HoRNet AutoGain Pro MK2 2.0.6 update

We are excited to announce the release of the latest update to AutoGain Pro MK2, our highly flexible gain automation utility. AutoGain Pro MK2 is an advanced volume automation processor that introduces a host of new features, providing users with unprecedented control over their audio dynamics. Whether you’re working on fine-tuning the levels of a track or need more advanced processing, this update enhances the plugin’s capabilities, making it a must-have tool for audio professionals.

AutoGain Pro MK2 builds upon the success of the original AutoGain Pro, and now doubles the processing power with two separate processors and two detectors, offering enhanced flexibility in volume automation. The plugin retains the core processing algorithm of the original but now allows users to engage more nuanced adjustments to audio signals, especially when dealing with complex mixes or challenging material.

One of the standout features of AutoGain Pro MK2 is its ability to operate in stereo or mid/side mode. This opens up new possibilities for stereo imaging and adds a higher degree of precision when working with mid/side processing. The plugin allows users to choose between the “classic” mode, which emulates the behavior of the original AutoGain, or the more advanced stereo and mid/side options. Each of the two detectors can select its source from five different inputs, allowing users to choose from either internal or external sources for their detection signal. This flexibility gives you the ability to tailor the plugin to your exact needs, whether you’re mixing a complex stereo track or processing individual elements in the mid or side channels.

The two separate processors within AutoGain Pro MK2 allow you to apply two different control signals to each processor, which gives you even greater creative flexibility. You can select whether the processors use the signal from detector one or detector two, allowing for independent processing of stereo channels or a more intricate level of control in mid/side processing. This multi-layered processing setup makes AutoGain Pro MK2 more than just a standard volume automation tool. It behaves similarly to compressors or transient shapers, giving you access to a broader range of dynamic control, perfect for sculpting audio tracks with precision.

The detectors in AutoGain Pro MK2 are highly customizable, enabling you to fine-tune the control signal’s behavior with attack and release controls. These controls determine how quickly the detector responds to changes in the audio signal, which can be critical for shaping the dynamics of instruments or vocals. The attack control dictates how quickly the detector reacts to an increase in volume, while the release control determines how quickly it returns to its baseline level after the signal decreases. This gives you fine-grained control over how your audio elements evolve in the mix, allowing you to smooth out sudden volume spikes or highlight transient details.

To further refine the detection process, the plugin also includes high-pass and low-pass filters. These filters allow you to focus the detector’s analysis on specific frequency ranges, ensuring that only the most relevant parts of the signal are used to drive the gain adjustments. Whether you’re processing low-end material or need to avoid triggering gain changes due to high-frequency noise, these filters help you maintain accuracy in your automation. Additionally, adjusting the detector signal’s level enables you to increase or decrease its effect on the processor, providing further flexibility in how the plugin interacts with your audio.

Once the control signal is generated by one of the detectors, it is sent to the processor, which compares it to the input signal. The processor then computes and applies the necessary gain to the audio, based on the parameters you’ve set. This process results in smoother, more natural volume automation, and gives you full control over how your levels change over time. You can adjust the gain using the “scaler” knob, which allows you to fine-tune the overall effect of the gain automation.

In addition to the scaler, AutoGain Pro MK2 also includes “max gain” and “min gain” controls, which let you limit the range of possible gain changes. This ensures that your audio remains within a set dynamic range, preventing the volume from becoming too loud or too soft. This feature is particularly useful when you want to maintain a balanced mix, preventing any one element from becoming overbearing or inaudible.

The latest update, version 2.0.6, brings several important fixes and improvements that further enhance the performance and usability of AutoGain Pro MK2. One of the key fixes in this release addresses an issue with the gain processor’s internal gate, which previously caused sudden spikes in gain amount. This issue could be particularly problematic when automating levels in a mix, as it resulted in unpredictable jumps in volume. With this fix, the plugin now operates smoothly, providing more predictable and consistent results.

Additionally, we’ve removed the “zip” noise that could occur at fast attack and release times. This noise could interfere with the clean automation of fast-moving audio elements, such as percussive sounds or vocals with rapid volume changes. The update ensures that fast dynamics are processed without introducing unwanted noise, making the plugin even more transparent in its operation.

Another important fix in version 2.0.6 is the gain display issue that affected users in “read” mode. The gain display would not function correctly when the plugin was set to read automation, which could lead to confusion when trying to monitor the plugin’s response. This issue has now been resolved, ensuring that users can always see accurate gain information, regardless of the mode.

Finally, the update also improves the automation definition when working in “write” mode. This enhancement ensures that the automation process is smoother and more precise, allowing users to define their volume changes with greater accuracy. This improvement is particularly useful for those who are using the plugin to automate complex volume changes in larger projects.

As always, this update is free for all owners of AutoGain Pro MK2. You can download the latest version directly from the user area on our website. Simply log in, visit the downloads section, and grab the update to enjoy all the new features and fixes.

In summary, AutoGain Pro MK2 is a powerful and flexible gain automation processor that combines the flexibility of mid/side processing, dual detectors, and separate processors. With its customizable attack, release, high-pass, and low-pass filters, along with its intuitive gain controls, AutoGain Pro MK2 allows users to apply dynamic processing with incredible precision. The new update, version 2.0.6, includes several important fixes and improvements, such as enhanced automation in write mode, the removal of “zip” noise, and the resolution of display issues. These updates further cement AutoGain Pro MK2 as an essential tool for anyone working on dynamic and nuanced audio processing.