The 6060 includes over 30 unique modules for EQ, compression, saturation, distortion, specialized filtering, dynamic range expansion, gating, and more. Custom modules include bass optimized biasing for the larger than life low end, transformer-based tone shaping circuits for high end shine, tape simulation, de-essing and new EQ and compression designs. Additional modules are already in the works.
FRG446
The FRG446 module, commonly referred to as ‘The Frog’ by McDSP engineering staff, uses a
moderately aggressive compression design to quickly respond to audio input. As with other
6060 compression modules, feedback (and feedforward) compression modes are offered, as is
the dangerous negative compression mode.
BC-23
Based on a more ‘traditional’ English design, the British C-23 (BC-23 for short) module
offers control for threshold, ratio, attack, and recovery. Internal circuit smarts help
prevent unwanted distortion, even at extreme compression settings (low threshold, fast
attack and release). As found in several of the compression modules in the 6060, there is
also a feedback compression mode.
BOB
The Bass Optimized Bias module is designed for making low rumble really rumble. Over 24 dB
of low end boost is available at the selected frequency. Signal levels below the selected
frequency are actually reduced, so that the boosted low end is better focused. A Squash
control can provide some frequency selective compression near the boosted low end frequency,
at a selectable recovery rate. Two bias modes offer additional tone flexibility.
British-E
McDSP’s own FilterBank plug-in, originally released in 1998, harnessed the fundamental
design characteristics of the Neve line of equalizers, most notably the 1069, 1073 and 1081,
with its unique Peak, Slope, and Dip controls. The British E module uses this same FilterBank
technology to create an amalgamation of great Neve equalizers. The classic hpf, low shelf,
parametric, high shelf combination makes the British E module useful for most mixing
situations.
E670
Fairchild made not only great compressor/limiters, they also put out a few program
equalizers. The Fairchild 664, a two band EQ, served as the basis for the E670 design.
Gentle low and high shelving EQ, complimented by a mid band parametric, give the E670 a
smooth sound, but the three bands (each with its own gain and frequency control) provide
flexibility expected in the modern studio. Suitable for subtle adjustments in any mixing
situation.
Moo Q
All tube designs are known for a warm tone with tons of headroom. The Moo Q delivers these
qualities and more in a three band package.
iQ
The only two-band equalizer in the 6060 collection, the iQ is surprisingly adept at fine
tuning mixes in any music genre. Tracks needing some low end ‘glow’ or high end ‘sheen’ can
benefit from use of the iQ module.
E300
While there may be no electro-optical attenuation in these equalizers, McDSP wanted to have
equalizer modules that complimented the Opto-C/L compressor modules in the 6060 Ultimate
Module Collection plug-in. The Opto-C/L modules are good general purpose compressors, with the
Opto-L module operating more like a vintage limiter. In that spirit, the E300/301 modules are
very utilitarian as well.
E301
While there may be no electro-optical attenuation in these equalizers, McDSP wanted to have
equalizer modules that complimented the Opto-C/L compressor modules in the 6060 Ultimate Module
Collection plug-in. The Opto-C/L modules are good general purpose compressors, with the Opto-L
module operating more like a vintage limiter. In that spirit, the E300/301 modules are very
utilitarian as well. The E300 and E301 three-band modules have the same frequency and gain
ranges, but the E301 is a tad narrower in bandwidth, especially at higher gain settings.
EZ Q
The folks at dbx did not release any parametric equalizers to match their classic compressor
product line. But if they did, here at McDSP we think it would have sounded like the EZ Q.
Using a high pass filter to carve out the rumble, plus capable low and high shelfs, and a
fairly flexible parametric, the EZ Q gets the job done.
EQ'76
This 6060 module draws from the UREI 545 parametric equalizer. The EQ’76 has four bands of
paramtric equalization with a slight Q-gain dependency. The EQ’76 design is close to that of
the E300/301 modules, but using a different set of frequency ranges and a more modern
gain-dependent bandwidth design.
