HY-Plugins HY-MBMFX3 is a free update for its HY-MBMFX2 multiband multi-FX plugin with new features + a free version.
Early this week, iZotope released FXEQ, a multi-FX plugin that lets you map individual effects to different bands. I compared it to the Unfiltered Audio Triad, also a multi-FX, but much more comprehensive, which works on a multiband level.
The Japanese developer HY-Plugins has had a similar plugin, MBMFX2, in its portfolio for some time. I reported on it in 2018. Seven years after its release, HY Plugins has dropped MBMFX3, and the good news is: it’s a free download for all MBMFX2 users.
HY-Plugins HY-MBMFX3
HY-MBMFX3 remains a multiband multi-FX plugin for macOS, Linux, and Windows. Just like the HY-MBMFX2, HY-Plugins has created a modular-style structure that lets you freely combine and route FX and modulation.
The new version benefits from a major FX algorithm boost. HY-MBMFX3 features 41 types of FX processors, of which 19 are new FX, so the number is almost doubled. The effects range from classic to more unusual and experimental types
It hosts various delays (delay, grain, filter, mod, tape), chorus types (chorus, tri chorus, vibrato, flanger, BBP flanger, phaser, dual comb filter, trepan, and wow flutter), and filters (biquad multimode, ladder, 3-band EQ, formant, tilt EQ).
To add spice, it also includes various flavors of drive FX (LoFi, clipper, OD/Dist, fold/dist, pulse mod), frequency shifter, pitch shifter, and different reverbs (reverb, modverb, tremverb).
There is also a tape stop, a repeater, a reverse FX, and a simple envelope trigger that triggers an envelope when the trigger button is clicked. Additionally, you can find neat utilities like a compressor, gate, envelope shaper, limiter, haas, and more.
The highlight compared to traditional Multi-FX is the ability to assign different effects to different bands. You can work with one to three bands. This allows each band to have a different effect signal chain.
Advanced Modulation
Also, the modulation benefits from an update. HY-Plugins HY-MBMFX3 now features an additional modulator, giving you a total of 11 modulation units.
You can find LFOs (LFO, 2D LFO), random, envelope follower, XY pad, step sequencer, gate sequencer, shaper LFO with custom shapes, notepad, and MIDI-related functions. Plus, you can work with eight macro controls.
Using simple drag and drop, you can quickly create modulation mappings, and according to the developers, almost all parameters are automatable.
On the right top side, HY-MBMFX3 also hosts a master control section for adjusting the overall output and blending of processed and unprocessed signals. The plugin has a resizable UI and ships with various presets that showcase its capabilities.
HY-Plugins HY-MBMFX3 Free Version
As with any commercial HY plugin, there is also a free, fully-functional version, but with limited features. The MBMFX3 features only seven types of FX processors instead of 41, three types of modulators (LFO, random, XY), but also the eight macros of the full version.
There are also limitations in how you can edit the signals. Whereas the full version allows you to select between 1 and 3 bands, the free plugin only comes with the 3-band mode.
First Impression
HY-MBMFX3 looks like a powerful multi-FX plugin that offers a wide range of sound design possibilities. It’s very positive that MBMFX2 is getting this for free. Such gestures are rare in the plugin world. Big thumbs up, too.
It is also a neat alternative to Unfiltered Audio Triad for Linux users. Also, the free version is a great gift and a solid multi-FX plugin, and can be very versatile, thanks to the built-in modulation.
HY-Plugins HY-MBMFX3 is available now for an introductory price of $42/42€ instead of $60/60€. The new version is a free update for existing users of HY-MBMFX2.
You can register the MBMFX3 with the MBMFX2 keyfile/serial. It runs as a VST, VST3, and AU plugin on macOS (native Apple Silicon + Intel), Linux, and Windows.
More information here: HY-Plugins
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