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An introduction to McDSP 6050 Ultimate Channel Strip, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
The 6050 Ultimate Channel Strip has everything you need to make your mix sound great.
— McDSP official site
What is 6050 Ultimate Channel Strip?
The 6050 Ultimate Channel Strip is a channel-strip plug-in from McDSP of the United States. A channel strip combines the processing found on one channel of a mixing console, such as EQ, compressor and gate, in a single unit. McDSP presents it as having everything you need to make a mix sound great.
It contains every module from the company's 6020 Ultimate EQ and 6030 Ultimate Compressor, plus gates, expanders, signal saturators (processing that adds blend or harmonics) and specialized filters. Between an input section and an output section there are three module bays, and you load any modules you like into them.
McDSP says there are over 25 modules, while the Plugin Boutique description says 28. Up to three can be used at once, and because modules can be swapped by category and reordered, McDSP says there are over 4,000 possible combinations. Dragging and dropping a module swaps the algorithm on the fly, so you can audition and choose by ear.
Formats are AAX, AU and VST3, in Native and HD editions (the HD edition also supports AAX DSP). The v7 plug-ins are optimized for Apple silicon and the latest Intel processors, and each v7 purchase or subscription includes two activations. A free 14-day demo is offered.
The official page lists 28 modules by name. EQs include FRG446, BC-23, E670, British-E, Moo Q, iQ, E300, E301, EZ Q, EQ'76, E357, MEF 1 and E404. Compressors, gates and others include C671, MT2, iC2, Opto-C3, Opto-L3, FRG EEE, Over EZ3, SST'78, D359, EZG, iX, FRGX, S671, Moo-D and D-100.
Plugin Boutique's description says the modules are drawn from classic and modern designs spanning about four decades. The McDSP page itself mixes "over 20" and "over 25" for the module count, so the number may vary by version or time.
Each slot has a key control for side-chaining. The input and output have gain, output meters and phase polarity switches, and McDSP describes double-precision, zero-latency processing.
Three module bays
Between the input and output stages there are three bays into which you load EQs, compressors, gates and other processors. You can use up to three at once, but the number of combinations is large, so you can pick only what each track needs.
Over 25 modules
It includes EQs, compressors, gates, expanders, saturators and filters (McDSP says over 25, Plugin Boutique says 28). The official page names modules such as E300/E301, British E, Moo Q, EZ Q, EQ'76, FRG EEE and E357.
Drag-and-drop swapping and auditioning
Dragging modules around changes the signal flow. You can also swap in another module from the selector panel and compare, which is quicker than loading and switching between several separate plug-ins.
Side chain and input/output controls
The input section has per-bay side chain "keys" and "speaker" buttons to audition an individual module. The output section has meters, an output gain control and phase polarity switches so you can watch overall level.
Double-precision processing and presets
Processing is double precision, and McDSP lists zero latency. A collection of presets by award-winning mix engineers is included as a starting point, and mono and stereo versions are available.
Editions and subscription
Besides the Native edition there is an HD edition supporting AAX DSP. McDSP also offers a subscription covering all of its plug-ins, and the official page says the 6050 is included in the Everything Pack.
Upgrade from v6
An upgrade version (Native) is available for v6 owners, so existing users may be able to update for less than the full price.
Input and output controls
Gain, output meters and phase polarity switches sit on the whole strip, which makes it easier to manage levels before and after the modules.
