Paris, 2026/02/10: Blue Cat Audio (http://www.bluecataudio.com) has released yet another free update for Blue Cat's PatchWork, their multi-effects processor and plug-ins host.
This new version is mainly focused on performance and workflow, with a couple of new features and multiple improvements and fixes. The full change list is detailed below.
The free PatchWork update can be easily downloaded from the same location as the original full version, accessible through the link provided via email upon purchase. If you do not own the software yet demo versions in various plug-in formats and as standalone applications for both Mac and Windows PC can be freely downloaded on www.bluecataudio.com.
NEW IN PATCHWORK 2.76
New Features:
- PatchWork's background color can now be customized (tip: choose a color matching your track).
- A missing plug-ins report is now displayed in case plug-ins are missing upon loading a session or presets.
- Windows multitouch support (manipulate multiple controls at the same time with several fingers).
Performance:
- Improved large session loading performance when using some VST3 plug-ins responding slowly to setSpeakerArrangement (such as Fab Filter plug-ins).
- Improved undo performance.
- Windows: multiple GUI display and HiDPI performance improvements.
- Major performance improvements in the DSP thread, especially when used in multichannel modes.
- Reduced the impact of level meters on the DSP thread CPU usage.
Fixes:
- Fixed a crash upon unloading some VST3 plug-ins (Dada Life and probably others).
- Fixed some audio unit plug-ins detected with no audio I/O (Berlin Studio and probably others).
- Fixed VST3 plug-ins not loading when moved to a directory with the same name as the original .vst3 library file.
- Fixed zoom menu sometimes missing check mark for current zoom when follow host option is available.
- Fixed revert current preset not always triggering undo properly.
- Fixed VST3 Instrument plug-in version not routing to aux channels properly in some host applications and sometimes producing white noise instead of silence.
- Fixed a random crash happening when automating the visibility of plug-in editors.
- Fixed issues with undo when loaded as a plug-in inside a Blue Cat Audio host.
- Fixed MIDI Program Change message dismissed when receiving any MIDI CC on the same channel shortly after.
- Windows: fixed context menu not always displayed in the right position when the window spans across several screens with different DPI.
- Windows accessibility: native system widgets are now scaled according to text size settings on Windows 8 and newer in settings windows.
- Windows: fixed return key sometimes unexpectedly forwarded to host while typing in a text edit box.
- Mac: fixed param names background color in plug-in settings window.
Standalone Application:
- Windows: ASIO driver now keeps running when ASIO control panel is opened from the app audio preferences.
- Windows: the application now follows ASIO driver buffer changes made in the ASIO control panel or external ASIO configuration app.
- Performance: application now automatically selects the minimum number of I/O required for the audio driver.
System requirements:
- Intel or Apple Silicon Mac running Mac OS 10.9 or newer.
- Windows PC running Windows Vista or newer.
Links: https://www.bluecataudio.com/Products/Product_PatchWork/
