The HoRNet LU Meter MK2 is an advanced digital loudness meter built for precise measurement, offering intelligent features like auto gain staging and track grouping. As the updated version of a widely appreciated plugin, the MK2 introduces a completely redesigned GUI, which is resizable to suit different screen setups. This sleek interface houses a powerful tool that elevates your gain staging and mixing workflow, helping you achieve a balanced, professional sound with ease.
The LU Meter MK2 operates using Loudness Units (LU)—a measurement system that reflects how humans perceive sound. Unlike peak meters, which display only the absolute signal level, LU Meter MK2 analyzes how our ears interpret frequency-dependent loudness. Humans are more sensitive to midrange frequencies, so a single sound played at the same volume across frequencies can be perceived differently. The LU Meter MK2 compensates for this, offering real-world loudness insights that guide better mixing decisions.
Its auto gain staging feature keeps your levels optimal at all times. By automatically adjusting gain, it prevents clipping and distortion, ensuring volume consistency throughout your session. This eliminates the need for constant manual tweaking, reducing effort and allowing focus on creative work.
The grouping function allows you to link multiple instances of LU Meter MK2 across various tracks or buses, which simplifies loudness control in complex projects. By treating multiple channels as a unit, you can monitor and manage levels cohesively, guaranteeing that all elements stay within a targeted loudness range while preserving a consistent sonic identity.
Built for diverse audio environments, LU Meter MK2 adapts to mixing, mastering, live sound, and broadcasting scenarios. It provides readings in LUFS (Loudness Units relative to Full Scale) and True Peak, making it invaluable for producers, engineers, and content creators who aim to meet the standards of modern audio distribution.
Today’s platforms—from Spotify to Apple Music, YouTube, and broadcast networks—require strict loudness conformity. LU Meter MK2 helps ensure your content hits industry benchmarks with precision, whether it’s a single track or an entire album, podcast, or multimedia project. It allows for fine-grained control over output, minimizing the risk of inconsistent playback levels across devices and services.
Additionally, it assists with maintaining loudness normalization, a key factor in delivering audio that’s not just technically compliant but also pleasant to the listener’s ear. From setting initial levels to final checks, LU Meter MK2 offers reliable visual feedback that guides your decision-making process at every stage of production.
One of the most noticeable upgrades in the MK2 version is its resizable GUI. Whether you’re working on a portable laptop or a multi-screen professional setup, the interface adapts to your workflow. This allows for clear, uninterrupted monitoring and better integration within your DAW environment.
Beyond its appearance, the interface is highly intuitive, giving quick access to essential features. The meter’s clear visual cues make it simple to identify loudness peaks, track gain adjustments, and verify true peak values. It’s designed to speed up your workflow while maintaining high precision.
The plugin supports real-time loudness tracking, displaying both momentary and integrated values, which is critical when evaluating dynamic range and long-term average levels. This is especially useful in projects where the audio must remain dynamically engaging yet volume-consistent, such as film scoring, advertising, or podcasting.
The LU Meter MK2 integrates flawlessly with all major digital audio workstations. Its lightweight processing means it can be used extensively without introducing latency or system strain. Whether used on individual tracks, mix buses, or the master channel, it provides instant feedback with a minimal CPU footprint.
In larger sessions, its grouping capability becomes essential. You can monitor the collective loudness of a group of instruments—say, a drum kit or a vocal stack—and adjust them together to maintain a sonic balance without switching views or comparing separate meters manually. This is not only efficient but also ensures that your mixes retain their musical cohesion across sections.
Whether you’re a seasoned mixing engineer or an aspiring producer, LU Meter MK2 offers both depth and simplicity. Beginners benefit from automatic gain staging and clear visuals, while professionals can appreciate the precision, customization, and workflow enhancements it provides. It allows every user to focus less on the technical headaches and more on achieving a polished, professional sound.
From the first rough mix to the final master, LU Meter MK2 empowers you to maintain consistent loudness, reduce listening fatigue, and ensure your work sounds great on every platform. Its intelligent features, flexible UI, and accurate metering make it a go-to tool in any serious audio toolkit.
