagines what a dbx parametric equalizer might sound like, offering a high-pass filter for low-end control, capable low and high shelves, and a flexible parametric band. The EQ’76 takes cues from the UREI 545 parametric equalizer, providing four bands of parametric EQ with a slight Q-gain dependency. For users familiar with modern analog console channel strips, the FRG EEE module offers a familiar layout with two parametric bands bounded by high and low shelves. Lastly, the E357 module presents a 3-band EQ designed to work in tandem with the D357 compressor, featuring steeper slopes and a distinctive character that demands careful use.
The 6020 Ultimate EQ’s interface maintains a consistent look across all modules, with each featuring the same knob design and color scheme. This visual uniformity allows users to focus on the sound rather than navigating different layouts. The plugin encourages users to trust their ears, often requiring more extreme settings than traditional digital EQs to achieve desired results.
When comparing the McDSP 6020 Ultimate EQ Native v7 to similar plugins, it stands out for its diverse collection of EQ models in a single interface. While many EQ plugins focus on emulating a single classic unit or providing a Swiss Army knife-style parametric EQ, the 6020 Ultimate EQ offers a middle ground. It provides the variety of multiple EQ types without requiring users to switch between different plugins. This approach is similar to Universal Audio’s EQ collection plugins, but with the added convenience of having all models accessible within a single interface. The 6020 Ultimate EQ’s emphasis on ear-based decision making also sets it apart from more visually-oriented plugins like FabFilter’s Pro-Q 3 or iZotope’s Ozone EQ modules.
This plugin is best for:
• Mix engineers seeking a diverse palette of EQ options in a single plugin
• Users who prefer to make EQ decisions based on sound rather than visual feedback
• Producers looking to add character and color to their tracks through various EQ models
• Audio professionals who appreciate the workflow efficiency of having multiple EQ types in one interface
McDSP 6020 Ultimate EQ Native v7 is a powerful and versatile equalizer plugin that offers users a wealth of tonal shaping options. Its collection of ten distinct EQ modules, inspired by classic hardware and McDSP’s own designs, provides a comprehensive toolkit for addressing a wide range of equalization tasks. The plugin’s consistent interface across all modules promotes ease of use, while its emphasis on ear-based decision making encourages users to focus on the sound rather than visual representations. While the 6020 Ultimate EQ may require some adjustment for users accustomed to more traditional digital EQs, its diverse feature set and unique approach to equalization make it a valuable addition to any mixing or mastering toolkit. The plugin’s ability to cover everything from subtle tonal adjustments to more aggressive sound sculpting ensures its utility across various genres and production styles. Despite some minor issues with documentation and potentially confusing graphics on certain modules, the McDSP 6020 Ultimate EQ Native v7 stands as a robust and flexible equalizer solution for audio professionals seeking both variety and quality in their EQ processing.