HoRNet ElliptiQ

HoRNet ElliptiQ is a powerful elliptical equalizer, a specialized tool that has its origins in the era of vinyl cutting. This plugin is designed to address specific challenges that arise during the mastering of vinyl records, particularly with stereo bass frequencies that could cause the needle to jump out of the groove. With the resurgence of vinyl records, an equalizer like this has become essential for not only fixing phase issues but also enhancing the overall impact and presence of bass frequencies in modern music production.

The Purpose of Elliptical Equalization:

In traditional vinyl mastering, bass frequencies can pose a significant problem if they are out of phase between the left and right channels. When the stereo difference in the bass frequencies is too wide or when they are in anti-phase, the cutting needle might skip, damaging the vinyl and causing distortion. To prevent this, an elliptical equalizer works by reducing the stereo width of low frequencies, specifically targeting the difference between the two channels. This ensures that the bass remains tightly centered and avoids the phase cancellation that can lead to needle jumping. The HoRNet ElliptiQ plugin serves the same purpose, providing you with the tools to address phase issues in bass and making bass elements more controlled and cohesive in the mix.

How HoRNet ElliptiQ Works:

The plugin operates by processing the stereo signal in a Mid/Side configuration. The stereo signal is first converted into Mid/Side components, extracting the difference between the left and right channels. The Side part, which contains the stereo information, is then filtered using a low-shelf filter. This allows you to reduce the stereo width of the low frequencies, leaving the Mid portion intact. After filtering, the plugin reconstructs the stereo output, resulting in a track with more focused and centered bass frequencies, reducing the risk of phase issues in the lower range.

Frequency Range and Slopes:

HoRNet ElliptiQ allows you to filter out low frequencies up to 2000Hz, meaning it can impact both the deep bass and the midrange frequencies. The plugin offers a Butterworth style low shelf filter, which can be adjusted with three different slopes: 12 dB/octave, 24 dB/octave, and 48 dB/octave. These options range from a gentle curve to a steep slope, giving you full flexibility to control the stereo width of your bass frequencies. The gentler slopes allow for a more subtle reduction of stereo width, while the steeper slopes provide a more aggressive approach to cutting out stereo information.

Auto Width Feature:

One of the standout features of HoRNet ElliptiQ is the Auto Width function. This feature continuously monitors the Mid/Side information and automatically adjusts the stereo width of the bass when the side signal is too high. If the stereo width of the bass becomes too wide, the plugin will reduce it in real-time, ensuring that phase issues don’t arise and that the track maintains optimal impact and focus. This feature is particularly useful for ensuring that the low-end of a mix remains tight and powerful, without the risk of phase issues affecting the overall sound.

Correlation Meter for Precision:

To further aid in identifying and correcting phase issues, HoRNet ElliptiQ includes a correlation meter that is divided into seven key frequencies. This meter allows you to monitor the phase relationship between the left and right channels across different sections of the frequency spectrum. By visualizing the correlation at various frequency points, you can quickly spot potential issues with phase cancellation and take corrective action before they become a problem in the mix or during mastering. This feature adds an extra layer of precision, ensuring that the low-end of your mix is both powerful and well-defined.

Applications in Modern Music Production:

While HoRNet ElliptiQ has its roots in the era of vinyl, its functionality is highly relevant to modern music production as well. It provides a simple but effective way to deal with bass phase issues, which are common in genres like electronic music, rock, and pop. Producers and mix engineers can use this tool to ensure that bass elements are tight, focused, and mono-compatible without sacrificing the stereo width of the higher frequencies.

In addition to fixing phase issues, HoRNet ElliptiQ can be used creatively to enhance the presence and impact of bass in a mix. By reducing the stereo width of the low frequencies, you can make the bass more controlled and centered, giving it a solid foundation in the mix. This is especially useful for styles of music that require a punchy, tight low-end, such as dance, hip hop, and modern pop.

Conclusion:

HoRNet ElliptiQ is a versatile and powerful tool that offers a unique approach to equalization, drawing inspiration from the vinyl cutting era but with modern applications. Whether you are working on a vinyl master or simply want to tighten up the bass in your mix, this plugin provides a straightforward way to solve phase issues and enhance the low-end. With its Mid/Side processing, low-shelf filter with adjustable slopes, Auto Width feature, and correlation meter, HoRNet ElliptiQ is a must-have for anyone looking to achieve a more controlled and focused bass in their tracks.