HoRNet SAMP

HoRNet SAMP 1.2.12 is available, this update is free for owners of the plugin and includes:

• Fixed crash with Pro Tools
• Fixed error 30001 on mono tracks on Pro Tools
• Fixed UI freezing with more than tow dynamic bands active

HoRNet SAMP: The Virtual Master Bus for Dolby Atmos Mixing

HoRNet SAMP is an innovative plugin created to solve a unique problem in Dolby Atmos mixing: the lack of a traditional master bus. Developed by the Italian engineer Antonio Porcelli, SAMP offers a solution by providing a virtual master bus that integrates smoothly into the workflow of Atmos mixing.

Unified Processing Chain

SAMP combines four crucial master bus processors into a single plugin. These processors work together to provide a seamless mixing experience, allowing for a professional-level Atmos mix. The included processors are:

• Equalizer: Based on HoRNet’s TotalEQ, the equalizer offers up to six bands of parametric EQ, enabling precise tonal shaping.

• Compressor: Utilizing HoRNet’s innovative SyncPressor technology, the compressor provides effective dynamic range control, ensuring that the mix maintains clarity without unwanted fluctuations in volume.

• Clipper and Limiter: Taken from the renowned Magnus MK2, these tools help manage peak levels and prevent unwanted clipping, maintaining a clean and distortion-free mix.

All of these processors are interconnected, meaning adjustments made to one instance will be reflected across the others, ensuring consistency throughout the entire mix. This unique integration allows for an efficient mixing process where changes can be made globally across multiple tracks at once.

Flexible Signal Routing

SAMP offers a high degree of flexibility with its signal routing capabilities. The order of the processors within the plugin can be fully customized, allowing users to rearrange the processors to match their preferred signal flow. This ensures that mixing can be tailored to the specific needs of the project. Furthermore, the plugin supports sidechain inputs, which enables dynamic interaction between multiple instances of SAMP. This sidechain functionality is essential for creating cohesive and controlled mixes, particularly in complex Dolby Atmos productions.

Comprehensive Track Management

One of the standout features of SAMP is its comprehensive track management system. The plugin can support up to 160 individual instances, each with its own peak meter. The interface displays all active instances, providing an overview of the entire session. Users can assign individual tracks to the virtual master bus by selecting them within the interface, streamlining the mixing process.

In addition, SAMP has a smart feature that reads track names directly from your DAW, which helps avoid confusion in large projects. Track names can be displayed when hovering over a level indicator, making it easy to identify which track is being affected by the adjustments. This feature is particularly useful in complex Atmos mixes, where managing large numbers of tracks can otherwise be overwhelming.

Tempo-Synced Dynamics

SAMP includes tempo-synced dynamic processing, a feature that ensures your compressor and limiter modules align with your DAW’s tempo. Both the attack and release times of these modules can be synchronized to the tempo of your session, ensuring that the dynamic processing is in time with the rhythmic structure of your mix. This synchronization adds a musical quality to the mix, allowing for smoother transitions and more cohesive dynamics. This feature is ideal for projects where musical timing and rhythmic flow are critical, such as spatial audio production in Dolby Atmos.

Advanced Oversampling and GUI

To ensure the highest possible audio quality, SAMP employs intelligent oversampling technology, offering up to 4x oversampling. This reduces the occurrence of aliasing artifacts, resulting in cleaner, more accurate sound. The resizable, vector-based GUI is hardware-accelerated, providing a responsive and scalable interface. Users can adjust the size of the plugin’s interface to fit their preferences or screen size. Additionally, SAMP includes native Apple Silicon support, ensuring optimal performance on modern Apple systems. The design and functionality of the interface are specifically optimized to enhance the user experience during the mixing process, with clear visual feedback and easy-to-navigate controls.

System Compatibility

HoRNet SAMP is compatible with a wide range of systems and software. It works on both macOS (10.11 and later) and Windows (7 and later) operating systems. The plugin supports 64-bit architectures, making it suitable for modern systems. For Windows users, it requires OpenGL 2.1 or higher, ensuring that the graphical interface runs smoothly across a range of systems. SAMP is available in multiple plugin formats: Audio Units (AU), VST2, VST3, and AAX. This compatibility ensures that the plugin works with a broad range of DAWs, providing flexibility for users working in different production environments.

User Testimonials

The effectiveness and efficiency of HoRNet SAMP have been praised by industry professionals. John Hanes from Mixstar Studios shared his experience: “With HoRNet SAMP on every 7.1.2 master channel and every object channel, the mix master and mastering matching that I’ve done track everywhere instantly along with any changes that I make as the mix progresses.” Testimonials like this highlight the plugin’s ability to streamline complex workflows and improve overall mixing efficiency, particularly in large-scale Atmos mixes.

Conclusion

HoRNet SAMP is a vital tool for audio engineers working with Dolby Atmos mixes. Its integrated processing chain, customizable signal routing, and extensive track management features make it an indispensable part of the mixing process. By providing a virtual master bus, SAMP enhances the workflow and ensures consistency across a range of complex projects. Whether you are mixing beds or objects, SAMP offers the tools required to produce professional-quality results in spatial audio production. With intelligent oversampling, tempo-synced dynamics, and a user-friendly interface, it simplifies complex mixing tasks and helps engineers achieve the best possible sound.

For more information and to download HoRNet SAMP, visit the official HoRNet Plugins website: HoRNet SAMP