Mono and stereo versions
Both mono and stereo versions are available, so you can choose per track.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Channel strip (EQ / compressor / gate / expander / saturator / filter) |
| Module bays | 3 |
| Modules | over 25 (McDSP) / 28 (Plugin Boutique) |
| Formats (Native) | AAX Native, AU, VST3 |
| Formats (HD) | AAX DSP/Native, AU, VST3 |
| Processing | Double precision, zero latency (per McDSP) |
| Version | v7 (optimized for Apple silicon and latest Intel) |
| Licence | 2 activations per v7 purchase or subscription |
| Demo | Free 14-day demo |
| Module list (28 on the official page) | FRG446 / BC-23 / E670 / British-E / Moo Q / iQ / E300 / E301 / EZ Q / EQ'76 / E357 / MEF 1 / E404 / C671 / MT2 / iC2 / Opto-C3 / Opto-L3 / FRG EEE / Over EZ3 / SST'78 / D359 / EZG / iX / FRGX / S671 / Moo-D / D-100 |
| Combinations | Over 4,000 (McDSP) |
| Side-chain | Key control on each slot |
| Upgrade | Native upgrade from v6 available |
| License management | iLok (two activations; retailer lists iLok 2 / iLok 3 / iLok Cloud) |
| System (per retailer listing) | macOS 10.13 or later (64-bit), Windows 10 (64-bit); internet connection needed for installation and activation |
What is included and system requirements
- Native and HD editions (the HD edition also supports AAX DSP)
- Formats: AAX, AU, VST3
- Both mono and stereo versions
- A collection of presets from mix engineers
- A free 14-day demo is available; also included in the Everything Pack subscription
- Purchase options: Native, HD, Native upgrade from v6, HD upgrade, and subscription
- Includes every module of the 6020 Ultimate EQ and 6030 Ultimate Compressor
- The 6060 Ultimate Module Collection and ML8000 Advanced Limiter are listed as related products
How to use it
- Install the free 14-day demo from McDSP's page, or activate a purchased license, and install the plug-in.
- Open your DAW and load the 6050 as an insert on the track you want to mix.
- Choose a preset to get a first impression.
- In each of the three module bays, pick the EQ, compressor, gate or other module you want.
- Drag modules to reorder them and listen to how the processing order changes the result.
- Use each bay's speaker button to audition an individual module.
- Where side chain is needed use the key button, and finish by setting the output gain while watching the meters.
- Activation requires an iLok license and an internet connection; each license allows two activations.
- For a slot that uses side-chaining, enable that slot's key and choose the external signal.
Processing vocals and narration
McDSP lists E300/E301, British E, Moo Q and EZ Q as the EQ modules best suited for vocals and dialog. One plug-in may be able to cover both EQ and compression.
Tidying drum tracks
For drums, McDSP says EQ modules such as EQ'76, FRG EEE and E357, with matching compressor modules, are a good fit. Gates and expanders may also be combined.
Guitar, keys and synths
McDSP says any of the modules can be used on keyboards, guitars and other instruments. The official page has sound examples for piano, electric guitar and synth.
When you want fewer plug-ins
The maker lists shorter plug-in chains as a benefit. Instead of stacking several plug-ins on a track, you could consolidate them in one.
Shaping a vocal channel in one plug-in
Since EQ, compression and gating sit in one plug-in, it may be handy when you want to handle basic vocal processing in a single instance.
Per-track processing on drums and guitar
The official page offers sound examples for drums, guitar, vocals, piano and synth. You may choose modules according to the type of track.
Starting from presets
Presets from award-winning mix engineers are included, so beginners to the layout may start there.
Who it may suit
- People who want to handle EQ and dynamics for vocals, drums or guitars in one plug-in may find it suitable.
- Those who want shorter chains rather than several plug-ins on each track may find it suitable.
- Users who like to audition different types of EQs and compressors and pick the one that fits the song may find it suitable.
- People who want a channel strip with the same feel in Pro Tools (HD edition) and other DAWs may find it suitable.
Good to know before you buy
- Up to three modules can be used at once; for more stacked processing you load multiple instances.
- The Native and HD editions differ in price and support; the HD edition supports AAX DSP.
- A v7 license can be activated on two computers per purchase or subscription.
- OS and system requirements could not be found on McDSP's product page; please check the official system requirements before buying.
- The price here is the Plugin Boutique listing (Native v7) and may change during sales.
- Per a retailer listing, macOS 10.13 or later (64-bit) and Windows 10 (64-bit) are supported; check McDSP for the latest OS support.
- Copy protection is iLok: an iLok key or iLok Cloud is needed.
- On the official page the only stated difference between Native and HD is format support; HD adds AAX DSP.
How it differs from similar products
We do not pick a winner; the official figures are placed side by side.
McDSP 6060 Ultimate Module Collection
The 6050 is a channel strip that loads over 25 modules (28 per Plugin Boutique) into three bays. The 6060 has over 30 modules (twelve EQs, ten compressors and more) and a split mode for two parallel signal paths (both per McDSP). McDSP lists the 6060 as similar to the 6050.
Price
$179 (Plugin Boutique, checked 2026-10-27). Prices can vary by region and promotion, so check the official page before buying.
See 6050 Ultimate Channel Strip on the product page
Sources: mcdsp.com pluginboutique.com (checked 2026-10-27)
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