Feature update for the free tube saturation plugins
HoRNet is excited to announce the release of version 1.1.0 for Valvola, our free tube saturation plugin that brings the warmth and character of classic vacuum tube distortion to your digital audio workstation. Since its launch, Valvola has garnered attention for its authentic emulation of the electric behavior of a vacuum tube, and this new version takes it a step further by adding useful features and enhancements.
HoRNet Valvola, the Italian word for vacuum tube, is designed to emulate the sound of a vacuum tube and its surrounding circuitry. The plugin mimics the complex interactions between the tube and the circuits around it, offering a rich and dynamic tube distortion that changes with the audio being processed. It provides an authentic tube saturation experience by closely modeling the behavior of real-world vacuum tubes, delivering that familiar analog warmth that is loved by music producers and engineers alike.
The new 1.1.0 update for HoRNet Valvola brings several new features and fixes to the plugin. Here’s what’s been added and improved:
Output Knob Control: A new output knob has been added to give you more control over the output signal, allowing you to adjust the level of the processed audio to suit your mix.
Circuit Type Selection: The update introduces a new feature that allows you to choose from different circuit types, giving you more versatility when shaping your sound. This addition makes Valvola even more adaptable for various musical genres and production environments.
VST3 Compatibility Fixes: We’ve addressed an issue where the VST3 version of the plugin wasn’t working properly in some DAWs. With this update, VST3 support has been fixed, ensuring smooth performance across different platforms and DAWs.
HoRNet Valvola stands out from other saturation plugins because of its authentic tube emulation. Unlike static tube distortion models, the saturation provided by Valvola is dynamic, responding to the musical content of your track. This dynamic interaction is possible because of how real vacuum tubes behave under different signal levels, particularly how they distort more when processing low-frequency peaks. This “memory effect” creates a natural and evolving distortion that brings life and character to your sounds.
Valvola’s design is based on the detailed modeling of actual tube circuits, including the triodes and pentodes that have been used in iconic amplifiers. It emulates well-known tubes like the 12AX7 used in preamps and the EL84 power tube, among others. This level of detail ensures that you’re getting a genuine tube distortion experience that reacts to the audio the way real tubes would.
In fact, the plugin allows you to use multiple instances to create your own small tube amplifier emulation, making it versatile enough for a variety of musical styles. Whether you’re processing bass-heavy tracks, gritty guitars, or subtle synths, Valvola can add depth and richness to your sound.
The key feature of HoRNet Valvola is its ability to emulate the nonlinear behavior of vacuum tubes, which gives it a characteristic, warm distortion. Each tube in Valvola has its own unique frequency response and sound, and the plugin gives you full control over how much of this distortion is applied. The main control is the “saturation” knob, which adjusts the amount of tube saturation while keeping the level constant. This allows you to add distortion without increasing the overall gain, keeping your track’s level in check.
Valvola also features intelligent oversampling (up to 4x), which reduces aliasing and ensures that the distortion remains smooth and accurate even when working with high frequencies or fast transients.
Valvola is more than just a free plugin—it’s a powerful tool for adding analog warmth to any track. Whether you’re using it to bring vintage tone to guitars, smooth out harsh frequencies in vocals, or add a touch of color to your drums, Valvola excels at transforming digital signals into something more organic and musical.
By modeling the behavior of real tubes, Valvola allows you to achieve results that are as close to hardware as possible without leaving the digital realm. With its intuitive controls, versatile sound, and the addition of new features in version 1.1.0, Valvola is an invaluable tool for producers and sound engineers who want to inject that analog magic into their projects.
We’re proud of Valvola, and that’s why we’re offering it for free. Our team believes in the quality of this plugin and its ability to enhance your productions. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, Valvola gives you the power to add vintage tube distortion to your tracks without spending a dime.
The update to version 1.1.0 is available now, and it’s free for all existing owners of the plugin. Simply download the update using HoRNet DoIn or from your account page on our website.
Authentic tube emulation that replicates the behavior of real vacuum tubes and circuits.
Dynamic tube distortion that reacts to low-frequency peaks and adapts to your music.
Multiple tube emulations including triodes and pentodes for a variety of sounds.
Saturation knob to control the amount of distortion without adding gain.
Intelligent oversampling to reduce aliasing and maintain smooth audio.
Output knob control and circuit type selection for added versatility.
VST3 compatibility and bug fixes in the 1.1.0 update.
HoRNet Valvola is a fantastic plugin for anyone looking to add the warm, rich, and dynamic sound of tube saturation to their music. Whether you’re producing rock, electronic music, or anything in between, this free plugin provides the analog sound you’ve been searching for. Download the latest version today and experience the magic of tube distortion for yourself.
