Serato Hex FX is a new multi-FX plugin for macOS and Windows optimized for performances with over 45 high-quality algorithms.
Multi-FX processors are popular because they combine many effects in one plugin. The current market for such plugins is very competitive, as plenty of them are available. Serato, best known for its DJ software, is not afraid of this.
Serato is now entering this market with its new Hex FX multi-FX plugin.
Serato Hex FX
Hex FX is a new multi-FX plugin for macOS and Windows. It consists of three areas: a mixer with a large macro-control, a parameter section with all possible edits, and a preset browser.
You have your FX slots on the mixer page to host up to six algorithms. Each slot is customizable and can be moved anywhere along the signal path. A large knob controls the amount of effect that is added to the signal. There is also a large top-level knob that has macro control duties.
The mixer page also allows you to select the algorithms for the slots. The new Hex FX plugin from Serato includes 45+ individual algorithms, including bit crushers, compressors, delays, distortions, filters, modulation, reverbs, saturations, shapers, stretching, repeaters and more.
In addition, you can adjust the input and output level, use a filter to adjust the width, shape the tone, and precisely set the dry/wet mix amount. Each effect has a colorful on/off switch.
It’s time to open the parameter page. With one click, the parameters of the individual effects are wholly revealed and made accessible to the user. This allows you to delve deeply into the individual effects and fine-tune them down to the last details.
Modulation?
The plate reverb, for example, offers mix, pre-delay, decay, dampening, character controls, and more—lots of possibilities to create your sounds.
Serato Hex FX is a big disappointment. It lacks a modulation engine with LFOs, envelope followers, envelopes, step sequencers, etc. Some effects have built-in LFOs but nothing else. So, there is nothing to animate the parameters right in the plugin.
In its video, Serato refers to the various DAWs and automation options. Yes, that works, but built-in modulation would be much better.
Serato Hex FX ships with over 100+ prests from professional sound designers and producers, including Guy Lawrence (Disclosure), Lord Finesse, DECAP, Amber Navran (Moonchild), Jake One, Dibia$e, DuckGirl, and more.
The presets are available on the third page of the plugin in a dedicated preset browser.
First Impression
At first glance, it is an intriguing multi-FX plugin. The effect algorithm selection is extensive and versatile. Serato is known for its high-quality algorithms in hardware DJ products, and it is great to have these algorithms in a plugin. Hex FX sounds excellent in the first demos.
I think it’s a shame that there is no internal modulation. A lot of potential has been overlooked here. The Hex FX would have been even more powerful and exciting with modulation. Hopefully, that will be included in the future version 2. Until then, you can modulate parameters with the DAW modulation.
Serato Hex FX is now available for $99 or $9,99 as part of their subscription service. It runs as a VST3 and AU plugin on macOS (native Apple Silicon + Intel) and Windows.
More information here: Serato
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