McDSP APB-8 8-Channel Analog Processing Box with Thunderbolt 3 Connectivity

The McDSP APB-8 Analog Processing Box combines the flexibility of software with the fidelity of premium analog processing. Each channel can be controlled by an AAX, AU, or VST3 plug-in giving true digital workflow with genuine analog performance. Processing options include compressors, mastering limiters, transient enhancement devices, multi-channel and multi-band applications, and much more.

APB units now includes a USB-C style connector that supports Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 ports on both Intel and Apple silicon Macs, and operates at twice the bandwidth of the original APB units that came with Thunderbolt 2.

CONNECTIONS

An APB plug-in takes the input audio signal, combines it with a control signal, and sends both along a USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 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.

PLUG-INS

The APB-8 comes 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.

ROYAL MU COMPRESSOR AND LIMITER

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 Mu offers independent (or linked) control of the left/right (or mid/side) channels.

ROYAL Q EQUALIZER

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 complimented by a custom analog section for a truly unique hybrid processor. The Royal Q offers independent (or linked) control of the left/right (or mid/side) channels.

MC-3 MULTI-BAND COMPRESSOR

The MC-3 Multi-band Compressor is the world's first fully automated analog multi-band compressor. The matched and calibrated analog channels of the APB hardware make the MC-3 one of the most precise analog multi-band compressors available. Analog saturation control is also available per band. All MC-3 parameters are automatable and can be saved as a preset for instant session recall.

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 RANGER 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

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.

MOO TUBE COMPRESSOR

The MooTube 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.

L-18 LIMITER

The L-18 is designed to be a pristine all-analog limiter, useful for a variety of mixing styles. The Knee and Color controls give some subtle tone-shaping options. The L-18 Surround Limiter includes support for LCR, LCRS, Quad, 5.0, 5.1, 6.0, 6.1, 7.0, 7.1, 7.0.2, and 7.1.2 formats.

C-18 COMPRESSOR

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.

FEATURES:

• Programmable analog processing
• Premium analog components
• Multiple analog saturation circuits
• AKM 32-bit DAC and ADC
• Thunderbolt 3 and 4 compatible
• McDSP patented technology
• Manufactured in the United States
• APB-ready software plug-in bundle included
• Sample accurate automation
• Full session recall and preset handling
• APB platform now supports AAX, AU, and VST3 plug-in formats
• APB platform now supports Cubase and Logic, as well as Pro Tools