E357
The E357 is a 3-band EQ meant to work in tandem with the D357 compressor. The slopes are
steeper than most other EQ modules, and have a bit of character (like the D357). Use with
caution.
MEF 1
The Mid Emphasis Filter (MEF) does more than just cut out some of the low and high frequency
content of a track. The Emphasis control brings out what is left between the two filter bands,
helping tracks stand out without competing with each other.
E404
A re-issue of the classic FilterBank E4 module from 1999, the E404 offers up the same high
pass filter, low shelf, parametric, and high shelf EQ that made FilterBank an award-winning
plug-in.
C671
The C671 module is a variation of a Fairchild 670, with slightly faster signal tracking to
accommodate modern production styles, and yet still imparts a ‘warmth’ into the audio
output. The McDSP C671 is sonically identical to the original C670 module from the 6030
Ultimate Compressor plug-in, but includes its own makeup gain, as do all the other 6060
compression modules. For this reason, all the compression module name enumerations are
increased by ‘1’ to note the addition of the makeup gain in each module.
MT2
The Moo Tube module emulates an all tube design with a few unique twists. Mid range
sensitivity has been modified by McDSP engineering, attack and recovery times are gentle yet
usable for many applications, and the output frequency response is variable based on the amount
of compression.
iC2
The iComp module is an all original McDSP design. Attack and release times are not available
on this module, and are instead automatically updated based on user selected threshold and
ratio control values.
Opto-C3
The Opto-C3 and Opto-L3 modules use an electro-optical attenuation circuit model for
compression (Opto-C) or limiter (Opto-L) applications. The use of an electro-optical circuit
causes the dynamic compression to ‘back off’ after a certain amount of dB reduction is
achieved. This feature is sometimes referred to as a ‘dog tail compression effect’. Both the
Opto-C3 and Opto-L3 modules feature a feedback compression (or limiter) mode in which the
compressor (or limiter) output is the key signal. As more gain is applied, the compression
amounts also increase, creating a convenient way to audition more compression at roughly similar
audio levels.
Opto-L3
The Opto-C3 and Opto-L3 modules use an electro-optical attenuation circuit model for
compression (Opto-C) or limiter (Opto-L) applications. The use of an electro-optical circuit
causes the dynamic compression to ‘back off’ after a certain amount of dB reduction is
achieved. This feature is sometimes referred to as a ‘dog tail compression effect’. Both the
Opto-C3 and Opto-L3 modules feature a feedback compression (or limiter) mode in which the
compressor (or limiter) output is the key signal. The addition of the feedback mode in several
of the compression modules is one of the many new features of the 6060 Ultimate Module
Collection plug-in.
FRG EEE
What else can compliment a compressor nicknamed ‘The Frog’ (FRG444 from the 6030 Ultimate
Compressor plug-in) than an equalizer with a name like FRG EEE (pronounced ‘froggy’). Two
parametrics bounded by a high and low shelf pair, the FRG EEE is a capable equalizer, not
unlike what is seen in modern channel strips in analog mixing consoles.
Over EZ3
The Over EZ3 module incorporates a smooth knee response with a flexible control
configuration including user selectable threshold, ratio, attack, and release. New additions
in this module include the feedback compression mode, and the rare and ‘careful how you use
it’ negative compression mode.
SST'78
The SST’78 module is a solid-state circuit model with a McDSP designed key circuit. For the
curious, SST does not stand for Super Sonic Transport. The SST’78 features feedforward and
feedback compression modes, as well as a negative compression mode. Because the SST’78 is
capable of very fast attack and release times, caution is advised when engaging its negative
compression circuit.
