A flexible four-band dynamics processor with swappable compressor, gate, and expander modules from McDSP’s 6050 channel strip, featuring variable crossover slopes and extensive metering.
Core Design
The 6034 Ultimate Multi-band v7 is a dynamics processor that splits audio into four bands using a crossover network, with each band independently processed. It draws its modules from the 6050 Ultimate Channel Strip, allowing you to mix and match compressor, gate, and expander types per band. You can swap modules on the fly, and the processor retains relative settings for quick auditioning.
Crossover slopes are configurable at 6, 12, or 24 dB per octave, giving control over band separation. Metering covers gain reduction and output levels on all four bands, plus main input and output levels, providing a comprehensive view of the processing. Artist presets from notable producers are included for starting points.
Compressor Modules
The compressor modules offer a range of tonal options. The C671 is based on a Fairchild 670 but with faster tracking and its own makeup gain, adding warmth. The MT2 (Moo Tube) emulates a tube design with modified mid-range sensitivity and output frequency response that varies with compression. The iC2 is an original design with automatic attack and release.
Opto-C3 and Opto-L3 use electro-optical attenuation for compression or limiting, creating a ‘dog tail’ effect where compression backs off after heavy reduction. BC-23 is a more traditional English-style unit with controls for threshold, ratio, attack, and recovery, plus feedback mode. EZ C offers smooth knee and includes negative compression. SST’78, FRG446, and D359 provide increasingly aggressive options, all with feedback and negative compression modes.
Gate and Expander Modules
The gate and expander modules handle dynamic range control beyond compression. The iX is a downward expander with ratio control to adjust the transition slope. The FRGX provides both upward and downward expansion, with up to 24 dB of signal cut or boost, plus adjustable sidechain filtering.
The EZG is a noise gate inspired by classic units, with adjustable high-pass and low-pass sidechain filters to tailor what triggers the gate. These modules complement the compressors, allowing you to clean up noise or create rhythmic effects across the frequency spectrum.
Workflow and Applications
The 6034 fits into mixing and mastering workflows where multi-band processing is needed. On a mix bus, you can apply gentle compression to low frequencies while using a more aggressive limiter on highs, or gate out rumble in the low band while expanding the midrange for clarity. The swappable modules let you audition different characters without resetting parameters.
Zero-latency algorithms and double-precision processing make it suitable for tracking or live work, though any latency is unspecified. The v7 update includes Apple Silicon optimization and updated interfaces. With artist presets, you can quickly load starting points from various engineers.
Key features
- Four-band crossover dynamics processor
- Swappable compressor, gate, and expander modules
- Crossover slopes: 6, 12, or 24 dB/oct
- Gain reduction and output metering on all bands
- Zero-latency algorithms and double-precision processing
- Artist presets included
- v7 optimized for Apple Silicon
Best for
Best for mixing and mastering engineers who need flexible multi-band dynamics for bus compression, noise gating, or creative expansion across the frequency spectrum, with quick module swapping for tonal variety.