Blue Cat Audio Updates PatchWork to v2.75 with New Features and Improvements

Blue Cat Audio has announced the release of a free update for PatchWork, their versatile "virtual patchbay for plug-ins" multi-effects processor and plug-ins host. This update, version 2.75, introduces a range of new features and improvements across various aspects of the software, including macro controls, MIDI control, performance enhancements, plug-in hosting capabilities, chain presets, and plug-in oversampling.

The update brings significant enhancements to the user experience and functionality. One notable improvement is the ability to select macro parameter control styles (knob or switch) and set their default or neutral values.

Key Features and Improvements in PatchWork 2.75:

Macro Parameters:

• Select macro parameter control style: knob or switch.
• Set macro parameters' default/neutral value.

Plug-ins Hosting:

• Improved synchronization of hosted plug-ins to host transport, especially with plug-ins that have latency.
• Built-in plug-ins can now follow host zoom.
• Future updates of Blue Cat Audio VST, VST3, and Audio Unit plug-ins will also follow PatchWork's zoom.
• Plug-in format is now displayed in the title bar of the plug-in window.
• Recording status is reported to compatible Audio Units.
• Experimental option for different oversampling for real-time and offline rendering.
• Improved undo management for built-in and VST3 plug-ins, detecting non-parameter changes.
• Hosted VST3 plug-ins can now use up to 16 channels per bus.
• Fixed memory leaks in VST3 plug-ins host and latency compensation issues.
• Addressed various other bug fixes related to plug-in loading and behavior.
• Audio Recording/Playback:
• The application can now record PatchWork's output to WAV files (up to 16 audio channels).
• Recorded audio files include transport position for easier synchronization in DAWs (BWF format).
• Fixed MP3 files loaded in the audio player not always syncing with transport.

MIDI Control:

• Individual plug-in bypass can now be controlled via automation, MIDI, or Macro parameters.
• Show/Hide plug-ins user interfaces can also be controlled via automation, MIDI, or Macro parameters.
• All plug-in parameters can now be controlled with MIDI notes, pitch bend, NRPN, 14-bit CCs, aftertouch, or channel pressure.
• MIDI settings window is now resizable, optimized for display on Windows, and splits parameters into multiple pages.
• Optimized preset load upon MIDI messages when using hundreds of user presets.
• Fixed issues with plug-in sending Bank number 0 and audio dropouts when navigating presets.

User Interface:

• Chain presets: Save/Load and Copy/Paste full plug-in chains (PRE/POST or parallel), fully compatible with Axiom, Late Replies, MB-7 Mixer, or Fader Hub FX strips.
• Minor graphics optimizations for Hi-resolution displays.
• Fixed window opacity changes, text readability issues on Mac, and text edit boxes losing focus.
• Improved skin loading time and optimized the size of image resources.

Pricing and Availability:

The free PatchWork update can be downloaded from the same location as the original full version, accessible via the link provided by email upon purchase.

For those who do not yet own the software, Blue Cat's PatchWork is available at a special price of 89 EUR or $89 (down from 99 EUR/$99) until November 30th. Demo versions in various plug-in formats and as standalone applications for both Mac and Windows PC can be freely downloaded from the Blue Cat Audio website.