McDowell Signal Processng MC2000

The MC2000 is a high-end, multi-band compressor Plug-In designed to emulate any other compressor or create custom compressors, in two, three, and four band configurations. Imagine a three-band stereo compressor with a dbx165 on the low-band, the Neve 33609C on the mid-band, and a Teletronix LA2A on the high-band. These kinds of configurations, nearly impossible previously, are only presets away in the MC2000 plug-In. The addition of simultaneous metering of band inputs/outputs, compression gains, and final output, crossover and compression curve displays, automation of every control, and the ability to recall it instantly with a single preset make the MC2000 the multi-band compressor for the next millennium.

Each compression band of the MC2000 uses the award winning CompressorBank algorithms and controls giving the user complete control of dynamic compression. Common controls such as Output (make-up gain), Threshold, Compression (Ratio), Attack, and Release are provided. In addition to the standard controls, the actual shape and response of the compression curve can be adjusted with the Knee and Bite controls. Knee softens the compression curve, creating a smoother response. Bite gives the compressor the ability to allow signal transients to pass uncompressed, while the overall compression response is unchanged. These controls allow the user to emulate repsonses of their favorite vintage gear. The MC2000 gives the user complete control of multi-band dynamic compression.

The crossover sections in the MC2000 are steep 24 dB/oct filters, minimizing cross-talk between the compression bands. These filters are taken directly from FilterBank, the most highly regarded digital equalizer on the ProTools platform.

Multiple peak detection circuit types provide flexibility only previously achieved by owning different compression units. Steep 24 dB/oct crossover filters, taken from our award winning FilterBank plug-In, minimize signal leakage into adjacent compression bands. Variation of basic models are available in MC2000:

• Type1: pure peak detection
• Type2: pure peak detection combined with adaptive release times, plus a secondary release control
• Auto: signal levels are automatically tracked.

Modeling Analog Compressors with the MC2000
The MC2000 plug-In uses the compression algorithms from the CompressorBank plug-In. Thus the MC2000 plug-In can model a wide variety of vintage and contemporary compressor implementations – IN MULTI-BAND CONFIGURATIONS. Imagine a dbx 165 on the lows, a Neve 33609C on the mids, and a LA2A on the highs! Such configurations would not have been attainable otherwise.

Our presets emulate the responses of analog gear, as measured by the engineering staff at McDSP. Although the names of other compressor manufacturers are mentioned here, they are in no way affiliated with McDSP.

The MC2000 plug-In presets are inspired by compressors such as the Urei 1176 LN, Teletronix LA2A, dbx 165, Neve 33609C, Avalon Designs 2044, Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor, and Altec Lansing 9473A. The presets can be accessed from the ProTools™ “Plug-In Librarian” and “Plug-In Settings” pop-up menus.

Features

• Power and Flexibility: Six different multi-band compressor configurations are available – two, three, and four band compressors, in both mono and stereo versions. Many of the MC2000 multi-band configurations can share the same dsp chip. See the Reference section for a complete listing of all MC2000 configurations and their specifications.
• Compression Curve Modeling: In addition to the standard Threshold and Compression (Ratio) controls, the actual shape and response of the compression curve can be adjusted with the Knee and Bite (Bi-directional Intelligent Transient Enhancement) controls. Knee can soften the compression curve creating a smoother response, and/or add pumping/breathing compression effects. Unique and unprecedented Knee design allows the user to ‘morph’ between various compressor topologies such as the dbx 165, Neve 2254E/33609, and Teletronix LA2A. Bite gives the compressor the ability to allow signal transients (rapidly changing signals – i.e. high frequency data) to pass uncompressed, while the overall compression response is unchanged. These controls allow the user to emulate responses of their favorite vintage gear.
• Multiple Peak Detection Circuits: Every compressor uses a model to detect and track signal peaks and then apply dynamic compression. Variations of basic models are available in the MC2000: Type 1 - pure peak detection, Type 2 - pure peak detection combined with adaptive release times, and Auto - signal levels are automatically tracked.
• Double-Precision Arithmetic: at all stages of processing of crossover and compression.
• Performance: The MC2000 can run on any MIX system dsp type (SRAM, DRAM, no RAM). HD and HD Accel systems are also supported. Many of the MC2000 plug-In configurations can even share the same MIX dsp. Unfortunately, PCI and Nubus systems cannot support the processing requirements of the MC2000.
• Supports Digidesign’s™ ProControl and Control | 24, and Mackie’s™ HUI external control surfaces, control automation (requires ProTools ™ v4.0 or higher), and ProTools™ MIX, MIX Plus, HD, HD Accel Digi 001, 002 and MBox systems running ProTools LE.

Compatibility

• Operating System: MC2000 is compatible with both Mac OS 10.4.x and Windows XP
• Configurations: MC2000 is available in TDM, RTAS and AudioSuite configurations
• Applications: Pro Tools 7.x or higher is required for TDM, LE, and M-Powered systems. Additionally, a Third Party software application that supports the Digidesign TDM, RTAS, or AudioSuite plug-in Standard may be supported.

TMGR# MC2000-HD