HoRNet WahWah

WahWah 1.3.0 is available, this update is free for owners of the plugin and includes:

•  Added Apple silicon native support
• Raised minimum supported macOS to 10.11
• Removed 32 bit support for Windows

Get the signature funky sound

HoRNet WahWah: Vintage Funk Vibes in a Modern Plugin

The HoRNet WahWah is a faithful digital recreation of one of the most iconic effects from the 1970s, made legendary by guitarists and keyboard players across decades. This classic pedal has long been associated with the signature sound of funk, and its unmistakable “wah” tone has become an essential part of every serious guitar player’s setup. With HoRNet WahWah, that expressive, vocal-like filter sweep is brought directly into your digital audio workstation, combining analog warmth with digital flexibility.

At the heart of the effect is a resonant band-pass filter, whose cutoff frequency is controlled by a virtual pedal. As the pedal moves, the filter sweeps through the frequency spectrum, creating that signature “wah” effect—a sound that mimics the human voice and instantly adds groove, rhythm, and character to a performance. But what sets the original apart—and what HoRNet has carefully replicated—is the non-linear nature of the circuit: the Q factor and filter gain both change depending on the pedal’s position, especially as it reaches its extremes.

Authentic Analog Behavior, Digitally Modeled

Unlike modern wah circuits that aim for precision and stability, the vintage design had organic imperfections that made it so musically pleasing. As the pedal is pressed all the way down, the Q (resonance) becomes gentler, and the filter gain reduces slightly. This was not a design flaw—it was part of the magic. The HoRNet WahWah replicates these nuances with surgical accuracy, modeling every detail based on the original circuit diagram.

The plugin’s filter resonance is achieved through feedback in a discrete transistor amplifier, just like in the real hardware. This feedback introduces a subtle and variable amount of distortion, depending on the filter frequency, contributing to the effect’s rich harmonic content. These distortions, far from being harsh, enhance the presence and warmth of the signal, giving your tone that classic analog feel. HoRNet took the time to simulate and analyze the original circuit, and the result is a plugin that feels and sounds like the real thing under your fingers—or under your MIDI controller or automation envelope.

More Than a Wah: Built-In Envelope Modulation

To expand the creative possibilities, HoRNet WahWah includes an envelope follower that lets you modulate the filter movement dynamically based on your signal’s amplitude. In other words, the plugin transforms from a manual wah into a fully responsive auto-wah that reacts to your playing in real time. With independent attack and release settings, you can dial in exactly how quickly the filter responds to incoming transients and how smoothly it returns to its base position.

This modulation is relative to the pedal’s current position, so you can combine static or automated positions with dynamic motion. For example, keep the virtual pedal near the middle and let the envelope push the filter up slightly as you play harder—resulting in that classic “woh-wah” motion beloved in funk and fusion genres. Or place the pedal high and use fast modulation to create screaming lead tones that bite and cut through a mix.

The modulation amount can be adjusted from zero to full range, giving you the flexibility to go from subtle movement to full-on auto-wah behavior. This makes the plugin useful across many genres—not just funk, but also rock, electronic music, psychedelic, and experimental sound design.

Analog Grit or Clean Clarity? Your Choice

One of the most distinctive parts of the original analog wah pedals was the saturation created by their transistor-based amplifiers. This subtle distortion isn’t just a byproduct—it’s a huge part of what makes the wah sound so musical and expressive. HoRNet WahWah includes a meticulously modeled saturation stage that mirrors the behavior of the vintage circuit. You get that smooth, rich harmonic enhancement that gives your tone dimension and depth.

However, for those who prefer a cleaner, more clinical tone, the analog saturation can be disabled. This gives you a more neutral wah effect, which can be useful in modern production contexts or for instruments like synths or drum loops, where less harmonic coloration might be desired. Still, most users will likely keep the saturation on—because it simply sounds amazing.

Simple Interface, Powerful Control

The interface of HoRNet WahWah is clean and intuitive, with controls that allow you to easily set the pedal position, envelope modulation, and saturation toggle. Despite being based on vintage hardware, the plugin is designed for modern workflows, making it easy to integrate into any setup. Use it as a manual wah controlled by automation or MIDI, or let the envelope follower take over for dynamic performances that respond to your playing style.

You can also automate all key parameters directly within your DAW, enabling evolving and expressive filter movement over time. Whether you’re shaping a funky clavinet part, animating a synth lead, or giving electric piano a soulful sweep, HoRNet WahWah brings instant personality and movement to your tracks.

CPU-Efficient and Studio-Ready

As with all HoRNet plugins, WahWah is light on CPU, making it perfect for use in multi-track projects or live performance setups. It supports all major plugin formats (VST2, VST3, AU, AAX) and is compatible with both Windows and macOS, ensuring it integrates smoothly with any professional or home studio environment.

Whether you’re a guitarist looking to recreate vintage tones, a keyboardist in search of expressive modulation, or a producer wanting to add classic movement to static sounds, HoRNet WahWah offers the perfect blend of authenticity, versatility, and musicality.