Blue Cat Audio MB-7 Mixer

What Blue Cat MB-7 Mixer Is For

Blue Cat MB-7 Mixer is a multiband mixing plug-in designed for those who want to go beyond a simple EQ or multiband compressor. Its clear goal is to give you full control over multiple frequency zones (up to 7 bands) and allow you to apply different processing on each, as if each band were a separate track.
In mixing, it becomes powerful for decluttering an arrangement (for example, widening only the highs of a synth, recentring the lows of a guitar, or reducing an aggressive midrange area without affecting the rest). In mastering and post-production, it helps stabilize the stereo image, optimize mono compatibility, or create dynamic movements per band via automation. In sound design, the per-band plug-in hosting opens the door to creative spectral effects: targeted distortion, delays only in the highs, localized modulation, etc.

Main Features

A True "Console" Per Band

Each band features controls inspired by a mixing console: bypass, mute, and solo to instantly isolate a frequency range, gain control, management of stereoness (width/spread), and placement in the stereo field. A mono switch on the master helps validate mono compatibility, essential for listening on smartphones, clubs, or broadcast.

Multiband Host for Your Plug-ins (VST, VST3, AU)

MB-7 Mixer can operate as a multiband plug-in host: you insert third-party effects on each band and process them independently. You can load up to four plug-ins per band, pre or post fader, with latency compensation and individual bypass of sub-plug-ins for a reliable workflow. The result: a very flexible processing environment, ideal for refining an effects chain without compromising the overall balance.

Built-in Effects and Quick Processing

For fast work without relying on an external library, the plug-in includes a collection of internal effects: it offers 28 built-in effects and also integrates 25 audio effects that can be inserted into each plug-in slot. On the multiband processing side, it features 30 built-in effects covering EQ and filters, pitch and frequency shifter, delays, reverb, modulation effects, compressor, gate, bit crusher, wave shaper, and more. This versatility allows for everything from subtle correction to radical sound transformation, all within a single instance.

Routing, Mapping, and Real-Time Control

Parameters Mapping lets you assign sub-plug-in parameters to automatable controls, useful for controlling complex processing from a control surface or simple automation in your DAW. Flexible audio routing facilitates multi-mono setups, creative channel combinations, and sidechain scenarios. Thanks to MIDI input and automation capabilities, you can build very musical dynamic effects, including multiband approaches to ducking, gating, or compression.

Instance Linking and "Group" Work

The multi-instance technology offers linking and grouping options: you can link bands within an instance or across multiple instances placed on different tracks. A single fader can then control multiple bands across several tracks, speeding up balance adjustments between competing elements (for example, vocals and synths in the 2 kHz to 5 kHz range, or kick and bass in the low spectrum).

Visual Analysis and Performance

The plug-in provides detailed visual feedback: real-time response curves, spectrogram, per-channel levels, and a CPU load meter. It also includes optimized resource management: no CPU load at idle thanks to processing suspension during silence (can be disabled for some plug-ins that poorly handle tails), and a Smooth Bypass mode for artifact-free activation/deactivation.

Technical specifications

Type

Full software

Downloadable

Yes

Version	3.6	Number of Bands	up to 7 bands
Format Compatibility	available as plug-in formats for Mac and Windows	Crossover Filters	slopes from 12 to 192 dB per octave
Sample Rates	supports all sample rates	Per-Band Controls	level, pan, stereoness, bypass, mute, solo
Latency	latency compensation for inserts; advertised as "no additional latency"	Mono Control	mono switch on master for compatibility testing
Preset Management	integrated preset manager, copy/paste state between instances	Dual Mode	independent left/right control or mid/side mode
Undo/Redo	integrated	Multiband Host	VST, VST3, and Audio Unit (depending on platform) per band
Automation	full automation support	Inserts	up to 4 plug-ins per band
MIDI	MIDI support, MIDI Learn	Insert Positions	pre and post fader
Automation and MIDI Output	parameter recording as automation curves or sending MIDI CC messages to other plug-ins	Compensation	full latency compensation
Compatibility Note	presets and sessions saved with this version do not load correctly in older versions (loss of parameter maps)	Bypass	individual bypass of sub-plug-ins
System	Mac OS 10.9 or later	Audio Routing	free connection of sub-plug-in I/Os to any channel for multi-mono and creative sidechain
Processor	Intel or Apple Silicon	External Sidechain	external sidechain support for sub-plug-ins on each band
Plug-in Formats	VST2, VST3, AU, AAX	Multicore	multicore processing support
Display	enhanced Retina support, sharper graphics at all resolutions and zoom levels	Built-in Effects	28 built-in effects
Display Option	Auto Scale for third-party plug-ins that do not support HiDPI on Windows	Built-in Audio Effects	25 audio effects insertable in each plug-in slot