The AE400 Active EQ HD v7 from McDSP is a four-band equalizer where each band’s gain response is driven by an input or side chain signal rather than set statically, with an iLok license required for activation.
AE400 Active EQ HD v7 at a glance
| Developer | McDSP |
|---|---|
| Type | Effects / EQ |
| Formats | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX |
| Operating systems | Windows 7 or later, macOS 10.12 or later |
| Apple Silicon | Native |
| Architecture | 64-bit |
| Copy protection | iLok |
| Hosts named by the developer | Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Cubase, Nuendo, Reaper, Studio One |
| Free trial | Available |
| Price on Plugin Boutique (October 2026) | €137.84 |
What AE400 Active EQ HD v7 does
Rather than applying fixed boosts and cuts, the AE400 lets each of its four fixed bands respond to the level of the incoming signal through threshold, attack and release settings. The ratio control sets how sensitive each band is to input level, so the active response can be articulated more precisely. Every band overlaps all the others and has its own fixed Q bandwidth, and each band’s key filter sets how selective or broad its gain response is.
Each band can take its input from the main signal or from a selected side chain signal, and the active EQ bands are adjusted directly on the response plot or through the text readouts above it. Peak signal readouts show each band’s key signal, and the input and output controls, individual band bypass, band control linking and band key signal settings are gathered in one interface.
Key features
- Four fixed active bands. The equalizer has four bands with fixed frequency positions, and each band’s gain response is determined by its own threshold, attack and release settings.
- Input and side chain key. Each band can use the input signal or a selected side chain signal as its trigger, which changes when the band responds.
- Response plot control. Active EQ bands are adjusted directly on the response plot, with text readouts displayed above it for exact values.
- Peak signal readouts. Each band’s key signal is shown with peak readouts, so the level driving the response can be checked during playback.
- Band linking and bypass. Individual bands can be bypassed, and band control linking lets several bands be adjusted together from one setting.
Plugins similar to AE400 Active EQ HD v7
| Plugin | Developer | Type | Formats | Systems | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AE400 Active EQ HD v7 | McDSP | EQ | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS | €137.84 |
| Passive-Active Pack | Softube | EQ | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS | €147.76 |
| FabFilter Pro-Q 4 | FabFilter | EQ | VST2, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS | €167.59 |
| Linear Phase Equalizer | IK Multimedia | EQ | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS | €59.49 |
| Legacy EQ | Harrison Consoles | EQ | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS, Linux | €18.84 (regular €52.56) |
Price and availability
AE400 Active EQ HD v7 was listed on Plugin Boutique in October 2026 at €137.84. A free trial is offered. Prices change often, so the store page shows the current one.
AE400 Active EQ HD v7 FAQ
Does the AE400 Active EQ HD v7 run on Apple Silicon Macs?
Yes. The developer lists native support for Apple Silicon processors, with a minimum of macOS 10.12.
Is an iLok required for the AE400 Active EQ HD v7?
Yes. Copy protection is iLok, and the developer lists two activations per license or subscription.
Is there a working serial key or keygen for AE400 Active EQ HD v7?
A working serial is the string most often typed with the plugin name, and keygen and serial key searches are common for the release.