MB-7 Mixer is a multiband mixing console and effect host that splits audio into up to seven frequency bands, each with its own gain, pan, stereo controls, and third-party or built-in plugin inserts.
Multiband Mixing Console
MB-7 Mixer splits the incoming signal into up to seven frequency bands, acting like independent mixer channels. Each band provides gain, pan, and stereo width controls, plus mute, solo, and bypass functions for precise frequency isolation. A master mono switch helps check mono compatibility, and dual mode lets you process left/right or mid/side independently.
The crossover filters range from 6 to 96 dB per octave for flexible band separation. Real-time response curves, spectrograms, and level meters for each band offer comprehensive visual feedback. This console-oriented design makes frequency-specific adjustment straightforward, whether for corrective EQ, creative sound design, or balancing competing elements.
Multiband Host for Third-Party Plugins
MB-7 Mixer operates as a multiband plugin host, accepting VST, VST3, or Audio Unit plugins on each band. Up to four plugins can be inserted per band, pre or post-fader, with full latency compensation. This allows you to apply compression, saturation, or any effect selectively to specific frequency ranges, such as adding distortion only to the midrange.
External sidechain support lets sub-plugins receive sidechain signals per band. Flexible audio routing connects plugin inputs and outputs to any audio channel, enabling multi-mono effects or creative sidechain configurations. With 28 built-in effects included, you can also process bands without third-party plugins, covering EQ, filters, modulation, delays, reverb, and more.
Workflow and Integration Features
MB-7 Mixer includes a full-featured presets manager, undo/redo integration, and copy/paste between instances via the system clipboard. The customizable interface supports transparency, and Smooth Bypass ensures noise-free activation or deactivation. Comprehensive MIDI control and automation support allow for parameter mapping of sub-plugins, enabling hands-on or automated control.
The plugin can host up to four third-party effects per band, and 28 built-in effects are also available, though the source lists both 25 and 28; we advise checking the current documentation. Latency compensation, individual plugin bypass, and no CPU load on idle enhance usability. These features streamline complex multiband setups in a DAW environment.
Linking, Grouping, and Advanced Sidechaining
Multi-instance linking allows bands to be grouped within a single instance or across multiple instances on different tracks. A single fader can control multiple bands on multiple tracks simultaneously, which is useful for adjusting placement or balance across competing elements. This grouping simplifies complex mixing tasks, such as balancing drum overheads or background vocals.
Unique sidechaining capabilities emerge when combined with other Blue Cat Audio plugins, leveraging audio/MIDI output to record automation or send MIDI CC messages to other plugins for advanced multiband compression, ducking, and gating. Parameter mapping automates sub-plugins or assigns them to a control surface. No additional latency is introduced, making it safe for live or tracking use.
Key features
- Seven-band multiband mixing console with gain, pan, and stereo width per band
- Hosts up to four third-party VST, VST3, or AU plugins per band, pre or post-fader
- 28 built-in effects for processing without third-party plugins
- External sidechain support and flexible audio routing for sub-plugins
- Link and group bands across multiple instances on different tracks
- Dual mode for left/right or mid/side processing, plus master mono switch
- Comprehensive visual feedback with spectrograms and level meters
Best for
Mix engineers and sound designers needing precise spectral control, such as multiband compression, selective effect processing, or balancing competing tracks. Its linking and sidechain capabilities also suit advanced mixing workflows, making it a versatile tool for both corrective and creative applications.