Blue Cat Audio has released a new version of its multi-effects processor which is also capable of hosting third party plugins.

Blue Cat’s PatchWork is a universal plug-ins patchbay and multi FX that can host up to 64 VST, VST3, Audio Unit or built-in plug-ins into any Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) in a single instance, with both serial and parallel routing options.

Version 2.6 of PatchWork brings new macro parameters features to control multiple parameters from multiple plugins with a single knob.

With the ability to choose knob styles for the macro controls and hide the plugins matrix, it is like creating a brand new plugin out of many. This new version also improves MIDI I/O and the integration with control surfaces, and includes many other new features and fixes.

Changes in PatchWork v2.6

  • New macro controls editor to edit plugin parameters mapping.
  • Assign multiple parameters from multiple plugins to a single macro control, and adjust the range for each parameter.
  • Assign a name to each macro control, that is now displayed in automation lanes in most host applications (may require a session reload in some cases).
  • Parameters names for existing sessions will be automatically updated upon load.
  • Select macro knobs appearance among 18 predefined styles.
  • New learn modes to quickly assign plugin parameters.
  • MIDI output is now enabled in standalone application.
  • Select individual MIDI I/O in standalone application.
  • Added an option in global & preset input settings to send MIDI events when MIDI-enabled parameters are modified in the plugin (to update control surfaces accordingly).
  • In most plugin formats, internal audio I/O configuration can now be selected regardless of the configuration defined by the host (you can for example reduce the number of channels to save CPU and process only selected channels).
  • PatchWork App now uses Apple’s Hardened Runtime and the installer has been notarized to avoid security warnings on Mac.
  • Improved performance to load the user interface.
  • Improved VST parameter value display in some host applications.
  • Fixed bypass that did not let MIDI messages go thru for some MIDI plugins.
  • Fixed some GUI resizing issues with some VST3 plugins.
  • Fixed signal overflow issues with the Reverb built-in plugin for some surround configurations.

The plugin is on sale for 79 USD/EUR at Plugin Boutique and from the Blue Cat Audio store until October 26th, 2022. The update is free to existing owners of PatchWork.