Hi Cubase team.
Cubase user here for over 20 years. I will outline the problem, and the requested solution:
The Problem
Channel inserts only work in series: one plugin’s output feeds the next. Using Sends for parallel processing requires separate mixer channels and extra routing to bring their outputs back together before further processing. What’s missing is a way to send the same signal to several plugins in parallel, mix their outputs, and return one combined signal directly to the insert chain—like the parallel section of Blue Cat’s PatchWork.
The Solution:
Add a native “Rack” that occupies a single insert slot. Inside it, users could load up to eight plugins in parallel, each receiving the same input, with individual level controls to mix their outputs. The combined signal would then feed the next insert. The Rack should handle plugin delay compensation and, where practical, spread independent branches across available CPU cores. Alternatively, allow a selected block of existing insert slots to switch between series and parallel. The Rack can be enabled/disabled. And the rack plugin configurations can be saved as presets.
So conceptually
Channel → [ Rack: A ∥ B ∥ C ∥ D → sub mixer ] → next insert
Benefits
This keeps the entire processing chain on one channel, without creating extra FX channels, Groups or mixer faders just to process plugins in parallel. It simplifies routing, mixing and muting, while allowing the combined output to pass straight into further processing. It brings the parallel-routing flexibility of outboard racks, patch bays and summing mixers into a single, reusable insert. Great for mastering. Great for adding thickness and character to signals, without affecting already affected signals which can amplify harshness, aliasing or unwanted artifacts.
Audio Channel
│
▼
Insert 1
│
▼
┌──────────── RACK ─────────────┐
│ │
├──► Plugin A ──┐ │
├──► Plugin B ──┤ │
├──► Plugin C ──┼──► SUM/MIX ───┤
├──► Plugin D ──┤ │
└──► Dry ───────┘ │
└───────────────────────────────┘
│
▼
Insert 3
│
▼
Output