MeldaProduction MWaveShaperMB is a versatile multiband waveshaping plugin developed by MeldaProduction. This powerful audio processing tool allows users to split the input signal into up to 6 frequency bands and apply custom waveshaping to each band independently. The plugin offers extensive modulation options, enabling users to create dynamic and evolving distortion effects. MWaveShaperMB features a user-friendly interface with visual feedback, including meters for input, output, stereo width, and loudness. The plugin supports various channel modes, including mono, stereo, mid/side encoding, and even up to 7th order ambisonics with 64 channels. MWaveShaperMB incorporates MeldaProduction’s signature features, such as 16x upsampling, automatic gain compensation, and a safety brickwall limiter to prevent clipping. With its advanced capabilities and flexible design, MWaveShaperMB caters to a wide range of audio production needs, from subtle harmonic enhancement to extreme sound design.
Pros:
• Multiband processing with up to 6 independent frequency bands
• Extensive modulation options for dynamic waveshaping
• Supports various channel modes, including surround and ambisonics
• Includes automatic gain compensation and safety limiter
• High-quality upsampling to prevent aliasing
• Flexible preset management with online sharing capabilities
Cons:
• User interface may be less intuitive for beginners
• Some users might find the visual design less appealing compared to other plugins
MWaveShaperMB boasts an impressive array of features that set it apart from many other waveshaping plugins on the market. At its core, the plugin offers up to 6 bands of waveshaping, allowing users to apply different custom shapes to specific frequency ranges. This level of control enables precise sound sculpting and the ability to target particular aspects of a sound without affecting others. The plugin’s modulation capabilities are particularly noteworthy. Users can modulate any parameter using various sources, including LFOs, audio level followers, envelope generators, randomizers, and pitch detectors. This flexibility opens up a world of creative possibilities, from subtle movement to wild, evolving distortion effects.
MWaveShaperMB incorporates MeldaProduction’s advanced multiband system, which supports not only mono and stereo signals but also mid/side encoding, separate left and right channel processing, and even up to 7th order ambisonics with 64 channels. This wide range of channel modes makes the plugin suitable for various audio production scenarios, including music, film, games, and VR applications.
The plugin features both minimum-phase and high-quality linear-phase upsampling algorithms, which help prevent aliasing when applying nonlinear processes. This attention to detail ensures that the audio quality remains pristine, even when pushing the waveshaping to extreme levels.
MWaveShaperMB includes a powerful randomization system that allows users to generate new settings quickly. The smart randomization engine learns from existing presets to offer more successful changes, and users can lock specific parameters to exclude them from randomization. This feature can be particularly useful for overcoming creative blocks or discovering unexpected sound design possibilities.
The plugin also offers automatic gain compensation, which adapts to current settings and ensures that the output maintains a consistent perceived loudness. This feature is invaluable when browsing presets or making adjustments, as it prevents loudness bias from influencing decision-making.
For added safety, MWaveShaperMB includes a brickwall limiter that automatically prevents the output from exceeding 0dB. This protection mechanism safeguards both equipment and ears from potential damage caused by sudden volume spikes.
The plugin supports MIDI control, allowing users to map parameters to MIDI controllers or keyboard input for real-time manipulation. Additionally, MWaveShaperMB offers A/B comparison functionality, which MeldaProduction has expanded to include up to 8 instances (A to H) that users can freely switch between. The plugin even allows morphing between the first 4 slots using an X-Y pad, enabling users to find the perfect blend of different settings.
While the user interface may present a learning curve for some users, the depth of control and quality of the audio processing make MWaveShaperMB a valuable addition to any producer’s toolkit. The inclusion of features like automatic gain compensation, a safety limiter, and high-quality upsampling demonstrates MeldaProduction’s commitment to maintaining audio integrity even when pushing the boundaries of sound design. The plugin’s advanced preset management and randomization features encourage experimentation and can serve as a source of inspiration for users. However, the visual design may not appeal to all users, especially those accustomed to more stylized interfaces.
MWaveShaperMB stands out in the crowded field of distortion and waveshaping plugins due to its multiband approach and extensive modulation capabilities. While many waveshapers operate on the full frequency spectrum, MWaveShaperMB’s ability to split the signal into up to 6 bands offers significantly more control and precision. This feature set is more comparable to high-end multiband distortion units like FabFilter Saturn 2 or iZotope Trash 2. In terms of modulation options, MWaveShaperMB rivals or exceeds many of its competitors. The ability to modulate virtually any parameter with a wide range of sources puts it in league with modular-style plugins like Kilohearts’ Phase Plant or Native Instruments’ Reaktor-based effects.
Where MWaveShaperMB truly shines is in its support for advanced channel modes, including surround and ambisonics processing. This level of flexibility is relatively rare in the waveshaping plugin market and positions MWaveShaperMB as a strong contender for post-production and immersive audio applications. Compared to other MeldaProduction offerings, MWaveShaperMB sits between the simpler MWaveShaper and the more complex MDistortionMB. It offers a balance of power and usability that may appeal to a wide range of users, from those seeking straightforward distortion to sound designers requiring deep control.
This plugin is best for:
• Sound designers looking for precise control over distortion and waveshaping
• Music producers seeking creative and evolving distortion effects
• Post-production professionals working with surround and immersive audio formats
• Electronic music artists exploring complex modulation and sound manipulation
• Mixing engineers requiring surgical distortion and harmonic enhancement
MWaveShaperMB is a powerful and flexible multiband waveshaping plugin that offers an impressive range of features for both subtle and extreme sound manipulation. Its ability to process up to 6 independent frequency bands with custom waveshapes and extensive modulation options sets it apart from many competitors. The plugin’s support for various channel modes, including surround and ambisonics, makes it a versatile tool for a wide range of audio production scenarios. Overall, MWaveShaperMB is a robust and capable plugin that excels in providing precise control over waveshaping and distortion. Its unique combination of multiband processing, extensive modulation, and support for advanced channel modes makes it a standout choice for sound designers, electronic music producers, and post-production professionals seeking a powerful and flexible waveshaping solution.