AE400 Active EQ Native v7 by McDSP EQ plugin interface

McDSP·EQFree trial

AE400 Active EQ Native v7: Active Equalizer Plugin by McDSP Free Download

AE400 Active EQ Native v7 is a 4-band active equalizer plugin by McDSP for music production, post-production and live sound. Each band has fixed and active gain controls that respond to the input or a side-chain signal.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique

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Free trial available from the developer

01Overview

The AE400 Active EQ Native v7 is an equalizer plugin built around active EQ rather than static filter curves. Its four fully overlapping bands each combine a fixed gain control with an active gain response, so the equalization can change depending on the level of the signal passing through. McDSP positions the plugin for music production, post-production and live sound. It is available in mono and stereo versions, and a separate HD version exists for AAX DSP users.

Best for

Dynamic mixing EQ
Dynamic bass control
Vocal tone shaping
Post-production EQ
Live sound equalization

Developer: McDSP
Category: EQ
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Four fully overlapping fixed and active EQ bands
Independent control over all fixed and active EQ parameters per band
Selectable EQ mode per fixed and active band
Unique active EQ ratio response control
Threshold, attack and release settings per band
Side-chain support for band triggering
Zero latency algorithms with double precision processing
Real time analyzers and band key signal monitoring
Mono and stereo versions available

03In depth

Active EQ Behavior and Band Controls

Each of the four bands has its own Q (bandwidth), fixed gain and active gain controls. A key filter sets how selective or broad the active gain response is, based on the Q control. Each band can be triggered by the input signal or by a selected side-chain signal.

The active response is shaped by each band's threshold, attack and release settings. A ratio control sets how sensitive the band is to input level and how quickly it reaches maximum active equalization. The developer describes this ratio control as unique to the AE400.

The active bands can be adjusted from the response plot or from the text readouts above and below it. Peak readouts for each band's key signal help set thresholds quickly.

Workflow Tools and Monitoring

Beyond the bands, the AE400 includes input and output controls, individual band bypass, band control linking and band key signal monitoring. These tools make it easier to audition each band's dynamic contribution and compare it against the static fixed EQ.

The plugin includes real time analyzers and updated high definition user interfaces, along with new presets. Processing uses zero latency algorithms and double precision processing.

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
AE400 Active EQ Native v7 Upgrade from v6	Plugin Boutique ↗

06FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does AE400 Active EQ Native v7 support?

The plugin is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats. The developer notes that VST support was removed as of v7.0, so VST versions of v6 plugins will no longer be updated.

Which operating systems are supported?

The plugin runs on Windows and macOS. On Mac, McDSP plugins support macOS 10.13 and later, and they run natively on Intel and Apple Silicon processors. On Windows, Windows 7, 8 and 10 are supported in 64-bit only.

What do I need to use the AE400?

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