HoRNet Chorus60

Chorus60 1.2.0 is available, this update is free for owners of the plugin and includes:

•  Added Apple Silicon compatibility
• Added support for hi dpi monitors in windows
• Removed 32bit support

An iconic chorus found in an 80s keyboard

Chorus60: The Ultimate Emulation of a Vintage 80s Iconic Chorus

Chorus60 is a plugin that emulates one of the most famous vintage chorus effects, originally found in an iconic 80s keyboard. This specific keyboard model, when it was released, only had one oscillator per voice, which presented a challenge in creating a richer and fuller sound. To address this, the manufacturer employed a unique chorus effect, which became the signature sound of many memorable tracks, including the hit “Sweet Dreams” by the Eurythmics. The sound that this chorus created is unmistakable—deep, lush, and undeniably 80s. In fact, this chorus has been used on countless songs from that era, becoming a staple of the 80s sound.

To recreate this legendary effect, we took the original schematic of the chorus unit, carefully analyzed it, and then simulated the entire process in a plugin. The result is Chorus60, a faithful recreation of the sound, with modern enhancements that provide you more control over the chorus parameters. While it remains true to the analog nature of the original, Chorus60 allows for greater flexibility to fit into contemporary music production workflows.

The Secret of the Chorus60 Sound

At the heart of the original chorus effect was a particular analog BBD (Bucket Brigade Device) that played a crucial role in shaping the sound. The BBD is responsible for the delay lines that create the characteristic detuned, thickened sound. The chorus was designed to enhance the richness of the sound, making it feel more expansive and lush, especially given the limitations of the single oscillator design. The use of this BBD, along with pre- and post-filtering, gives the chorus its distinct, warm analog sound.

We’ve faithfully recreated the same technology in Chorus60, ensuring that every detail, from the BBD to the filtering, is captured. This attention to detail gives you the exact sound that defined the 80s but with the flexibility of modern controls. By carefully modeling the analog behavior of the device, including its saturation and inherent hiss, we’ve ensured that the plugin replicates the vintage feel of the original chorus while offering modern convenience. These analog characteristics can be toggled on or off, allowing you to choose whether you want to embrace the full vintage warmth or go for a cleaner, more contemporary sound.

Enhanced Control for Modern Use

One of the key advantages of the Chorus60 plugin over the original hardware is the added flexibility and control over parameters. While the original hardware chorus was relatively straightforward, the plugin version allows for deeper customization. The control set includes adjustments for LFO rate, dry/wet mix, and chorus wideness—three essential parameters that can help shape the effect to your exact needs.

The LFO rate controls the speed of the modulation, which affects the movement of the sound. Slower LFO rates create a more subtle effect, while faster rates lead to a more pronounced modulation. The dry/wet control lets you blend the processed signal with the original, offering the ability to dial in the exact amount of chorus effect. Meanwhile, the chorus wideness controls how “wide” or “narrow” the stereo spread of the effect is. This provides an additional layer of flexibility, allowing you to adapt the sound to fit within different production styles.

Unlike traditional hardware, where you may be limited by the available settings, the Chorus60 plugin provides an easy-to-use interface with modern features like oversampling. To ensure that the plugin sounds as good as possible, we’ve included 2x oversampling, which improves the quality of the audio by reducing aliasing. This feature is particularly useful when working with higher sample rates, ensuring that the plugin delivers pristine, high-fidelity sound across a wide range of applications.

A Versatile Effect for a Variety of Instruments

While the original chorus was designed with keyboards in mind, Chorus60 is incredibly versatile and sounds great on a variety of instruments. From keyboards to vocals to guitars, the plugin brings the lush, modulated sound of the 80s to any audio source. Whether you’re working on a retro synth-pop track, trying to add warmth to a vocal, or experimenting with guitar tones, Chorus60 gives you the flexibility to sculpt the sound and achieve the iconic chorus effect that shaped the 80s.

In addition to its musical versatility, Chorus60 works wonderfully on more experimental sounds, where the modulation can add depth and movement to the audio. Drum loops and percussion can also benefit from the effect, especially when used subtly to add texture or more dramatically to produce a unique, processed sound.

Plug-and-Play Sound Quality

One of the best things about Chorus60 is its ease of use. When you first open the plugin, it defaults to the original settings of the classic chorus, ensuring that it sounds great right out of the box. You don’t need to fiddle with complicated controls or parameters—just load the plugin, and you’re ready to capture that vintage 80s sound. Of course, you have the option to experiment with the settings and adjust the effect to your specific taste and project needs, but the default sound is already tuned to capture the magic of the original unit.

The simplicity of the user interface means that you can focus on your music, not on navigating a complex set of controls. The essential parameters are clearly laid out, allowing you to quickly dial in your desired effect. The dry/wet and chorus wideness controls are intuitive, and the LFO rate knob allows for precise control over the modulation speed. This makes Chorus60 an ideal tool for both beginners and experienced producers who want to add an iconic sound to their music with minimal effort.

Conclusion: Embrace the 80s with Chorus60

Chorus60 is a unique plugin that provides an authentic 80s chorus sound with modern features and controls. Whether you’re looking to recreate the iconic chorus used in hits like “Sweet Dreams,” add depth to your synth sounds, or experiment with vocal and guitar treatments, this plugin delivers the sound and flexibility you need. With its ability to add rich, modulated textures to your mixes, it brings the legendary sound of the 80s into your DAW with ease and precision.

Whether you’re a producer aiming to capture a retro aesthetic or simply looking to enhance the sonic landscape of your projects, Chorus60 is a must-have tool for your plugin arsenal. Try it today and experience the unique character and warmth of this legendary effect.