McDSP AE600 Active EQ Native v7 is a powerful and versatile equalizer plugin designed for professional audio production. This advanced equalizer offers six fully overlapping fixed and active EQ bands, providing users with precise control over their audio shaping needs. The AE600 stands out with its unique combination of traditional fixed EQ and dynamic active EQ capabilities, allowing for both static and responsive frequency adjustments. Each band features independent control over all fixed and active EQ parameters, including gain, frequency, Q, and mode. The plugin boasts a variety of EQ modes, such as parametric, proportional Q parametric, 5x Q parametric, Baxandall shelving EQ, vintage-styled EQ, and a new X-style shelving EQ. This wide range of options enables users to achieve diverse tonal characteristics and address specific audio challenges with precision. The AE600’s active EQ functionality is particularly noteworthy, as it allows the equalizer to respond dynamically to the input signal or a selected side chain, making it an excellent tool for adaptive sound shaping in various production scenarios.
Pros:
• Six fully overlapping fixed and active EQ bands for comprehensive frequency control
• Diverse EQ modes, including vintage-style and modern options, for versatile sound shaping
• Zero latency operation, making it suitable for live performances and tracking
• Double precision processing for high-quality audio output
• Side chain support for advanced dynamic EQ applications
Cons:
• Steep learning curve due to the complexity of features and options available
The McDSP AE600 Active EQ Native v7 is packed with features that cater to the needs of demanding audio professionals. At its core are the six fully overlapping EQ bands, each offering both fixed and active EQ capabilities. This dual functionality allows users to apply traditional static EQ adjustments while simultaneously employing dynamic, signal-responsive equalization.
Each band provides independent control over all parameters for both fixed and active EQ. Users can adjust gain, frequency, and Q (bandwidth) for precise tonal shaping. The plugin offers a unique active EQ ratio response control, allowing for fine-tuning of how aggressively the active EQ responds to input signals.
One of the standout features of the AE600 is its variety of selectable EQ modes per band. These include parametric, proportional Q parametric, and 5x Q parametric options, which offer different approaches to frequency manipulation. The Baxandall shelving EQ mode provides a musical, gentle slope for high and low-frequency adjustments, while the vintage-styled EQ emulates the character of classic hardware equalizers. The new X-style shelving EQ offers yet another flavor of frequency shaping.
The active EQ functionality is a powerful tool for dynamic sound processing. It allows the equalizer to respond to the input signal or a selected side chain, automatically adjusting the EQ curve based on the audio content. This feature is particularly useful for tasks such as de-essing, de-boxing, or maintaining consistent tonal balance across varying input levels.
The AE600 supports side-chaining, enabling users to trigger the active EQ response based on an external audio source. This opens up creative possibilities for frequency-dependent processing and advanced mixing techniques. The plugin employs double precision processing, ensuring high-quality audio output with minimal artifacts. Notably, the AE600 operates with zero latency, making it suitable for live performances and real-time tracking situations where timing is critical. To assist users in getting started, the AE600 comes with a collection of presets created by award-winning mix engineers. These presets serve as excellent starting points for various mixing scenarios and can help users understand the plugin’s capabilities.
The AE600 is available in both mono and stereo versions, catering to different channel configurations in mixing projects. It supports multiple plugin formats, including AAX DSP/Native, AU, and VST3, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of digital audio workstations.
When comparing the McDSP AE600 Active EQ to similar plugins, it stands out for its combination of fixed and active EQ in a single interface. While many equalizers offer either static or dynamic EQ functionality, the AE600 provides both in an integrated package. This makes it more versatile than traditional static EQs like the Waves Q10 or dynamic EQs like the FabFilter Pro-Q 3’s dynamic mode. AE600’s variety of EQ modes, including vintage-style options, puts it in competition with character EQs like the Waves PuigTec EQs or Universal Audio’s emulations of classic hardware. However, the AE600 offers more flexibility with its active EQ capabilities and modern processing features. Compared to other dynamic EQs like the Brainworx bx_dynEQ V2 or iZotope Neutron’s Dynamic EQ, the AE600 offers a unique approach with its independent control over fixed and active parameters per band. This allows for more complex and nuanced frequency adjustments than many of its competitors.
This plugin is best for:
• Professional mix engineers seeking a versatile and powerful EQ tool
• Sound designers requiring precise and dynamic frequency control
• Live sound engineers needing a zero-latency, responsive EQ solution
• Music producers looking to achieve both vintage and modern EQ sounds within a single plugin
McDSP AE600 Active EQ Native v7 is a sophisticated and feature-rich equalizer that offers a unique blend of traditional and dynamic EQ functionality. Its six fully overlapping bands, each with independent fixed and active EQ controls, provide unprecedented flexibility in frequency manipulation. The variety of EQ modes, including vintage-inspired options, allows users to achieve a wide range of tonal characteristics, from subtle enhancements to dramatic sound shaping. The plugin’s zero latency operation and double precision processing make it suitable for both studio and live applications, ensuring high-quality results in any scenario. The active EQ capabilities, combined with side chain support, open up possibilities for advanced, context-aware equalization that can adapt to the input signal in real-time. While the AE600’s extensive feature set may present a learning curve for some users, it rewards those who invest time in mastering its capabilities with a level of control and finesse that few other EQ plugins can match. Whether used for surgical precision in mixing, creative sound design, or adaptive processing in live performances, the McDSP AE600 Active EQ Native v7 proves to be a powerful and versatile tool for audio professionals across various disciplines.