HoRNet AutoGain 1.4.0 update

We’ve just released version 1.4.0 of HoRNet AutoGain, the streamlined gain automation utility that simplifies one of the most time-consuming tasks in the mixing process: adjusting volume automation by hand.

HoRNet AutoGain is designed to help you create precise gain automation curves with minimal effort. In any real-world mix, there are always audio tracks that need level adjustments—sometimes entire sections are too loud or too soft, or certain phrases need subtle tweaks for better balance. Traditionally, this means writing manual clip gain edits or using your DAW’s volume automation, a process that is not only time-intensive but also distracts from more creative decisions.

With AutoGain, those days are over. This plugin is a smart and efficient tool that automatically analyzes and compares the loudness of two signals: your target track and a reference source. It then writes a dynamic gain automation curve that brings your track in line with the reference, freeing you from the need to manually ride the fader or pencil in volume changes.

The plugin features two audio inputs. The main input receives the audio you want to adjust, while the sidechain input accepts your volume reference. This reference can be anything—another individual track (like a vocal guide), a group of instruments, or even your full mix bus. Once the routing is in place, you simply press play, and AutoGain does the rest.

As the track plays, HoRNet AutoGain continuously monitors the level of your reference and applies calculated gain adjustments to the target signal in real time. These adjustments can then be written as automation in your DAW for further refinement. The result is a dynamically controlled, properly leveled track that sits better in the mix—without endless fader moves or detailed automation drawing.

The plugin gives you full control over the behavior of the automation with parameters such as:

• Speed: Determines how quickly AutoGain reacts to level differences. Use fast speeds for percussive material or slower speeds for smoother, more musical adjustments.

• Sensitivity: Controls how responsive the plugin is to perceived loudness changes between the input and the reference.

• Gain range: Lets you set the minimum and maximum amount of gain correction applied, keeping your automation within a manageable dynamic range.

These settings make AutoGain suitable for a wide variety of use cases. Whether you’re matching a backing vocal to a lead, leveling a dialogue stem in post-production, or subtly adjusting instruments in a dense arrangement, AutoGain saves time and improves precision.

The newly released version 1.4.0 brings several improvements and compatibility updates. Here’s what’s new:

• Added native support for Apple Silicon (M1) processors, bringing improved performance and efficiency for macOS users running modern systems.

• Fixed sidechain routing issues in recent versions of Pro Tools, improving reliability for users of AAX formats and complex session templates.

• Updated minimum supported macOS version to 10.11, ensuring better stability across a wider range of systems while dropping legacy support that could limit future development.

All these improvements reflect our ongoing commitment to keeping HoRNet tools lightweight, efficient, and compatible with the latest production environments.

This update is completely free for existing users of the plugin. You can download version 1.4.0 directly from the user area of the HoRNet website. Alternatively, use HoRNet DoIn, our convenient plugin installer and updater tool, to automatically install the latest version with just a few clicks.

In terms of workflow benefits, HoRNet AutoGain is especially useful when working under tight deadlines or in complex sessions where time and focus are at a premium. It’s also ideal for engineers who frequently work in genres that demand high levels of balance consistency, such as pop, hip-hop, film audio, or broadcast.

Another key benefit of using AutoGain is its ability to serve as an objective leveling tool. Unlike human ears that fatigue over time, AutoGain consistently applies its algorithm based on audio signal analysis. This can be incredibly helpful during the final stages of a mix, where small gain discrepancies can impact how the overall mix translates on different playback systems.

If you prefer to maintain full control over your automation, AutoGain can still be used as a guide rather than a complete solution. You can record the plugin’s output to automation lanes and tweak the gain curves manually from there. This hybrid approach gives you the best of both worlds: automation speed and creative precision.

In conclusion, HoRNet AutoGain 1.4.0 is more than just a utility—it’s a smart assistant for your mixing process. By automating the tedious task of gain adjustment, it allows you to focus on creativity, clarity, and cohesion in your audio productions. Whether you’re a producer, mixing engineer, or content creator, AutoGain helps you achieve more professional results in less time.

Download the free update today, and discover how HoRNet AutoGain can help you mix faster and more effectively—without sacrificing control.