McDSP AE600 Active EQ Native

What AE600 Native Is For

AE600 Native is an active equalization plugin designed to control the spectrum in a musical and intelligent way, both in mixing and post-production. It allows for clean and clear equalization while reacting to signal variations thanks to dynamic bands: useful for taming a resonance on a vocal, stabilizing the aggressiveness of a guitar, containing an overwhelming low-midrange, or preserving the impact of a kick and the clarity of a bass without crushing the groove.

In both studio and home studio environments, AE600 Native targets producers looking for a modern EQ tool for focused processing: transparent correction, tonal shaping, frequency balancing, and dynamic management of problematic areas, with a quick setup approach.

Main Features

Fixed and active bands: two approaches, one plugin

The strength of AE600 Native lies in its architecture of six bands that can operate in "fixed" (classic equalization) and "active" (dynamic equalization) modes. Since the bands are fully stackable, you place your control points exactly where the mix needs them, without zone limitations. This flexibility facilitates fine work on transients, sibilance, resonances, and energy build-ups while maintaining a natural sound.

Independent control per band for ultra-precise adjustment

Each band offers independent control of all parameters, separately for the fixed and active parts. The result: you can, for example, apply a light static correction to stabilize an area, then add dynamic action only when the problem occurs. This workflow speeds up decision-making and limits compromises, especially on unstable sources (vocals, acoustic instruments, instrument buses).

Selectable EQ modes and unique ratio response

AE600 Native offers a selectable EQ mode for both fixed and active bands to adjust the color and working curve according to your goal: transparent correction, emphasizing presence, or tightening a zone. For the dynamic part, a dedicated ratio control refines how the equalizer reacts to the signal's energy, allowing treatments ranging from subtle "auto-corrective" action to more pronounced effect, while maintaining control over musicality.

Sidechain, numerical precision, and mono/stereo versions

The plugin includes a sidechain to drive the EQ's reaction from an external source: ideal for creating space between kick and bass, reducing frequency masking triggered by another track, or making a mix more readable without resorting to overall compression. Double precision processing enhances stability and calculation finesse, and availability in mono and stereo versions facilitates integration on individual tracks as well as buses.

Technical specifications

Type

Full software

Downloadable

Yes

Mac

OS X 10.13.x (High Sierra), 10.14.x (Mojave), 10.15.x (Catalina), 11.x (Big Sur), 12.x (Monterey), 13.x (Ventura), 14.x (Sonoma)

Windows

Windows 10