HoRNet Spikes MK2 is here: single-band transient shaping with Focus EQ, adaptive release, and three drive modes. €9.99 for the first 7 days, then €14.99.
HoRNet Spikes MK2 is available now — a single-band transient shaper for bringing attacks forward, softening sharp edges, and adding character when the track needs it.
A kick can have enough level and still lack punch. A snare can cut through but feel too hard. Sometimes the part that needs changing is the start of each sound, not its overall volume or tone.
We built Spikes MK2 around a simple starting point: one bipolar Spike control. Turn it up to emphasise attacks, or down to soften them. Then use the detector, Focus EQ, and Drive sections when you want to refine how the plugin responds.
Spikes MK2 compares a fast envelope with a slower one to recognise transient events. The relationship between them determines a changing gain applied to the original signal, without a threshold or ratio to set.
Positive Spike values boost detected attacks; negative values reduce them. At zero, the transient shaper adds no gain change. Separate upper and lower gain limits let you contain the maximum boost and cut.
The Mix control blends the processed signal with the original for parallel shaping. Output adjusts the wet branch before that blend. Auto Out links Output to Spike for a predictable level offset — it is not a measured loudness-matching system.
Focus EQ combines a high-pass filter, a parametric bell, and a low-pass filter in the internal detector path. Reduce the influence of sub rumble, or emphasise the region containing a guitar pick or snare crack.
These filters do not directly EQ the audible output. They change what drives detection, while the resulting transient gain still acts on the full-band signal.
Peak Length and Attack refine the detection window. Auto Release can follow one beat of your DAW tempo or adapt to the content with Auto Time. Manual release is available when you prefer a fixed setting.
Three detector characters provide different envelope shapes: Transparent for a reactive, fluid response, Punchy for more direct linear ramps, and Smooth for gentler exponential curves.
Spike Drive adds saturation after the shaping, with three modes: Clean soft clipping, Warm saturation, and Dirty asymmetric hard clipping. It processes the entire shaped wet signal, and adaptive oversampling helps reduce aliasing.
The five-second scope overlays the input waveform and transient gain. Stereo input/output meters and a bipolar Boost/Cut meter help you follow the processing. Enable Delta with Mix at 100% to hear the difference between wet and dry, including Drive and Output.
Factory and user presets, a resizable interface, and light and dark themes make it easy to fit Spikes MK2 into your session.
Spikes MK2 is available in VST3 and AAX for macOS and Windows, with Audio Unit on macOS. It supports mono and stereo processing.
Launch price: €9.99 for the first 7 days of launch. The regular price is €14.99. It is a one-time purchase with no subscription or copy protection, free updates within the current major version, and a 15-day money-back guarantee.
Download the free demo to try it on your own tracks. The demo periodically lowers the audio by about 20 dB for two seconds.
Explore HoRNet Spikes MK2 and get the launch offer. If you have questions, contact HoRNet support.
Low prices, Great sound