McDSP builds the Analog Processing Box (APB) — hardware that runs analog saturation circuitry under digital control, fully integrated with McDSP's own plugins. It is not another conversion card: it is a physical analog signal path controlled from the DAW with sample-accurate recall, automation included.
Who it is for
- Studios mixing several sessions in parallel — every APB setting saves and recalls with the session, so reopening a mix from last week gives back the identical sound, not an approximation from memory.
- Engineers working in Pro Tools who need low latency — in low-latency mode (Pro Tools 2023.12+) at the smallest buffer, round-trip latency runs around 4,3–4,6ms, low enough to monitor live through the APB while tracking.
- Not for someone testing a single channel — the APB is bought as an 8- or 16-channel block from day one; it is an investment in a whole signal path, not a single insert.
APB-8 or APB-16
- APB-8 — the same patented circuitry and AKM 32-bit converters as the larger unit, just 8 channels. A sensible way to test hardware processing controlled from the DAW before committing to 16.
- APB-16 — a full 16 channels in one unit, for a studio running larger mix sessions at once.
How the models differ
| Model | Channels | Converters | Connectivity | Price from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| APB-8 | 8 | AKM 32-bit DAC/ADC | Thunderbolt 2/3/4 | €3,999 |
| APB-16 | 16 | AKM 32-bit DAC/ADC | Thunderbolt 2/3/4 | €6,789 |
Which one to take
- First contact with DAW-controlled hardware processing — the APB-8. Same circuit as the APB-16, lower entry point.
- A full 16-channel mix path at once — the APB-16. One unit instead of buying a second APB-8.
Why buy here
Both APB units are in stock. In our Warsaw showroom (Nowogrodzka 6A/102) you can see the DAW integration running live. Selected gear qualifies for our free 30-day Test-Drive, and everything ships with 36 months of warranty and a 30-day no-reason return window. We ship across Poland and to every EU country.
