HoRNet AutoGain Pro MK2 2.0.5 update

We are excited to announce the release of AutoGain Pro MK2, our versatile and powerful gain automation utility, which brings a whole new level of flexibility and precision to volume automation in your audio projects.

AutoGain Pro MK2 is an upgraded version of our original AutoGain, offering even more advanced features, greater processing power, and a more intuitive user interface. This plugin is designed for audio engineers, producers, and sound designers who need precise control over volume automation, making it an indispensable tool for mixing, mastering, and sound design. The plugin operates on both stereo and mid/side channels, allowing you to work with both standard stereo tracks and more complex, spatial audio configurations.

Key Features and Improvements:

One of the most notable upgrades in AutoGain Pro MK2 is the addition of two separate detectors and processors, which allows for much greater flexibility compared to the original version. This new configuration means that AutoGain Pro MK2 can now process audio signals with a level of precision that wasn’t possible before. The two detectors can operate independently, giving you more control over the way the volume automation responds to different parts of the audio spectrum.

Each of the two detectors can be configured to work with one of five different sources: either internal signals (from within the plugin) or external sources (such as other tracks or audio feeds). These sources can be adjusted independently for each detector, giving you the ability to create highly customized automation curves that respond to very specific elements in the mix. Whether you are automating the volume of a lead vocal, controlling the dynamics of a snare drum, or adjusting the balance of an entire stereo mix, AutoGain Pro MK2 gives you the power to fine-tune your automation with precision.

The “classic” mode in AutoGain Pro MK2 emulates the behavior of the original AutoGain plugin, providing users who are familiar with the previous version a seamless transition. However, the new stereo and mid/side modes offer additional flexibility by allowing users to process the left and right channels or the mid and side elements of a stereo signal independently. This added functionality makes AutoGain Pro MK2 ideal for working on complex mixes or surround sound projects.

Highly Customizable Detectors:

The detectors in AutoGain Pro MK2 play a crucial role in how the plugin applies gain automation. Each detector generates a control signal that is used by the processors to adjust the gain of the input signal. The detectors allow for fine-tuning of the control signal, including adjustable attack and release settings. This means that you can control how quickly the automation responds to changes in the audio signal, making it possible to create smooth, natural volume changes or more aggressive, immediate gain adjustments depending on the needs of the track.

Additionally, AutoGain Pro MK2 features high-pass and low-pass filters for each detector, allowing you to focus the analysis on specific parts of the frequency spectrum. This means that you can choose to trigger the volume automation based only on low frequencies (such as bass and kick drums), mid frequencies (like vocals and guitars), or high frequencies (such as cymbals and snares). These filters provide an additional level of control over how the gain automation is applied, making the plugin even more versatile in different audio production scenarios.

Gain Scaling and Limiting:

Once the control signal is generated by the detectors, it is fed into one of the processors, where the gain adjustment is computed. The processors compare the input signal with the control signal, and the resulting gain change is applied to the signal in real time. You can adjust this computed gain using the “scaler” knob, which allows you to increase or decrease the amount of gain applied to the signal.

In addition, AutoGain Pro MK2 offers “max gain” and “min gain” controls that allow you to set a ceiling and floor for the gain automation. This means you can ensure that the gain doesn’t go beyond a certain level (avoiding unwanted clipping or distortion) and that it doesn’t dip too low, maintaining a consistent level of volume across the track. These features make AutoGain Pro MK2 incredibly useful for mastering, where precise gain staging and consistent levels are critical.

Version 2.0.5 Maintenance Release:

The new 2.0.5 update is a maintenance release that includes several important fixes and improvements to enhance the overall user experience. The update addresses the issue of noise when using sample rates greater than 88.2kHz, ensuring that AutoGain Pro MK2 functions seamlessly at higher sample rates for users working with high-resolution audio files. In addition, the plugin has been optimized for better performance across different sample rates and audio configurations.

Another critical fix included in this release is the crash when using “none” as the processor source. This was a bug that occasionally caused the plugin to crash when users attempted to select no source for the processor. With the 2.0.5 update, this issue has been resolved, ensuring that AutoGain Pro MK2 remains stable and reliable during use.

The update also brings improvements to the gain display, providing users with clearer, more accurate readings of the gain adjustments. This makes it easier to visualize the changes being made to the audio signal and ensure that the desired automation effects are achieved.

Free Update for Existing Users:

As always, the 2.0.5 update is free for existing owners of AutoGain Pro MK2. To download the latest version of the plugin, simply log into your user area and access the update. We highly recommend all users install this maintenance update to take advantage of the improvements and fixes that make the plugin even more stable and efficient.

Whether you are working on mixing, mastering, or sound design, AutoGain Pro MK2 offers a flexible, powerful solution for precise volume automation and dynamic control. The addition of mid/side processing, dual detectors and processors, and fine-tuned control over attack, release, and frequency response makes it an essential tool in any professional audio production setup.