Blue Cat's PatchWork: Universal Plug-in Host and Patch Bay Free Download

PatchWork lets you chain effects in series using up to 8 pre and 8 post plug-in slots, or build up to 8 parallel chains that can be activated independently. Routing is handled through the rack's matrix: adding or removing a row or column changes the connections, so no virtual cables are needed.

Plug-ins can also send MIDI to each other or to the host application through the virtual MIDI ports the plug-in provides. Audio inputs and outputs can be assigned per plug-in, and external side chain and multiple outputs are supported. Latency compensation and a built-in CPU meter help keep larger setups manageable.

Complex processing setups and plug-in layouts can be saved as presets and recalled with one click. Configurations can also be shared between DAWs that use any supported plug-in format. The plug-in stores the window position of each sub-plug-in, so the layout comes back with your session.

Sub-plug-in parameters can be mapped to macro controls, so they can be automated or driven from a control surface. Its 30 built-in effects, including reverb, EQ, filters, delays, compressor, gate, bit crusher and wave shaper, can be used to add color to your own chains.