McDSP APB-16 16-Channel Analog Processing Box with Thunderbolt 3 Connectivity

The McDSP APB-16 is a first-of-its-kind 16-channel Analog Processing Box that pairs the unmistakable sound of genuine analog circuitry with the effortless recall and automation of a true digital workflow. As the world's first programmable analog processor, the McDSP APB-16 processes your audio with premium analog components controlled by McDSP's APB technology, giving you true analog sound right inside your audio software. Cutting-edge AKM 32-bit converters (compatible with USB-C, as well as Thunderbolt 3 and 4) give engineers, mixers, and producers instant access to analog compression, limiting, EQ, saturation, and multi-channel mixing without patching in outboard gear. Explore the McDSP APB-16 16-channel Analog Processing Box and bring real analog sound into your DAW with instant session recall and a true digital workflow.

APB HARDWARE UNIT

Every APB-16 Analog Processing Box functions as an APB hardware unit controlled entirely by software. When you insert an APB plug-in, it takes the input audio signal, pairs it with a control signal, and sends both over a USB-C or Thunderbolt connection to the McDSP APB-16. The control signal configures the analog components to run the selected algorithm with your exact parameter values. The audio signal is then processed in the analog domain, converted back to the digital domain, and returned to the plug-in output in your DAW session. Two USB-C ports support Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 on Intel and Apple silicon Macs, giving the McDSP APB-16 Analog Processing Box ample bandwidth for 16-channel analog processing.

INCLUDED APB PLUG-INS

The McDSP APB-16 ships with a suite of APB plug-ins that route audio to the APB hardware for programmable analog processing and software control. APB plug-ins work like any other plug-ins, with preset handling, session recall, and parameter automation with sample-level accuracy. Because the McDSP APB-16 supports AAX, AU, and VST3 plug-in formats, this 16-channel Analog Processing Box integrates seamlessly with Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, and other popular DAWs. Registered McDSP APB-16 owners also receive new APB plug-ins from McDSP at no additional cost. Together, these APB plug-ins turn the McDSP APB-16 programmable analog processor into a complete rack of analog compression, EQ, limiting, and mixing tools.

ROYAL MU COMPRESSOR AND LIMITER

The Royal Mu is a dual-channel compressor and limiter built for the McDSP APB-16 Analog Processing Box. It combines a full-featured analog compressor and analog limiter with analog biasing, saturation, EQ, sidechain, and mid/side processing. Left/right or mid/side channels can be controlled independently or linked, and each mono channel uses only one APB-16 processing slot. Powered by the APB-16's analog processing, the Royal Mu is a powerful choice for mixing, bus processing, and mastering.

ROYAL Q EQUALIZER

The Royal Q is a dual-channel four-band equalizer that brings hybrid EQ to the McDSP APB-16 Analog Processing Box. It offers parametric and shelving bands, mid/side processing, and trim controls that adjust post-EQ gain by up to 20 dB. Left/right or mid/side channels can be linked or adjusted independently for precise stereo shaping. A custom analog section adds saturation and harmonic depth that a purely digital EQ simply can't match, giving your tracks a rich, polished sound with instant recall.

MC-3 MULTI-BAND COMPRESSOR

The MC-3 is the world's first fully automated analog multi-band compressor and one of the most precise multi-channel dynamics tools available. Each instance uses six matched and calibrated channels of the McDSP APB-16 Analog Processing Box to split the signal into three bands. Each band includes its own analog compression and saturation control for targeted tone shaping. All MC-3 parameters are automatable and can be saved as presets, making it ideal for mix bus control and mastering.

MOO X MIXER

The Moo X mixer is a fully automated hybrid mixing console with complete software control. Each channel strip offers EQ, a one-knob analog compressor, and one-knob analog saturation for fast, musical results. On the McDSP APB-16 Analog Processing Box, Moo X also adds a master section with stereo analog compression and saturation. This gives engineers console-style weight and glue across an entire mix, with all of the benefits of a plug-in.

C673-A DYNAMIC RANGE COMPRESSOR

The C673-A Dynamic Range Compressor was McDSP's original proof of concept for the APB-16 platform. Based on the C670 and C671 modules from the McDSP 6000 series plug-ins, it pairs all-analog dynamics with a custom saturation circuit, delivering rich, vintage-inspired compression with natural harmonic color. Use it on vocals, bass, and mix buses when you want classic character from the McDSP APB-16 Analog Processing Box.

EL MOO TUBE LIMITER

The El Moo is one of two all-analog limiters in the APB plug-ins lineup and is built on the same design as the MooTube compressor. It features an adjustable all-analog saturation stage, giving you direct control over harmonic color. On the McDSP APB-16 Analog Processing Box, the El Moo delivers a musical blend of limiting and saturation, adding density and warmth without harsh artifacts.

MOO TUBE COMPRESSOR

The MooTube compressor is the capstone of McDSP's tube-based compression algorithms, now running on real analog circuits. It draws on decades of McDSP modeling experience to provide soft, musical dynamics control on any source. The MooTube compressor delivers gentle leveling with a warm analog sound on vocals, acoustic instruments, and buses.

CHICKENHEAD COMPRESSOR

The ChickenHead compressor is the most aggressive saturation circuit available for the McDSP APB-16 Analog Processing Box, delivering bold, transistor-style grit and punch on any track. APB saturation never clips the return path to your computer, so you can drive the ChickenHead hard for character that digital emulations struggle to reproduce. Pair it with other APB plug-ins on the McDSP APB-16 for layered analog processing.

L-18 Limiter

The L-18 is a pristine all-analog limiter that provides transparent peak control with a Color circuit that offers subtle tone-shaping options. The L-18 also supports surround and immersive formats up to 7.1.2 in Pro Tools Ultimate, so the APB-16 can act as a mastering limiter for Dolby Atmos Beds while still offering six free channels for processing. Powered by the McDSP's premium analog circuitry, the L-18 delivers the precision of a digital limiter with the tone of a hardware unit.

C-18 COMPRESSOR

The C-18 is an ultra-clean compressor for the McDSP APB-16 with level-dependent attack and release times that adapt to the incoming material for natural results. Each C-18 instance processes audio in the analog domain inside the APB-16, giving you analog flavor and seamless dynamic control for vocals, drums, and full mixes.

LOW LATENCY MODE

Low Latency Mode allows every APB plug-in on the APB-16 Analog Processing Box to run at any hardware buffer size in Pro Tools 2023.12 and later. Instead of adding a fixed delay, APB-16 latency follows the buffer size you choose for your interface. At the smallest buffer size, it can achieve latency below 5 ms over Thunderbolt 3, so you can track through the APB-16 while monitoring in real time. The APB-16's Low Latency Mode runs on Intel and Apple silicon Macs and is currently exclusive to Pro Tools.

MCDSP APB-16 FEATURES:

• 16-channel programmable Analog Processing Box with plug-in control
• Premium analog components, including multiple analog saturation circuits
• AKM 32-bit DAC and ADC
• Two USB-C ports compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4
• APB-ready software plug-in bundle included
• Supports AAX, AU, and VST3 plug-in formats
• Compatible with Pro Tools, Logic Pro, and Cubase
• Low Latency Mode for APB-16 plug-ins in Pro Tools 2023.12 and later
• Sample-accurate automation
• Full session recall and preset handling
• BNC word clock input and output
• Runs natively on Intel and Apple Silicon Macs
• McDSP patented technology
• Manufactured in the United States