News
We have released ZeroComp 1.0.1, here’s what’s included:
- Fixed random white screen on mac
- Fixed “analyze” screen showing in some DAWs on session reload
Get it now using HoRNet DoIn
Ever Spent Hours Searching for the Perfect Balance Between Punch and Dynamic Control?
You know that frustrating feeling: you’ve got a fantastic vocal track, but it’s a dynamic disaster. It whispers in the verses and screams in the chorus. You start twisting threshold, ratio, attack, release knobs… 20 minutes later you’re still trying to figure out why it sounds either pumped or, worse, completely lifeless.
The uncomfortable truth? Traditional compressors force you to guess. Every audio source has its unique dynamic characteristics, and you’re trying to set parameters “in the dark” hoping they’ll work. Meanwhile, the material you’re compressing keeps changing, and you’re there micro-managing every single setting like you’re defusing a bomb.
That’s exactly why we created ZeroComp. After 15 years of plugin development and thousands of hours studying how engineers actually work, we understood something fundamental: the fastest way to achieve musical compression is to let the compressor adapt to your audio, not the other way around.
The result? An intelligent compressor that analyzes in real-time your material, auto-calibrates all parameters, and offers you three parallel models to instantly change character.
Now you can achieve professional, musical compression without the circus of infinite parameters. Whether you’re recording vocals, taming nervous acoustic guitars, or adding controlled punch to the mix bus, ZeroComp adapts to your needs with zero setup time and maximum musicality.
Zero Effort, Maximum Intelligence
No more endless tweaking of thresholds, ratios, and timing parameters that seem to change meaning every time you change audio source. ZeroComp features real-time crest factor analysis that automatically calibrates all compression parameters based on your audio’s unique characteristics. Just insert it on your track, hit play, and watch it lear
Automatic Parameter Calibration
ZeroComp analyzes your audio’s crest factor and automatically sets threshold, ratio, attack, release, knee, and makeup gain. No guesswork, no endless tweaking.
- Real-time crest factor analysis
- Adaptive threshold and ratio
- Intelligent attack and release
- Automatic makeup gain
Convergence Indicators
Visual feedback shows the learning progress. You’ll know exactly when ZeroComp has analyzed enough material and is ready to deliver optimal compression.
- Per-model convergence status
- Learning progress visualization
- Ready-to-go indicators
Stable, Oscillation-Free Engine
The processing engine is designed to avoid parameter oscillations and pumping artifacts, ensuring consistent, musical results across all material types.
- Anti-oscillation algorithms
- Stable gain reduction
- Musical response curves
Perfect for Any Stage
Whether you’re tracking, mixing, or mastering, ZeroComp adapts to your workflow. Use it during recording for controlled performances, in mixing for cohesive buses, or in mastering for transparent glue.
- Tracking: Real-time vocal control
- Mixing: Bus and group glue
- Mastering: Transparent control
It’s like having an expert engineer’s ears, automated. ZeroComp listens to your material and configures the compressor for you.
Three Models, Instant Character Changes
Smooth
Sweet, musical response for melodic vocals and transparent master bus control. When you want compression to be felt but not noticed, Smooth is your choice. Perfect for R&B, pop, ballads, and anywhere you need naturalness.
Tight
Fast, precise response for drums and acoustic guitars with emphasis on transients. Tight is your ally when you want attack to remain sharp and defined. Great on buses with light compression (~3 dB GR), different character than Fat.
Fat
Full, decisive tone for bass, aggressive vocals, and punchy drums. Fat adds body, density, and presence. Perfect for rock, punk, rap, and any material that needs “thickness” and impact.
Simple Controls, Professional Results
Want effortless compression? Just adjust the Compression percentage from 0-100%. At 100%, ZeroComp compresses the full dynamic range detected by its analysis engine. Add the Distortion control for pre-compression harmonic saturation that increases presence and density.
Compression
Single percentage control for compression amount. At 0%, no compression is applied. At 100%, the full dynamic range (equal to detected crest factor) is compressed. Intermediate values modulate gain reduction proportionally.
