HoRNet ChannelStrip MK3 3.1.4 update

We’ve just released an exciting update to the ChannelStrip MK3, our all-in-one plugin built for every track in your mix. Whether you’re working on drums, vocals, guitars, or synths, the HoRNet ChannelStrip MK3 gives you all the essential tools to sculpt and control your sound with precision and warmth.

The ChannelStrip MK3 is a versatile plugin specifically designed for everyday use. Our goal was simple: to create a tool so intuitive, efficient, and powerful that you’d want to place it on every channel of your session. With a flexible equalizer and not one, but two dynamics processors, it provides a complete channel strip experience that streamlines your workflow and improves the sonic quality of your mix.

At its core, the HoRNet ChannelStrip MK3 includes a high-quality EQ section and a pair of independent dynamics processors. But the magic of this plugin lies in its advanced features and customization options, which make it suitable for a wide range of mixing scenarios. One of the standout features is the ability to choose between six different signal path routings. This allows you to tailor the signal flow depending on your material: use a Expander → EQ → Compressor chain for a punchy drum setup, or opt for EQ → FET Compressor → OPTO Compressor to tame vocals in a musical, smooth way. This routing flexibility empowers you to create the exact processing chain your track needs, directly within a single plugin instance.

We know how important analog sound is to many producers and engineers, which is why we’ve gone beyond simple emulation. The ChannelStrip MK3 includes detailed analog modeling that not only introduces natural saturation, but also replicates subtle non-linearities that occur in real hardware units. Each modeled processor has its own unique analog characteristics, helping your mix achieve depth, warmth, and character.

To preserve audio quality without wasting CPU power, we’ve implemented smart oversampling. Each processor model uses a different oversampling level when enabled, making sure that processing quality is optimized only where it matters most. This means the ChannelStrip MK3 delivers maximum sonic clarity with minimal CPU load—perfect for large sessions with dozens of instances.

Another area we’ve focused on is effective metering. Every module within the plugin includes its own input and output meter, along with level trim controls. Since we wanted to maintain the feeling and behavior of real analog gear, we opted for VU meters instead of peak meters in the core modules. VU meters give you more meaningful information about perceived loudness, helping you make better mixing decisions. However, when peak monitoring is necessary—such as when dealing with inter-sample peaks or preparing audio for mastering—the plugin also includes dedicated input and output peak meters, ensuring that you have all the monitoring tools you need in one place.

To make gain staging even easier, we’ve added automatic gain staging. This feature ensures that the plugin always receives an optimal input level for its internal analog-style processors, avoiding unwanted clipping or signal loss and making your workflow smoother and more predictable.

The equalizer in the ChannelStrip MK3 is inspired by the tone and workflow of large-format analog consoles. It’s designed to offer both musical shaping and surgical precision, with a set of well-thought-out controls and filter curves. Here’s what’s included in the EQ section: High-pass and low-pass filters to clean up the low and high ends of your signal; a high shelf based on a classic vintage console EQ; a low shelf modeled after a passive EQ known for its smooth and musical tone; and three fully parametric bands with a wide Q range, ideal for both subtle tonal shaping and pinpoint problem-solving.

The dynamics section of the ChannelStrip MK3 is where the plugin truly shines. With two independent compressors, you can apply subtle leveling or aggressive dynamics shaping as needed. Each processor gives you access to four distinct compression models, carefully modeled after iconic hardware units: VCA – a clean, responsive feed-forward compressor, perfect for general use; FET – a fast, punchy feedback compressor, great for drums and aggressive vocals; OPTO – a smooth, warm feed-forward compressor, ideal for vocals and instruments; and Expander – a classic gate/expander based on a VCA circuit, useful for noise control and transient shaping. You can mix and match these dynamics modules depending on your source material, giving you a level of control rarely seen in a single plugin.

The latest version, 3.1.4, is a maintenance release focused on improving usability and fixing key issues reported by our users: Fixed a bug where auto input/output gain wasn’t functioning correctly in WaveLab; prevented auto gain staging from activating when restoring sessions, to avoid unexpected level jumps. This update is free for all existing owners of the plugin and is available for download from the user area on our website.

Whether you’re just starting your mix or finalizing the details, the HoRNet ChannelStrip MK3 is the one plugin you’ll want on every track. It’s fast, powerful, intuitive—and now even better.