I recently picked up Sonic Sweep 2 and have been putting it through its paces alongside my hardware gear — namely the Mackie 32•8 bus, Mackie CFX12, and Mackie 1202 VLZ. Honestly, I’m impressed.
Sonic Sweep 2 delivers a clean, musical sweep that rivals what I get from the Mackie boards. The EQ curves and the way it handles frequencies feel very natural, especially considering it’s a plugin. I was skeptical at first, having been so used to the tactile feel and subtle coloration of the Mackies, but Sonic Sweep holds its own.
One of the biggest advantages is obvious: this VST saves a ton of space and money. Instead of needing racks or bulky mixers, it’s right there in the DAW. No need to wire up more gear or worry about physical maintenance.
The interface is straightforward, with intuitive controls that make dialing in sweeps quick. Compared to the Mackie 32•8, where it takes a bit to patch things or tweak outboard EQs, Sonic Sweep 2 gets you there in seconds.
If you’re already using analog mixers like the Mackies, Sonic Sweep 2 won’t completely replace the character of hardware. But as a flexible, high-quality digital tool, it’s brilliant. It’s now a staple in my setup — highly recommended for anyone wanting that sweeping EQ effect without filling up the studio or draining the wallet.