Distortion
Pre-compression harmonic saturation that increases presence and density. Adds character and “glue” to the signal. Use conservatively on dynamic material, more aggressively on dense mixes.
Style (Smooth / Tight / Fat)
Instantly switch between the three compression models. Each offers different character and response. Change during playback for real-time A/B comparison.
Reset
Re-trigger the learning algorithm. Use when changing audio material or wanting to recalibrate to new dynamics. Convergence indicators will show when models are ready again.
Bypass
Instant A/B comparison. Toggle processing on/off to evaluate the effect of compression on your material.
It’s like having an expert engineer’s ears, automated. Zero manual philosophy, just musical results.
Why ZeroComp Is Different
| Traditional Compressor | HoRNet ZeroComp |
|---|---|
| You must set threshold manually | Auto-calibration based on crest factor |
| Fixed or guessed attack and release | Adaptive parameters to audio material |
| One character, one setting | Three parallel models always active |
| Setup requires time and testing | Zero setup: insert and go |
| Risk of pumping and artifacts | Stable anti-oscillation engine |
| Generic processing for all sources | Analysis adapts to each source’s dynamics |
ZeroComp doesn’t replace your ears: it enhances them. It gives you the creative control you want (Smooth/Tight/Fat), but eliminates the repetitive technical work that slows you down.
Built for Modern Workflows
Clean, Hardware-Accelerated Interface
Minimalist design with scalable, GPU-accelerated graphics. Works smoothly on both standard and retina displays.
Real-Time Meters
Input, output, and gain reduction meters provide instant visual feedback on compression behavior.
Apple Silicon Native
Optimized for M1/M2/M3/M4 chips with native ARM support for maximum efficiency and minimal CPU usage.
Cross-Platform Compatibility
Available in Audio Units (AU), VST3 and AAX formats for macOS (10.13+) and Windows (10+).
Perfect for producers who want professional results without technical complexity, mix engineers seeking musical compression, and mastering engineers requiring transparent control.
Technical Specifications
Platforms
macOS 10.13+
Windows 10+
Formats
Audio Units (AU)
VST3
AAX
Apple Silicon
Native ARM support
M1/M2/M3/M4 optimized
Interface
Hardware-accelerated
Scalable graphics
Processing
Real-time crest factor analysis
Adaptive compression engine
Models
Smooth, Tight, Fat
for three different flavors
Latency
Minimal
Suitable for live tracking
Automation
Full parameter automation
DAW integration
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ZeroComp replace all my compressors?
Not necessarily. ZeroComp is designed to give you fast, intelligent, musical compression. If you have vintage compressors you love for their specific color, ZeroComp doesn’t replace them, but it can become your “go-to” for 90% of daily compression work.
Can I use ZeroComp in mastering?
Absolutely. Use the Smooth model with conservative values (20-40% Compression) and monitor the GR. Avoid Fat on the master to prevent excessive compression. Smooth offers transparency and musical control perfect for mastering scenarios.
What happens if I change audio material?
Press Reset to force ZeroComp to re-analyze and recalibrate. The convergence indicators will show you when the models are ready again. This ensures optimal compression parameters for the new material.
Can I automate parameters?
Yes, you can automate Compression, Distortion, and Style switching for dynamic creativity. All parameters are DAW-automatable, allowing you to create evolving compression effects throughout your track.
How long does the learning phase take?
ZeroComp typically needs a few seconds of audio material to analyze and converge. The convergence indicators for each model will turn green when they’re ready. More dynamic material may require slightly longer analysis time.
Is ZeroComp CPU-intensive?
No. Despite its intelligent analysis engine and three parallel models, ZeroComp is optimized for efficiency. It’s suitable for multiple instances across tracks, buses, and master. Apple Silicon native support ensures minimal CPU usage on M-series chips.
Try ZeroComp Free
No functional limitations, no credit card required. Insert it in your project and discover how fast and musical intelligent compression can be.
No copy protection
We have decided 15 years agoto not employ any complicated copy protection. We just add a watermark with your email address in it to the files you download. Trust is the best copy protection.
Absolute nice sounding compressor. The saturation sounds musical, too.
Awesome plug-in! It fixed a problem I was having with a song. Thanks Hornet.