Feature update for the analog equalizer
We are excited to announce the latest update for HoRNet SW34EQ MK2, our smooth analog equalizer that brings the classic sound of the 80s to your digital productions. This update enhances the performance and usability of the plugin, while staying true to its roots. The SW34EQ MK2 is a digital recreation of an iconic American console EQ, designed to deliver that warm and smooth analog tone that has become a staple in music production for decades.
The HoRNet SW34EQ MK2 plugin is a faithful digital emulation of a channel EQ from a famous analog console, used in the main room of Virus Studio in Siena, Italy. This particular console was known for its unique tonal characteristics and smooth filtering, which we have carefully recreated in the digital domain. The EQ features a set of controls that allow you to shape the sound with precision, yet with the smooth, organic feel of analog gear. Whether you’re mixing vocals, guitars, or drums, the SW34EQ MK2 can enhance your tracks with ease.
The SW34EQ MK2 offers bell and shelf filters, which provide gentle and musical EQ curves. These curves are designed to be smooth and subtle, allowing for natural tonal shaping without introducing harsh artifacts. The bell filters are ideal for enhancing specific frequencies, while the shelf filters are perfect for shaping the low and high ends of the spectrum. Whether you’re looking to add warmth to your mixes or tighten up the low end, this plugin offers a flexible and intuitive way to achieve your desired sound.
One of the standout features of the SW34EQ MK2 is its 18dB/octave high-pass filter, which can be activated independently, even when the rest of the EQ is bypassed. This feature is useful for cleaning up low-frequency rumble or eliminating unwanted subsonic content. Whether you’re working with vocals, guitars, or any other instrument, this high-pass filter will ensure that your tracks remain clean and focused without losing their natural warmth. You can also fine-tune the frequency of the high-pass filter to target specific low-end issues that may arise in your mixes.
In addition to accurately modeling the EQ curves, we’ve also recreated the saturation characteristics of the original console. Since this console dates back to the 1980s, it utilizes op-amps throughout the signal path, which primarily generate even harmonics. As you increase the gain, the harmonics start to shift and odd harmonics begin to emerge, adding a rich warmth and harmonic complexity to your sound. This analog-style saturation can add character to your tracks and give them that distinctive, organic vibe that only analog gear can provide.
For those who enjoy the unique coloration and warmth that saturation provides, the SW34EQ MK2 allows you to push the input gain to achieve more pronounced saturation. Additionally, we’ve included a link button, which automatically compensates the output level when you increase the input gain, ensuring that the output remains balanced and consistent. If you’re looking for even more intense saturation, you can push the input level up to four times, resulting in even more noticeable harmonic distortion and a richer, more textured sound.
We’ve designed the SW34EQ MK2 with a sleek, user-friendly interface that makes it easy to navigate and adjust the settings. Each control knob is accompanied by a digital readout, showing the exact frequency and gain values, allowing for precise adjustments. The high-pass and low-pass filters are easily accessible, and their frequency ranges are clearly indicated, making it simple to tailor the filters to your needs.
The interface is visually clean and intuitive, allowing you to focus on your sound without distractions. The new update also addresses some key usability improvements, such as support for Apple Silicon M1 chips, which ensures that the plugin runs smoothly on newer Mac computers. We’ve also fixed the GUI scaling issue on high-DPI displays on Windows, making the plugin more accessible and easier to use across different platforms and screen resolutions.
In the new version, we’ve also made sure that users have the flexibility to choose between saturated and cleaner sounds. While the plugin emulates analog saturation by default, you can deactivate the entire emulation if you prefer a cleaner, more transparent sound. This flexibility ensures that the SW34EQ MK2 can be used in a wide variety of mixing and mastering scenarios, from warm and rich analog emulations to more pristine, high-fidelity setups. This feature is ideal for users who need versatility in their workflow and want to tailor the EQ to match the specific sound they are trying to achieve.
The latest update to SW34EQ MK2 (version 2.2.0) introduces several important features and bug fixes that improve the plugin’s overall performance. Key updates include:
Added Apple Silicon M1 Support: With the release of Apple’s M1 chips, compatibility with these processors has become essential. The SW34EQ MK2 now fully supports Apple Silicon M1, ensuring optimal performance on newer Mac computers.
Fixed GUI Scaling Issues: Some users experienced issues with the GUI not scaling properly on high-DPI displays on Windows. This bug has been fixed, allowing the interface to properly scale on high-resolution displays.
Fixed Auto Gain Button: The auto gain button now functions correctly and turns off when stopping the transport, ensuring that the plugin behaves as expected during playback.
Removed 32-bit Support: In line with modern plugin standards, 32-bit support has been removed. The SW34EQ MK2 now only supports 64-bit systems, which helps streamline development and improve the plugin’s stability.
With the HoRNet SW34EQ MK2, you get the best of both worlds: the classic warmth and musicality of an analog EQ combined with the precision and convenience of a digital plugin. Whether you’re looking to add subtle tonal shaping to your mix or push the plugin for its rich analog saturation, the SW34EQ MK2 delivers exceptional sound quality and versatility. This update continues our commitment to providing high-quality audio tools that enhance your workflow and inspire creativity in your music production.
The update is available for free to all existing owners of the plugin, and can be downloaded directly from the user area on the HoRNet website. If you haven’t yet experienced the sound of the SW34EQ MK2, now is the perfect time to dive in and see how this powerful plugin can elevate your mixes.