The FortyTwo
Key Features
- Lo-Contour shapes the bottom end by mixing in a low-passed signal rather than using a standard shelf.
- Definition combines high-frequency lift with the modeled unit’s phase shaping.
- Auto reduces treble enhancement when the processed signal already has enough high-frequency energy.
- Individually modeled left and right channels retain differences measured in the original unit.
- Optional Stereo Link shares control settings and the Auto response between channels.
- Hi-Contour input indicators, factory/user presets, A/B comparison and undo help compare settings.
- Oversampled processing reports latency to the host, with individual installers or optional on-demand installation management.
Description
The FortyTwo is a two-channel sonic enhancer from Six Walls, modeled from measurements of an early-1990s rack unit. Its Lo-Contour, Definition and Auto controls shape bass weight and high-frequency clarity on individual tracks, drum buses or a full mix.
Lo-Contour blends a low-passed copy of the signal back in rather than acting as a conventional low shelf. Definition lifts the top end alongside the modeled unit's phase shaping, while Auto monitors the processed output and reduces that enhancement when the signal already contains plenty of treble.
The two channels were measured separately, according to Six Walls, so matching knob positions do not produce perfectly identical responses. An optional Stereo Link makes channel B follow A and applies a shared Auto response to help keep the stereo image stable.
Hi-Contour indicators reflect the balance of incoming low and high frequencies and remain active in bypass. Factory and user presets, A/B comparison, undo and oversampling support repeatable adjustments, with processing latency reported to the host.
The official page offers dry, hardware and plug-in comparisons on toms, drum overheads, bass and a full mix. Version 1.0.0 is available for Windows and macOS as VST3 and AAX, with AU also included on Mac; downloads are free without an account, using either the Six Walls Installer or individual packages.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The FortyTwo an official hardware-manufacturer plug-in?
No. Six Walls describes it as an unofficial model of a rack unit it owns and measured. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the hardware manufacturer.
How does Auto differ from Manual processing?
Manual leaves Definition at a fixed amount. Auto listens to the processed output and reduces the high-frequency enhancement when there is already plenty of treble, using a fast response and a slower component.
What does Stereo Link change?
It makes channel B follow channel A and, in Auto, gives both sides the same enhancement response. Unlinked channels react to their own signals, which can change the stereo image on uneven material.
Do I need the Six Walls Installer or an account?
No account is required. The main Get It option uses the Six Walls Installer for on-demand installation and update checks, while the Support page also offers individual installers and portable bundles. On Mac, the package includes VST3 and AU, with an optional AAX installation for Pro Tools.
Does it add latency, and how close is the model at extreme settings?
The plug-in runs oversampled and reports its processing latency to the host. Six Walls notes that Auto was fitted mainly on drums and full mixes at normal levels, while sustained tones and the ends of the Definition range were measured less extensively.
