4020 Retro EQ Native v7 by McDSP EQ plugin interface

McDSP·EQFree trial

4020 Retro EQ Native v7: Four-Band Vintage-Style EQ by McDSP Free Download

4020 Retro EQ Native v7 is a four-band equalizer plugin from McDSP, combining two shelving bands, two parametric bands and high- and low-pass filters. It is built to give a smooth, vintage-style EQ sound without emulating a specific hardware unit.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique

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Free trial available from the developer

01Overview

The 4020 Retro EQ Native v7 is the Native version of McDSP's 4020 EQ, for use in standard DAW hosts rather than the AAX DSP system. Its layout covers four bands: high and low shelving EQs, plus two parametric EQs at the high-mid and low-mid positions. Each band uses a gain-dependent slope and Q system, so boosts and cuts behave differently at larger gain settings. The plugin also includes HPF and LPF filters, and it is available in mono and stereo versions.

Best for

Mix bus tone shaping
Vocal EQ and cleanup
Drum bus filtering
Bass tone control
Master bus polish

Developer: McDSP
Category: EQ
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Four bands: two shelving and two parametric EQ bands
Gain-dependent variable slope and Q system
HPF and LPF filters with split-octave design
12 dB/octave near cutoff, 24 dB/octave maximum slope
Anti-clip output stage topology
Analog saturation modeling
Zero-latency algorithms with double-precision processing
Mono and stereo versions available

03In depth

Sound and Filter Behavior

McDSP describes the EQ bands as operating on a unique gain-dependent slope and Q system, intended to give a smooth, vintage character with more selective boost and cut behavior at high gain settings.

The high-pass and low-pass filters use what McDSP calls a split-octave design. According to the developer, they run at a 12 dB/octave slope near the selected frequency and reach a maximum slope of 24 dB/octave.

The output stage uses an anti-clip topology designed to avoid digital clipping at any output level, and the plugin includes analog saturation modeling.

Workflow and Versions

The Native version runs on macOS and Windows and is supported in VST3, AU and AAX formats. McDSP's current license model allows two activations per license or subscription, with authorization handled through an iLok account or USB Smart Key.

The interface has been redesigned in high definition, and the plugin uses double-precision processing with zero-latency algorithms. Mono and stereo versions are both included, so the EQ can be placed on individual tracks or on buses and masters.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	McDSP
Type	Plugin
Category	EQ
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit
Free trial	Yes

05Upgrades

Upgrade and crossgrade options

Option	Store link
4020 Retro EQ Native v7 Upgrade from v6	Plugin Boutique ↗

06FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does 4020 Retro EQ Native v7 support?

The Native version is listed in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats. It runs on Windows and macOS and is 64-bit only.

What do I need to run 4020 Retro EQ Native v7?

McDSP plugins require an iLok2 or iLok3 USB Smart Key, or a free iLok License Manager account with iLok Cloud for authorization. Each v7 plugin includes two activations per authorization.