HoRNet AnalogStage MK2 1.0.4 update

We are pleased to announce the latest update of HoRNet AnalogStage MK2, our advanced analog console emulation plugin designed to bring the unmistakable warmth and saturation of analog gear into the digital world. With version 1.0.4, we’ve implemented important fixes and optimizations to make the plugin more reliable, efficient, and powerful in your mixing and production workflows.

HoRNet AnalogStage MK2 is a versatile analog saturation plugin that faithfully emulates the behavior of three distinct types of analog circuit topologies: operational amplifiers, transistors, and vacuum tubes. Each of these analog styles provides a unique flavor of harmonic coloration, nonlinear response, and dynamic saturation that adds depth and character to your audio tracks. Whether you’re looking for subtle warmth or pronounced coloration, AnalogStage MK2 gives you the tools to shape your sound with precision and realism.

One of the standout features of AnalogStage MK2 is its ability to be used across an entire session, simulating the console summing workflow used in analog studios. You can insert the plugin on individual tracks, group buses, or the master bus, creating a cohesive and natural-sounding mix that mimics the behavior of classic analog consoles. The plugin offers global linking and group linking (up to 8 groups), allowing for seamless control of multiple instances within your session. This is especially useful for large mixes, where consistent analog emulation across channels is essential for a unified sonic character.

Each of the three saturation models—OpAmp, Transistor, and Tube—has been meticulously crafted to respond as their real-life counterparts would. The OpAmp mode delivers clean, modern analog warmth with controlled harmonic generation and minimal coloration. It’s ideal for achieving transparent enhancement. The Transistor mode introduces a thicker and more aggressive saturation, reminiscent of 1970s hardware designs. This mode includes a transformer emulation that simulates the behavior of audio transformers used in vintage gear, contributing to the midrange presence and dynamic compression. Lastly, the Tube mode adds soft, musical saturation with a naturally compressed feel and rich harmonic complexity. It’s well-suited for vocals, bass, and instruments where warmth and roundness are desired. Like the transistor mode, it includes transformer simulation to complete the tube signal path’s authentic behavior.

A notable feature of AnalogStage MK2 is the “Age” slider, which adds another layer of realism to the analog emulation. As capacitors and electronic components age, their performance changes. With this slider, you can simulate these aging effects, influencing both frequency response and saturation characteristics. This function helps create vintage-style tones or adds subtle irregularities that bring digital recordings closer to the analog realm.

To ensure optimal signal control, AnalogStage MK2 includes a stereo VU meter calibrated to -18dBFS, providing a reliable reference for gain staging your signals. Additionally, the plugin incorporates our proprietary Auto Gain algorithm, which adjusts the input level automatically based on the track’s signal. This allows for faster and more consistent gain staging across your session without having to manually balance levels. The Auto Gain system also considers the selected analog model and internal saturation to maintain consistent perceived loudness and character.

The latest update, version 1.0.4, brings several important bug fixes and improvements. We’ve addressed an issue where the input gain was incorrectly restored when reloading a session, ensuring accurate level recall and better session consistency. Additionally, we’ve corrected a macOS-specific bug where certain controls did not respond properly to cmd+click, improving parameter reset behavior and interface responsiveness. Another fix ensures that the input VU meter properly matches the computed gain level when using Auto Gain, allowing for more precise metering and confidence in your adjustments.

AnalogStage MK2 also includes intelligent oversampling, offering options up to 4x and an “auto” mode that selects the most appropriate oversampling level based on your system and the selected analog model. This helps reduce aliasing artifacts and ensures the highest audio fidelity, especially during aggressive saturation or processing on high-frequency material.

The plugin’s resizable and hardware-accelerated interface ensures smooth performance on both Windows and macOS, including full support for Apple Silicon processors. The interface is vector-based, allowing it to remain sharp and clear on displays of any resolution. Whether you’re working on a laptop or a multi-monitor studio setup, AnalogStage MK2 adapts to your screen and workflow seamlessly.

In terms of compatibility, AnalogStage MK2 supports Audio Units, VST3, and AAX formats, and is compatible with major DAWs including Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Cubase, Reaper, and Pro Tools. It works on macOS 10.13 and later as well as Windows 10 and later, ensuring a wide user base can take full advantage of its features.

This update is available free of charge to all existing owners of the plugin. You can download version 1.0.4 directly from the user area on the HoRNet Plugins website or by using HoRNet DoIn, our dedicated download and installation tool. We recommend all users update to the latest version to benefit from improved stability, accuracy, and performance.

HoRNet AnalogStage MK2 is more than just a saturation tool—it’s a comprehensive analog console emulation suite that enhances your productions by giving you access to the sonic traits that defined decades of recorded music. Whether you’re mixing modern pop, vintage soul, ambient electronica, or aggressive rock, AnalogStage MK2 offers the flexibility and realism to bring analog warmth into your digital domain.