Description
APB-16: Trusted McDSP Sound, Now Analog
For decades, engineers have been torn between the worlds of Analog and Digital. An analog workflow has all the harmonic richness heard on countless hits. On the other hand, it can be costly, slow, and requires regular repair. Meanwhile, digital recording has allowed engineers to explore recording like never before. The catch? Hyper-clean recordings and too many options can feel sterile and lifeless. McDSP aims to bridge this gap with the APB-16.
Analog Processing, Now In The Box
The McDSP Analog Processing Box provides a wide range of studio tools in one box. From mastering grade limiters, compressors, and transient shapers, the APB-16has you covered. Premium analog components ensure the purest sound possible, while 32-bit conversion ensures no signal loss in and out of the box. The real kicker? The APB-16 is fully programmable, right from your Pro Tools session. On top of this, you get sample-accurate automation, APB-ready plug-in bundle, preset management, and full session recall. Finally, engineers no longer need to choose between analog sound or digital workflow.
Total Recall, Automation, and More
The APB-8 and APB-16 come with a collection of APB plug-ins to route audio to the APB hardware and control the analog circuitry within. The user simply operates the APB plug-in like any other plug-in, but processing is done in the analog domain. Settings can be saved as a preset, plug-ins can be recalled with a session, and parameters can even be automated with sample level accuracy. APB plug-ins provide true digital workflow with genuine analog performance.
Meet the MOO X Mixer
The Moo X mixer plug-in is the world’s first fully automated hybrid mixing console under total software control. Session recall is instant, and all mixer controls can be automated or saved as a preset. Features include channel equalization, analog compression and saturation, and a master section with stereo analog compression and saturation.
C673-A Dynamic Range Compressor
The C673-A served as the initial prototype for the concept of the world’s first programmable analog processor. Based on McDSP’s C670 and C671 modules from the McDSP 6000 series plug-ins, the C673-A model pushes the envelope further with all analog dynamics processing and a custom saturation circuit.
EL MOO Tube Limiter and MOO TUBE Compressor
One of two all-analog limiters in the APB plug-in lineup, the El Moo leverages the same design used in the MooTube compressor. An adjustable all-analog saturation stage with user control makes the El Moo an interesting choice as a sonic leveler.
The Moo Tube Compressor is the capstone of the collection of McDSP tube-based compression algorithms. Combining decades of software-side modeling experience with the world’s first programmable analog processor, the MooTube delivers a soft touch to anything that goes through it.
ChickenHead Compressor
It may look familiar to some, but under the hood, the ChickenHead is a completely unique processor on a completely unique platform. McDSP engineering sought to leverage the high-end analog components and most aggressive saturation circuit in the APB hardware to create a compressor with attitude. If you are looking for the rooster in the hen house of dynamic range processors, the ChickenHead is it.
MC-3 Multi-band Compressor
The all-new MC-3 Multi-band Compressor is the world’s first fully automated analog multi-band compressor, made exclusively for the APB. Like other APB plug-ins, all MC-3 parameters are automatable and can be saved as a preset for instant session recall. The matched and calibrated analog channels of the APB-16 and APB-8 hardware make the MC-3 one of the most precise analog multi-band compressors available. The MC-3 supports Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, and other AU/VST3 hosts.
L-18 Limiter and C-18 Compressor
The L-18 is designed to be a pristine all-analog limiter, useful for a variety of mixing styles. But if the track needs a touch-up, a Color control gives some subtle tone-shaping options.
The C-18 compressor, like the L-18 limiter, is designed to be a pristine, green, audio machine. Tribute is paid to the first McDSP dynamics plug-in, CompressorBank, with an all-analog version of the unique BITE control, and an advanced version of the AUTO feature for signal level-dependent attack and release times. The C-18 can be a straight-up utility processor or introduce some new and unique twists to any track.
APB Royal MU and Royal Q
The Royal Mu is a dual-channel compressor and limiter. Features include analog biasing and saturation, mid/side processing, equalization, and a full-featured analog compressor and analog limiter. The Royal Q is a dual-channel 4-band equalizer featuring parametric and shelving EQ, mid/side processing, and trim controls. The Royal Q equalization is complemented by a custom analog section for a truly unique hybrid processor. The Royal Mu and Royal Q offer independent (or linked) control of the left and right (or mid and side) channels.
Connections
An APB plug-in takes the input audio signal, combines it with a control signal, and sends both through a Thunderbolt connection to an APB hardware unit for processing. The control signal sets up the analog components to do the selected algorithm with all the parameter values, and the audio signal is processed in the analog domain, and then converted back to the digital domain, and appears at the output of the APB plug-in back inside the Pro Tools session.
- The APB supports AAX, AU, and VST3 plug-in formats
- The APB now supports Cubase and Logic, as well as Pro Tools