PDQ
The PDQ module is a specialized EQ circuit that offers a boost (Peak) and cut (Dip) at a
selected frequency. This Pultec-like operation has a sound all its own, and can take the
user in another tone direction that a standard EQ would not. The ‘WIDE’ mode for each band
will displace the boost (Peak) and cut (Dip) gains further from each other. Also note the
default values for the PDQ gains is +/- 6 dB, implying they were intended to be working
simultaneously. But by rotating the Peak or Dip knob fully to the left, their effect on
the gain response of the EQ is minimized.
D359
The D359 module is the most aggressive compressor in the 6060 Ultimate Module Collection
plug-in. An LED style GR meter is also used to show as much dynamic range control response
as possible. Feedback (and feedforward) compression modes are offered, as is the (did we
mention dangerous?) negative compression mode.
EZG
Inspired by noise gate units such as the dbx 904, 363x, and 463x, the EZ G is a great
complement to the dynamics Over EZ compressor. A set of adjustable side chain high pass and
low pass filters make the EZ G a versatile noise gate.
iX
The iX downward expander provides as much signal rejection as the EZ G, but as an expander
also offers a ratio control to adjust the transition, or slope, between the unaffected and
expanded signals.
FRGX
Upwards and downwards expansion is what the FRG X is all about. Up to 24 dB of signal cut or
boost is available, along with a ratio control. Adjustable side chain filtering is included.
S671
Tracks needing a bit of grit will benefit from a touch up from the S671 saturation module. A
Tone control is provided to taylor the ‘edge’ added by the S671 to a variety of applications.
Moo-D
If the analog saturation from the S671 is not the right tone tweak, then the creamy tube
overdrive of the Moo-D module may be a better choice. Often a better choice for mixes than
for individual tracks.
D-100
In-your-face distortion is what the D-100 module is for. When tracks need to get ‘nasty’ the
D-100 is a go-to choice.
SOS
The SOS (Same Old SSSSS) module is a finely tuned de-esser. The module name is also a nod to
SOS Magazine reviewer Sam Inglis’ request for a de-esser. I guess SOS could also stand for
“De-SSS for Sam? The SOS module also offers a Low Cut mode to reduce plosives and other
low-end noise common in vocal and dialog tracks. The SOS HF+ mode puts more de-essing sensitivity
into frequencies approximately 1 octave above the selected de-essing frequency.
TAPE
The TAPE module builds on the famous (or infamous?) McDSP Analog Channel AC202 module, but
with a new design for emulating tape compression and playback response. Tape head bump and
roll off are user selectable, as is the repro-head type (Modern or Vintage). Tape
formulations are based on the Quantegy GP9 and Ampex 456. Tape compression is largely
controlled by signal level going into the TAPE module input, however there is also user
selectable tape compression via the ‘Comp’ control. Overall tape compression amount is
displayed in dB.
SHINE
Although the idea of artificial intelligence (AI) is relatively new, the use of an AI-based
computer model to synthesize new algorithms has been around for a long time. The SHINE module
uses such an AI based approach to approximate some McDSP engineered frequency curves. The AI
topology used in the SHINE module is derived from the transfer function of a transformer. But
instead of simply trying to reproduce the incoming signal accurately at the output (ie
transform it), McDSP engineering applied some tone bending savvy and came up with 2 modes and
2 lift curves per mode for some interesting high-shelf-like polish for incoming audio signals
… aka ‘Shine’!!
GC-1
Gate and Compressor are often combined, so why not put both into a single module? Lo the
GC-1 is born! Use the Gate section to remove room tone or unwanted background noise. There
is up to 48 dB of rejection provided by the Range control, and an extra fast response
characteristic can be enabled with the FAST button. There is also a preset hold time
enable by the HOLD button. The Comp section takes the output of the Gate and applies some
dynamic range control. The compressor in the GC-1 is the only compressor that offers an
Auto attack/release mode. The GC-1 is great for a snare or kick that has too much room
tone but also needs to be squashed and then turned up. The GC-1 is also suitable for
vocals, and plenty of other acoustic instruments where you don’t really want to hear all
of what has been recorded!