HoRNet AutoGain Pro MK2 2.0.4 update

We are excited to announce the release of AutoGain Pro MK2 version 2.0.4, the latest update to our advanced automatic gain rider plugin. This maintenance release brings important bug fixes and refinements that enhance stability and improve performance across various DAWs. If you’re already using AutoGain Pro MK2, this update will make your workflow smoother and more reliable, while retaining all the powerful features that have made it a favorite among audio engineers and producers.

AutoGain Pro MK2 is a powerful and flexible volume automation processor that goes far beyond simple gain riding. Built on the same core processing engine as the original AutoGain Pro, the MK2 version doubles the processing units, giving you two independent detectors and two separate processors for maximum control over your dynamics.

This enhanced design allows AutoGain Pro MK2 to function as much more than a utility plugin. With its mid/side processing capabilities, dual detection system, and extensive filtering and shaping controls, it becomes a highly customizable tool that covers a wide range of tasks—everything from transparent level balancing to creative volume shaping, similar to what you might expect from a compressor or even a transient shaper.

When operating in “classic” mode, AutoGain Pro MK2 emulates the behavior of the original AutoGain Pro. This ensures backward compatibility and maintains the natural, musical response users have come to expect. However, MK2 goes further by offering processing in stereo or mid/side mode, enabling you to apply volume automation with extreme precision in the stereo field.

Each of the two detectors in the plugin can be configured independently. You can choose from five different sources, including internal and external signals, making it possible to shape the behavior of each processor in very specific ways. For example, you could have one detector analyze the mid signal while the other listens to a sidechain input, then assign each detector to control a different aspect of the stereo image.

The processors receive their input from either detector one or detector two, depending on how you configure them. Each processor compares the detector signal to the incoming audio and then calculates the necessary gain adjustment. This gain is applied smoothly and musically, maintaining the integrity of your signal while achieving consistent levels.

One of the most powerful aspects of AutoGain Pro MK2 is its fine-tuning controls. Each detector includes adjustable attack and release times, allowing you to respond either quickly or slowly to dynamic changes in the input. You can further refine what the detector is “listening to” by using the high-pass and low-pass filters, which isolate specific frequency ranges for detection. This is especially helpful when you want the plugin to respond more to vocals, drums, or other critical elements in the mix.

Additionally, the detector signal level can be adjusted, effectively increasing or decreasing the influence of that detector on the processor. This allows for subtle or aggressive gain changes depending on your needs. Each control signal generated by a detector is then passed to the corresponding processor, which performs the gain computation and applies it to the audio signal.

To further customize the gain application, AutoGain Pro MK2 includes a “scaler” control, which lets you multiply or reduce the computed gain value before it is applied. This is particularly useful when you want to moderate the plugin’s overall effect. You can also define the maximum and minimum gain limits, ensuring that the plugin never applies more gain than you’re comfortable with, or cuts the volume below a certain level. These settings give you full control over the plugin’s dynamic range behavior.

The newly released version 2.0.4 focuses on addressing a few bugs that were affecting user experience. Specifically, we have:

• Fixed a click in the audio output in the VST3 version, which could occasionally occur during fast gain adjustments. This issue has been resolved, ensuring smoother transitions and a cleaner signal path.

• Fixed jumping automation behavior when writing automation in Cubase. In previous versions, automation written by the plugin could appear erratic or unstable in some Cubase setups. This fix ensures more accurate and predictable automation handling, making it easier to integrate AutoGain Pro MK2 into your mix automation workflows.

These improvements are part of our ongoing commitment to providing stable, professional-grade tools that integrate flawlessly into any production environment. As always, the update is free for all current owners of the plugin. You can download it from the user area on our website or through HoRNet DoIn, our dedicated installer and plugin manager.

AutoGain Pro MK2 is ideal for a wide range of applications. Whether you’re looking to level out vocal recordings, tame dynamic instruments, create ducking effects, or apply mid/side dynamic control, this plugin adapts to your needs. With its transparent gain riding capabilities, it is often preferred over compressors when the goal is to preserve musical dynamics while achieving consistent loudness.

In conclusion, AutoGain Pro MK2 continues to evolve as one of the most versatile dynamic control tools on the market. Its ability to function as both a precision gain rider and a creative shaping tool makes it a must-have in any producer or engineer’s toolbox. With this new version, the plugin becomes even more stable and refined, ensuring it will continue to meet the demands of modern audio production workflows.

If you haven’t yet experienced what AutoGain Pro MK2 can do, now is the perfect time to try it. Whether you’re working on music, podcasts, broadcast content, or post-production audio, this plugin gives you the control, precision, and flexibility needed to keep your levels right where they should be.