HoRNet Tape MK2 2.1.0 update

We’re excited to announce the release of HoRNet Tape MK2 version 2.1.0, a powerful update to our popular tape machine emulator. This new version enhances the plugin with useful features, interface improvements, and important bug fixes, making it an even more reliable and flexible tool for anyone seeking the warmth, saturation, and coloration of analog tape in a modern digital production environment.

HoRNet Tape MK2 is not just another tape saturation plugin—it’s a deeply detailed software emulation of classic tape recording systems that helped define the sound of music across multiple decades. From the lush, harmonic-rich recordings of the 1960s to the punchy and vibrant sounds of the 1990s, tape played a vital role in shaping modern audio. Our plugin brings that legacy into your DAW with unparalleled accuracy and creative control.

At the core of Tape MK2 is a mathematical model built to replicate not only the tonal characteristics of analog tape, but also the small, sometimes unpredictable imperfections that made each tape deck sound unique. This includes saturation behavior, high-frequency roll-off, bias effects, and the subtle compression that occurs naturally as audio interacts with magnetic tape.

In version 2.1.0, we’ve added several highly requested features to improve usability and expand sonic options. Most notably, the new legacy Tape MK1 mode allows users who enjoyed the original version of the plugin to access its distinctive sound. This gives you two character profiles to choose from—MK1 for a more colored, vintage tone, and MK2 for enhanced realism and fidelity.

Another notable improvement is the introduction of a light/dark UI mode preference, giving you the freedom to match the interface to your personal style or studio environment. Whether you work in bright daylight or prefer a low-light editing setup, Tape MK2 adapts to your needs visually without compromising workflow.

We’ve also added track name display directly on the plugin interface. This small but powerful update streamlines project navigation by making it easier to identify which track each instance of Tape MK2 is processing—especially useful in larger sessions where dozens of plugin windows may be open simultaneously.

Under the hood, version 2.1.0 includes crucial bug fixes. For example, we’ve resolved an issue that caused audio stuttering in some DAWs when using the VST3 format. We also addressed the incorrect behavior of the Hi Frequency EQ control when oversampling was enabled, ensuring more accurate and consistent tonal shaping. These updates result in a more stable and trustworthy tool that can be relied upon in both creative and professional contexts.

But what really sets HoRNet Tape MK2 apart is its unique bias control. Unlike most tape emulators that offer only a few fixed saturation profiles, Tape MK2 gives you a continuous bias adjustment, allowing you to shape the harmonic content and distortion characteristics of the tape response in real time. Want more warmth and grit? Dial the bias higher. Want a cleaner signal with just a hint of analog flavor? Keep it low. This level of control is rarely found in tape plugins and gives producers unprecedented flexibility.

To compensate for the high-frequency loss often associated with tape recording, HoRNet Tape MK2 also includes a pre-emphasis high-shelf filter, modeled after the recording EQ curves of professional tape machines. This EQ restores brilliance and clarity to your signal, especially useful when you’re adding saturation to elements like vocals, cymbals, or acoustic guitars that rely on a crisp top end.

The plugin also features built-in oversampling, allowing it to operate at higher internal sample rates to reduce aliasing and preserve detail in the processed signal. This is particularly important when driving the tape emulation harder, as it ensures that the saturation remains smooth and musical rather than harsh or digital.

Whether you’re a mixing engineer looking to glue a mix together with some subtle analog warmth, or a music producer aiming to recreate the character of vintage recordings, HoRNet Tape MK2 gives you the tools to achieve those goals with ease and precision. Its compact interface, thoughtful controls, and minimal CPU usage make it an excellent addition to any setup—whether you’re working in a professional studio or a home environment.

The update to version 2.1.0 is completely free for all existing owners of the plugin. You can download it directly through HoRNet DoIn, our plugin manager and installer, or from the “My Account” section of our website. We always recommend keeping your plugins up to date to take advantage of the latest features and ensure maximum compatibility with your DAW.

In summary, HoRNet Tape MK2 version 2.1.0 represents a significant step forward for one of our most beloved plugins. With legacy mode, visual customization, improved track management, and key performance fixes, it continues to deliver the rich, analog tape sound that so many engineers and producers love—while offering the flexibility and reliability demanded by modern digital production.

If you’ve never tried Tape MK2, now is the perfect time to explore what it can do. And if you’re already a user, this update ensures that your favorite tape saturation tool is now better than ever. Bring the warmth, saturation, and musical compression of the past into your present-day mixes, and elevate your productions with the unmistakable character of HoRNet Tape MK2.