HoRNet ZeroBus
User Manual

Introduction

What is ZeroBus

HoRNet ZeroBus is a two-step processor designed to speed up your mix preparation: Continuous Automatic Equalization and Intelligent Compression selectable between two characters.

The idea is simple: remove evident problems and add the right "glue" without wasting time on complex parameters. The result is a cleaner, balanced, and cohesive sound in a few seconds.

Who is it for

Modes

Light/Dark Theme and Settings

Clicking on the logo in the bottom left opens the settings panel. From here you can choose the mode: Light, Dark, or Auto (follows operating system settings).

Light Mode

ZeroBus in light mode

Dark Mode

ZeroBus in dark mode

Main Features

Continuous AutoEQ

The EQ module analyzes the spectrum in real-time and applies soft corrections on 31 bands, maintaining tonal balance while audio plays.

Control: EQUALIZATION (0–200%). 100% corresponds to the "right" amount: perceptible impact without distorting the sound.

Intelligent Compression

Two characters selectable with TYPE:

  • FAT – Model inspired by H1176 in parallel. The system learns the input level to work around ≈−19dB of GR during learning and applies transparent auto-makeup.
  • GLUE – 4K bus compressor model in series. The system learns the threshold from the material and aims for a GR peak around ≈−9dB, with proportional makeup compensation.

Control: COMPRESSION (0–100%). Default 50%: in FAT the parallel bus has a volume equal to half of the dry bus; in GLUE it corresponds to about −3/−4 dB of reduction.

Note: AutoEQ works continuously. Compression requires a brief learn to stabilize based on the material; you will see a progress overlay.

Interface

Controls

Visualizations

Quick Start Guide

4-Step Workflow

1
Insert ZeroBus on the stereo mix bus.
2
Start playback. If necessary, press RESET to start compression learning.
3
Set levels: EQUALIZATION around 100%, choose TYPE, bring COMPRESSION between 20–60% for basic glue.
4
Refine based on material. Watch the REDUCTION meter and adapt the amount.

Tip: play representative sections (choruses, dense parts) during learning. The system stabilizes faster and the threshold results more consistent.

Detailed Operation

AutoEQ

Works continuously and updates 31 bands balancing the spectrum. The amount of action is controlled with EQUALIZATION (0–200%): 100% is the "right" amount, with perceptible impact without distorting the sound; values <100% make the intervention more delicate, values >100% intensify the correction.

FAT Compression (parallel)

During learn, the input gain is adjusted to center a GR around −19dB stably. In use, the compressed signal is mixed with the dry (dry/wet) and auto-makeup linked to the GR is applied to maintain a consistent perceived level.

GLUE Compression (serial)

The threshold is learned from the material (estimated by RMS/peak) and adapted to aim for a GR peak ≈ −9dB. The makeup is calculated based on ratio and target GR for a musical result.

Oversampling and Latency

If the sample rate is below 88.2kHz, 2× oversampling is enabled to improve quality; in this case latency is minimal (few samples) and handled automatically.

Usage Tips

Mix Bus

  • EQUALIZATION 80–120% for general cleaning.
  • TYPE GLUE, COMPRESSION 30–50% for cohesion.
  • Watch the meter: aim for −3/−6dB average.

Drum Bus

  • EQUALIZATION 60–100% to remove resonances and boxiness.
  • TYPE FAT, COMPRESSION 40–70% for punch and thickness.
  • New York Style approach: the compressed signal (heavily squashed) is mixed in parallel to the dry, leveraging the original's transients and the compressed body for greater loudness.

Stereo Sub Bus

  • EQUALIZATION 70–110% to balance groups (vocals, guitars, keyboards).
  • TYPE GLUE for group cohesion; TYPE FAT for greater density in parallel New York Style.
  • Adjust COMPRESSION based on material: 20–60% for basic glue, 40–70% for FAT if more body is needed.

FAQ

Do I always need to learn?
Only for compression; AutoEQ works continuously. Press RESET when changing material significantly.
What is the latency?
Practically zero; with 2× oversampling a small latency is added, handled automatically.
FAT or GLUE on mix bus?
GLUE if you seek cohesion and naturalness; FAT if you want greater density and presence with character.

Technical Specifications

ItemDetail
AutoEQ Bands31 (continuous update)
Compression ModelsFAT (parallel), GLUE (serial)
LearnStatus overlay and percentage, auto-completion
OversamplingAutomatic 2× below 88.2kHz
GR MeterSegments 0 → −20dB