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A maintenance release for our guitar vintage compressor sustainer
We have just updated HCS1, our guitar vintage compressor sustainer, bringing even more authenticity and power to your guitar tone. HoRNet HCS1 faithfully recreates the iconic guitar compressor sustainer pedal effect, a device that was a staple in the music scene from the mid-70s to the mid-80s. Known for its smooth sustain and dynamic control, this pedal has become a beloved tool among electric guitarists, allowing them to achieve that signature, creamy sustain that has defined many classic guitar sounds.
HoRNet HCS1 is a plugin version of the famous guitar compressor sustainer pedal, and it brings that vintage effect directly to your DAW. This pedal is renowned for its unique approach to compression. Unlike traditional compressors, which often operate with adjustable thresholds and ratios, the HCS1 pedal is designed with a fixed threshold. This fixed threshold processes signals both above and below it, creating a truly unique and musical result.
When the input signal is very low, such as the natural decay of a note, the internal volume of the pedal is significantly boosted, which extends the sustain. On the other hand, when the input signal exceeds the threshold—like the initial attack of a note played on the guitar—the volume gradually decreases, giving a smooth and controlled dynamic response. This behavior is different from typical compressors used in the audio world, where the compressor reduces the volume only after a certain threshold is crossed. The HCS1’s dynamic range is more interactive and musical, which makes it a perfect tool for electric guitarists looking for that extra sustain and smoothness, as well as an inspiring effect on other instruments like keyboards or even drums.
The beauty of HCS1 lies in its simplicity. You don’t need to get lost in complex settings to achieve that iconic sound—it’s all about the feel and dynamic response. The plugin includes only a few adjustable parameters, making it incredibly intuitive to use, yet still capable of producing powerful results.
While the threshold and attack time are fixed, the plugin features a single knob labeled “Attack”. This knob controls the release of the compressor, which directly influences how much of the “attack” of each note you hear. Though the knob is labeled “Attack,” it actually governs the release phase of the compression process. This unique control provides a way to fine-tune how quickly the compressor responds after the initial peak, giving you the power to shape the sustain of your sound with ease. The result is that distinctive, vintage sustain that made the original pedal famous.
The latest update, version 1.0.1, brings several important performance improvements and bug fixes, ensuring that HCS1 works seamlessly with your DAW and improves your overall experience. These updates are designed to enhance usability, ensure better integration with higher sample rates, and address minor issues in previous versions.
Increased output volume: Users will notice a significant boost in the output level, giving your sound more presence and power when using the plugin.
Changed defaults to give unity gain between dry and wet signal: By default, the dry and wet signals are now balanced, ensuring that you get a transparent and natural blend between the unprocessed and processed sounds.
Fixed an issue with dry/wet knob not being restored correctly: Previously, there was an issue where the dry/wet mix setting would not always restore properly when reopening projects. This update fixes that, providing consistent performance across sessions.
Improved performance for higher sample rates (greater than 96K): The update includes optimizations for handling higher sample rates, ensuring that the plugin works flawlessly with sessions running at 96kHz or higher, without any loss in quality or performance.
This update is highly recommended for users who want to improve their workflow and make sure that the HCS1 sustainer works perfectly in all conditions. The performance enhancements and bug fixes make the plugin more stable, particularly for those working at high sample rates or with more complex sessions. The increase in output volume ensures that you get the right level of gain, while the changes to the dry/wet signal balance make it easier to find the perfect mix in your sound.
Whether you’re recording, mixing, or mastering, the new update gives you the reliability and ease of use needed to focus on the music itself, not on technical problems. Plus, the simple controls of the HCS1 plugin, combined with its vintage compression characteristics, make it an invaluable tool for musicians and producers looking for that iconic guitar sustain effect.
The 1.0.1 update is free for all current owners of HoRNet HCS1. To download the update, simply log into your user area on the HoRNet website, where you can access the latest version of the plugin. Whether you’re adding sustain to your guitar riffs or experimenting with new textures for other instruments, this update will improve your overall experience and give you that classic vintage compression sound with modern reliability.
