HoRNet SW34EQ MK2

HoRNet SW34EQ MK2 2.3.0 is available, this update is free for owners of the plugin and includes:

• Added Apple Silicon support to AAX
• Fixed parameter not being restored with session in some DAWs
• Fixed frequency knobs jumping to mx value in some DAWs with VST3

Smooth analog equalizer with lots of character

HoRNet SW34EQ MK2: A Vintage EQ with a Modern Soul

The HoRNet SW34EQ MK2 is more than just an equalizer plugin — it’s a time machine that brings the unmistakable analog warmth of the 1980s straight into your DAW. Carefully modeled after a single channel strip from a legendary American mixing console, this plugin faithfully recreates the vintage EQ curves, the smooth tonal shaping, and the subtle yet rich saturation that defined the golden era of analog recording. What makes the SW34EQ MK2 truly special is its origin story. It’s not based on just any console — it’s modeled after a specific unit from Virus Studio, located in the heart of Siena, Italy. This console has helped shape countless records, and now its essence has been captured in digital form, available at your fingertips.

The SW34EQ MK2 offers a very musical and gentle EQ response. Whether you’re using the bell curves or the shelving filters, every tweak feels natural and refined. The low shelf in particular adds a satisfying weight and warmth to the low end without making the signal feel exaggerated or muddy. This makes it a perfect tool for broad tone shaping, whether you’re working on vocals, drums, guitars, or full mixes. Adding to the versatility is an 18dB/octave high-pass filter, which can be activated independently of the rest of the EQ section. This allows for precise low-end control even when you don’t want to touch the overall tone of your audio.

What truly sets the SW34EQ MK2 apart from other EQ plugins is its detailed modeling of the analog saturation found in the original hardware. We’re talking about a console packed with op-amps, which means the saturation is harmonically rich and especially warm. At moderate settings, it introduces mainly even harmonics, giving that classic analog “glow.” But as you push the gain harder, odd harmonics begin to emerge, adding a gritty, characterful edge to your sound. To go the extra mile, each EQ band has been individually modeled to reflect how it behaves and saturates in the original unit. Even the subtle hiss of the hardware is replicated — and yes, you can turn it off if you prefer a cleaner signal path. The SW34EQ MK2 is not just about sound; it’s about vibe.

The MK2 version is more than a cosmetic refresh. While it retains everything people loved about the original, it introduces a set of modern workflow improvements and features that make it even more powerful and enjoyable to use. The most noticeable improvement is the new graphical interface. The GUI has been redesigned to be more visually appealing, with clearer contrast and sharper controls that make it easier to navigate — especially useful on high-resolution displays or in low-light environments. One of the most useful new features is the pop-up control window. When you hover your mouse over any gain or frequency knob, a dual-knob pop-up appears, giving you more precise control over your settings without cluttering the main interface.

The MK2 update introduces a 12dB/octave low-pass filter, which wasn’t available on the original hardware. This gives users even more control over the high-frequency content, allowing for smoother top-end roll-off when needed. Also added is a linked input/output gain option, which is especially useful when you’re driving the EQ for its saturation. As you increase the input gain to get more harmonic richness, the output gain automatically compensates, ensuring your signal remains at a consistent level. This is perfect for mix engineers who want to inject analog color without messing up their gain staging. If you’re a saturation junkie, you’re in luck — the MK2 lets you increase the saturation level up to 4x, giving you even more of that fat, analog tone. Whether you want subtle warmth or full-blown character, the SW34EQ MK2 has you covered.

In designing the new GUI, HoRNet paid close attention to user feedback. The new look still echoes the vintage hardware aesthetic, but with modern sensibilities. It’s easier on the eyes, more ergonomic, and designed to support long sessions without fatigue. Every detail — from the knob layout to the visual contrast — has been optimized to improve usability without sacrificing the plugin’s analog soul.

The HoRNet SW34EQ MK2 masterfully blends classic analog tone with modern digital convenience. Whether you’re shaping the tone of a lead vocal, cleaning up a muddy bassline, or just adding some gentle warmth to a mix, this plugin delivers both precision and character. With its authentic saturation, gentle curves, and thoughtful features, it’s an essential tool for producers, engineers, and anyone chasing that elusive vintage sound in a digital world.