MeldaProduction MCombMB is a versatile multi-band comb filter plugin designed for musicians, producers, and sound designers seeking to create unique and complex sonic textures. This powerful tool offers up to six separate bands, each equipped with four extraordinary filters that can be arranged in series, parallel, or custom configurations. The plugin’s intuitive graphical interface allows users to easily adjust frequency, gain, and panning settings for each band, providing precise control over the sound shaping process. MCombMB’s smart-randomization engine enables even novice users to generate unbelievable moving textures, rhythmical pads, and squealing drum loops without extensive technical knowledge. The plugin’s modulation capabilities are particularly noteworthy, allowing users to animate any parameter using a variety of sources such as LFOs, audio level followers, envelope generators, randomizers, and pitch detectors. This combination of powerful filtering and extensive modulation options makes MCombMB an excellent choice for those looking to push the boundaries of sound design and create truly unique sonic landscapes.
Pros:
• Highly versatile with up to six bands, each featuring four filters
• Intuitive graphical interface for easy parameter adjustment
• Extensive modulation options for creating dynamic, evolving sounds
• Smart-randomization engine for quick and unique sound generation
• Supports 16x upsampling for high-quality audio processing
• Includes M/S, surround, and other channel modes for flexible routing
Cons:
• Steep learning curve due to the plugin’s complexity and vast feature set
• Relatively high price point compared to some simpler comb filter plugins
MCombMB’s feature set is impressively comprehensive, offering users a wide array of tools for sound manipulation and design. At its core, the plugin provides up to six separate bands, each equipped with up to four filters. These filters can be arranged in series, parallel, or custom configurations, allowing for intricate sound shaping. Each filter boasts adjustable feedback with band pass functionality and even a built-in limiter, providing precise control over the resonance and overall character of the sound.
The plugin’s graphical editor is a standout feature, offering an intuitive interface for adjusting frequency, gain, and panning settings for each band. This visual approach to sound design makes it easier for users to understand and manipulate complex filter arrangements. Additionally, MCombMB allows for phase inversion in each channel, enabling users to create unique stereo width effects and expand the plugin’s creative possibilities.
MCombMB’s modulation capabilities are particularly noteworthy. Users can modulate any parameter using a variety of sources, including LFOs, audio level followers, envelope generators, randomizers, and pitch detectors. This “modulation heaven” opens up a world of possibilities for creating dynamic, evolving sounds that can breathe life into static audio material.
The plugin also incorporates several standard MeldaProduction features that enhance its functionality and audio quality. These include 16x upsampling for high-fidelity processing, M/S (Mid/Side) processing for stereo manipulation, and surround sound support for more immersive audio experiences. The inclusion of A-H presets allows for easy comparison between different settings, facilitating efficient workflow and sound design exploration.
MCombMB’s band configuration options are highly flexible. Users can set up their own band configuration with up to six different bands, and choose from various crossover designs between the bands. These options include analog designs with adjustable steepness, linear phase mode, or a hybrid design combining both approaches. This level of control over the band structure allows for precise tailoring of the plugin’s behavior to suit specific audio material or creative goals. The plugin also features automatic gain compensation, which helps maintain consistent output levels when making dramatic changes to the filter settings. This is particularly useful when experimenting with different configurations or when using the plugin in a mixing context where maintaining relative levels is crucial.
Safety output limiting is another thoughtful inclusion, preventing unwanted distortion or clipping that can occur when pushing filter resonances to extreme settings. This feature allows users to experiment freely with the plugin’s parameters without fear of damaging their audio or monitoring systems.
When compared to similar plugins, MCombMB stands out for its sheer versatility and depth of features. While many comb filter plugins offer basic functionality with a single filter and limited modulation options, MCombMB provides a much more comprehensive toolset. Its multi-band approach, coupled with the ability to use multiple filters per band, sets it apart from simpler offerings like Soundtoys FilterFreak or Waves MetaFilter. The extensive modulation options in MCombMB are reminiscent of more complex modular systems or advanced synthesizers, making it a powerful tool for sound design that goes beyond typical filter plugins. In this regard, it shares some similarities with plugins like FabFilter Volcano 2 or Unfiltered Audio’s LION, which also offer advanced modulation capabilities. However, MCombMB’s focus on comb filtering and its unique band structure give it a distinct character and sound-shaping potential.
This plugin is best for:
• Sound designers seeking to create unique, evolving textures
• Electronic music producers looking to add movement and depth to their tracks
• Film and game audio professionals needing to create otherworldly sound effects
• Experimental musicians pushing the boundaries of conventional sound
MeldaProduction MCombMB is a powerful and versatile multi-band comb filter plugin that offers an impressive array of sound-shaping tools. Its combination of multiple bands, each with up to four filters, provides unprecedented control over the filtering process. The intuitive graphical interface makes it accessible to users of varying skill levels, while the depth of features ensures that even the most experienced sound designers will find plenty to explore. The extensive modulation options allow for the creation of dynamic, evolving sounds that can breathe new life into static audio material. While the plugin’s complexity may present a steep learning curve for some users, those who invest the time to master MCombMB will be rewarded with a tool capable of producing truly unique and captivating sonic textures. Despite its relatively high price point, the plugin’s versatility and quality make it a valuable addition to any sound designer’s toolkit, particularly for those working in electronic music production, film and game audio, or experimental music genres. MCombMB stands out in the crowded field of filter plugins, offering a level of control and creative potential that is hard to match with more conventional tools.