HoRNet Graffio

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

• Added Apple silicon support

Multiband distortion and saturation

If you’re looking for powerful and flexible distortion, HoRNet Graffio gives you more than enough to work with. Whether you want to add a subtle edge to your mix or completely destroy a signal with harsh overtones, Graffio offers a wide range of creative possibilities thanks to its highly versatile design.

At its core, Graffio is a three-band distortion unit, allowing you to independently apply different types of distortion to the low, mid, and high frequencies. The crossover frequencies are fully adjustable, giving you total control over which parts of the spectrum are affected by each processor. For each band, you can choose between three distinct distortion types: a saturator, an exciter, and a bit reducer.

Each of these processing modules introduces a different flavor of distortion to your signal. You can blend them together to shape your sound precisely or bypass individual processors if you want a cleaner signal on a specific band. On top of that, each band’s output level is fully adjustable, offering another layer of fine-tuning to get your desired sound.

For those seeking high-quality processing, Graffio delivers exceptional audio performance, thanks to the same 4x oversampling algorithm found in HoRNet Magnus. This ensures smooth and artifact-free distortion even at high gain levels, making it suitable for both subtle coloration and more aggressive sound design.

Of course, if you don’t want to split the signal into multiple bands, Graffio also works as a full-band distortion unit. In this mode, the crossover is bypassed, and only a single set of distortion processors is used to affect the entire frequency range. This can be ideal for instruments or buses where a consistent distortion across the spectrum is desired.

The Distortion Modules

Let’s take a closer look at the three main distortion types that Graffio offers:

Saturator

The saturator module emulates classic transistor-style distortion, delivering a warm, rich tone reminiscent of analog hardware. It’s designed to create soft clipping, adding pleasant harmonic overtones that make sounds feel more organic and full-bodied. There’s also an offset control that lets you adjust the symmetry of the waveform, which introduces more even harmonics—a trick often used to achieve a more musical, tube-like sound. This makes the saturator perfect for warming up vocals, adding depth to bass lines, or making synths and drums feel more alive.

Exciter

The exciter module focuses on enhancing the harmonic content of your audio. Unlike the other two processors, it doesn’t create a harsh or overtly distorted sound. Instead, it subtly emphasizes certain frequencies, making the audio sound brighter, thicker, or more present. It’s especially effective on vocals, acoustic instruments, or any signal that needs a bit more sparkle or clarity. While it won’t completely destroy your audio like a hard clipper might, the exciter gives you the power to enhance your mix with a more refined, professional feel.

Bit Reducer

For those who love edgy, modern, and digital-sounding distortion, the bit reducer is your go-to module. This processor emulates the lo-fi, crushed sound of early digital audio equipment, where bit depth and sample rate were limited. The result is a robotic, glitchy, and often aggressive distortion that’s perfect for experimental music, electronic genres, or any situation where you want your audio to sound noisy, digital, and unmistakably unique. It’s not subtle—but that’s exactly the point.

Creative Potential

The real strength of HoRNet Graffio lies in its modular architecture and flexibility. Want to use the saturator on the lows, the bit reducer on the mids, and the exciter on the highs? No problem. Want to apply all three processors to just the midrange and leave the rest clean? You can do that too. This kind of customization allows producers and sound designers to push their creativity to new heights.

Whether you’re working on a gritty techno track, a polished pop production, or an experimental soundscape, Graffio adapts to your workflow and your sonic goals. It’s just as effective as a subtle tone shaper as it is as a full-blown destruction machine.

In summary, HoRNet Graffio is not just another distortion plugin—it’s a highly adaptable, multi-band processing tool designed for anyone serious about sculpting their sound. From vintage warmth to ultra-modern grit, it offers a wide palette of sonic textures with precision and style.