Blue Cat's PatchWork plug-in patchbay interface with routing matrix

Blue Cat Audio·Virtual PatchbaysFree trial

Blue Cat's PatchWork Crossgrade from Scaler 2: Universal Plug-in Patchbay Free Download

Rated 4.6/5 on Plugin Boutique (114 ratings)

Blue Cat's PatchWork Crossgrade from Scaler 2 is a universal plug-in patchbay from Blue Cat Audio that hosts up to 64 third-party plug-ins in one instance, in VST2, AU, AAX and standalone formats.

VST2AUAAXStandaloneWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

This plug-in is aimed at producers who want to build effect chains and parallel processing setups without using multiple busses. It can run as an effect, a virtual instrument or a standalone application, and it includes 30 built-in effects such as reverb, EQ, filters, delays, compressor, gate and bit crusher. Setups can be saved as presets, recalled with one click and shared between DAWs. The product is offered as a crossgrade for owners of Scaler 2 or Scaler 2 Upgrade.

Best for

Parallel processing
Custom channel strips
Virtual bussing
Effect chain comparison
Multi-effects processing
Sharing plug-in setups between DAWs

Developer: Blue Cat Audio
Category: Virtual Patchbays
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Hosts up to 64 third-party VST, VST3 or Audio Unit plug-ins or instruments
30 built-in effects including reverb, EQ, filters, delays and compressor
Up to 8 pre and 8 post plug-in slots for serial chains
Up to 8 parallel chains with phase flip, solo and gain controls
Up to 8 virtual instruments hosted in parallel and mixed inside the plug-in
Macro controls and parameter mapping for automation and control surfaces
Flexible MIDI and audio routing with external side chain support
Recall and share processing setups across DAWs with one click

03In depth

Routing and Parallel Chains in One Instance

The rack lets you chain up to 8 plug-ins in "pre" slots and up to 8 in "post" slots, or run up to 8 parallel chains. Each parallel chain offers phase flip, solo and gain controls, and multicore processing is supported for parallel chains.

Routing is handled with a matrix: adding or removing a row or column connects plug-ins, with flexible MIDI and audio routing, external side chain support and multiple outputs. Plug-ins can also be hosted as virtual instruments, with up to 8 running in parallel and mixed inside the plug-in.

Macro Controls, Monitoring and Workflow

Macro controls let you map sub-plug-in parameters for automation or for control with an external surface. A global Dry/Wet control ("Mix") is included, along with input and output level monitoring and a built-in CPU meter.

Latency compensation, undo/redo, bypass per slot and window layout storage are part of the workflow. Setups can be copied and pasted or dragged between slots, and link pre and post gains for automatic gain compensation.

04Specs

Will it run?

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

Developer	Blue Cat Audio
Type	Plugin
Category	Virtual Patchbay
Formats	VST2, AU, AAX, Standalone
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit
Free trial	Yes

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does PatchWork support?

PatchWork is available as VST2, AU, AAX and a standalone application. It runs on Windows and macOS and is 64-bit.

What do I need to run PatchWork?

It needs a VST, AU or AAX compatible host application. The standalone version requires a Core Audio compatible interface on Mac, or an ASIO, MME or WASAPI compatible interface on Windows, with ASIO recommended.

How many plug-ins can PatchWork host?

It can host up to 64 third-party VST, VST3 or Audio Unit plug-ins or instruments in one instance, in series or in parallel.

Does PatchWork include its own effects?

Yes. It includes 30 built-in effects, including reverb, EQ, filters, pitch and frequency shifters, delays, modulation effects, compressor, gate, bit crusher and wave shaper.

07Developer

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