AE600 Active EQ HD v7 by McDSP EQ plugin interface

McDSP·EQFree trial

AE600 Active EQ HD v7: Active Equalizer Plugin by McDSP Free Download

AE600 Active EQ HD v7 is an active equalizer plugin by McDSP with six fully overlapping fixed and active EQ bands. Each band has its own gain, frequency, Q and mode controls, and the active response is shaped by threshold, attack, release and ratio settings.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique

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Free trial available from the developer

01Overview

The AE600 is McDSP's active equalization plugin, positioned as the next generation of active EQ. Its six bands are fully overlapping, and each can use the input signal or a selected sidechain input to trigger the active response. Independent gain, frequency, Q and mode controls for every band give fine control over both fixed and dynamic equalization. The plugin is offered in mono and stereo versions, with a double precision, zero latency design and real-time analyzers included.

Best for

Dynamic EQ on mixes
Taming resonances
Mix bus equalization
Sidechain-triggered EQ
Mastering tonal shaping

Developer: McDSP
Category: EQ
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Six fully overlapping fixed and active EQ bands
Independent gain, frequency, Q and mode control per band
Selectable EQ mode for each fixed and active band
Unique active EQ ratio response control
Sidechain support for triggering the active response
Zero latency and ultra-low latency algorithms
Double precision processing
Real-time analyzers and updated high definition interfaces
Mono and stereo versions available

03In depth

Active EQ Modes and Band Control

Every fixed and active band has its own gain, frequency, Q and mode controls. McDSP lists a range of EQ modes, including parametric, proportional Q parametric, 5x Q parametric, Baxandall shelving, vintage styled, X-style shelving, Baxandall shelving plus filtering, and high and low pass filtering.

The active EQ bands can be adjusted directly on the response plot or through the text readouts above and below it. Band control linking and individual band bypass help when you work across several bands at once.

Dynamic Response and Ratio Control

The active response of each band is determined by its threshold, attack and release settings. A ratio control sets how sensitive the response is to input level, which governs how the band reaches maximum active equalization. McDSP describes this ratio control as unique to the AE600 and the AE400.

Peak signal readouts for each band's key signal sit below the band dynamics plots, which helps when setting the active EQ threshold. Input and output controls and key signal monitoring complete the interface.

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

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does AE600 Active EQ HD v7 support?

AE600 Active EQ HD v7 is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats. The developer notes that VST support ended with v7.0, so VST3 is the current VST option.

Which operating systems are supported?

The plugin runs on Windows and macOS. McDSP lists support for Windows 7, 8 and 10 in 64-bit, and for macOS 10.13 and later, with native support for Intel and Apple Silicon processors.

Does the AE600 require an iLok?

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