McDSP DC-2 – APB Dual-Channel Dual-Analog Compressor Plugin

OVERVIEW

The DC-2 is a dual-channel dual-analog compressor APB plugin. Two independent, fully programmable compressors can be placed in series or in parallel (split) processing modes, and mixed with a dedicated balance control. Several compression models are available, including FET, VCA, and optical-derived algorithms that operate entirely in the analog domain. Each compressor has its own side chain filter, programmable knee shape, peak and rms modes, and auto release. Two bands of EQ can be placed pre or post each analog compressor. The analog processing includes a customizable saturation section.

The DC-2 offers independent (or linked) control of the left/right or mid/side channels. Visual feedback includes metering of input, output, and each dual compressor on each channel, alongside signal flow and compression curve displays.

“This is the future.” — Tony Maserati (Grammy Award-Winning Mix Engineer)

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Complete Control

The DC-2’s two-analog-compressor-per-channel configuration can be readily adjusted with a unique Balance control, whether in series or parallel (split) processing mode. Each compression stage is fully adjustable with independent Threshold, Makeup Gain, Attack, Release, Ratio and HPF filter. Two bands of EQ can be placed before or after all analog processing for even more tone control.

Programmable Analog

The APB is the world’s first programmable analog processor, and the DC-2 takes full advantage of the APB hardware capabilities. Each compressor has a variety of compression knee shapes, RMS modes, HPF options, and no less than three all-analog models of FET, VCA, and Optical (OPTO) processing.

Custom Saturation

The final stage of processing is a multi-mode saturation circuit. Two bands of EQ-like control over the analog saturation can set up the perfect tone. And if you need two perfect saturation setups when processing in parallel, a second saturation stage appears when Split mode is enabled. A Saturation Adjust can vary the overall amount of analog saturation without affecting the output level.

EQ Too

The DC-2 includes two EQ bands that can be placed before or after all analog processing. EQ shapes include low shelf, parametric, and high shelf. Great for making final adjustments or creating distinct tones for each dual compressor when operating in parallel (split) mode. As done in the custom saturation stage, when using the parallel (split) mode, a second set of controls appears for another two bands of EQ, so that both signal paths have a dedicated EQ.

Centre Section

The DC-2 main controls cover all the most common analog compression adjustments, but the DC-2 Centre Section offers even more programmability. In these sections, the user can adjust knee shape, RMS modes (window size and blend with peak detection), HPF options, and compression algorithm types. The Centre Section also includes control for EQ, signal flow, and all saturation circuit customisation.

An important aspect of any APB plug-in is that the plug-in is primarily a controller. The APB plug-in takes the input audio signal, combines it with a control signal, and sends both along a Thunderbolt connection to an APB 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 converted to the analog domain. The analog version of the audio signal is processed in the analog domain and then converted back to the digital domain.

By operating the APB hardware from an APB plug-in in this way, all user-controllable parameters are recallable and can be saved as presets. Furthermore, because the control signal is married to the input audio signal, parameters can be updated during playback with sample-accurate automation.

FEATURES

• Dual analog compression in series or parallel (split) configurations
• Analog compression models for FET, VCA, and Optical designs
• Programmable Knee shape, Peak and RMS modes, side chain filter shapes, and auto release
• Dual, stereo and mid/side processing options
• Double precision digital equalizer (pre or post analog stages)
• Sample accurate automation of analog processing
• Included with APB hardware purchase
• Formats: AAX Native, AU, VST3

TECHNICAL SPECS

General

Product Type: Dual-Channel Dual-Analog Compressor Plug-in

Processing Platform: McDSP APB (Analog Processing Box)

Analog Processing: Fully Programmable Analog Signal Path

Compressor Configuration: Two Independent Analog Compressors per Channel

Processing Modes: Series or Parallel (Split)

Balance Control: Adjustable Blend Between Compression Paths

Compression

Compression Models:

• FET
• VCA
• Optical (OPTO)

Threshold: Independent per Compressor

Ratio: Independent per Compressor

Attack: Independent per Compressor

Release: Independent per Compressor

Makeup Gain: Independent per Compressor

Knee Shape: Programmable

Detection Modes:

• Peak
• RMS

RMS Window Size: Adjustable

Auto Release: Supported

Side Chain Filter: Independent per Compressor

Side Chain Monitoring: Supported

High-Pass Filter (HPF): Adjustable

Equalisation

EQ Bands: Two per Signal Path

EQ Placement:

• Pre Compression
• Post Compression

EQ Types:

• Low Shelf
• Parametric
• High Shelf

Parallel (Split) Mode: Dedicated EQ Available for Each Processing Path

Saturation

Analog Saturation: Multi-Mode

Saturation Control: Adjustable Overall Saturation Amount

Saturation Tone Shaping: Two-Band EQ-Style Controls

Parallel (Split) Mode: Independent Saturation Section per Signal Path

Routing & Processing

Processing Configurations:

• Series
• Parallel (Split)

Channel Modes:

• Mono
• Stereo
• Mid/Side

Channel Linking:

• Independent
• Linked Left/Right

Signal Flow Display: Included

Compression Curve Display: Included

Metering

Input Metering

Output Metering

Gain Reduction Metering for All Four Compressors

Automation & Workflow

Complete Parameter Recall

Sample-Accurate Automation

Programmable Analog Control via APB Hardware

Thunderbolt Communication with APB Processor

User Preset Support

Software Formats

AAX Native

AU

VST3

Compatibility

Requires McDSP APB Analog Processing Box

Included with APB Hardware Purchase