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Emulation of a vintage compressor sustainer guitar effect
HoRNet Plugins has just released HCS1, an emulation of a vintage compressor sustainer guitar effect, bringing the iconic sound of a famous guitar compressor sustainer pedal directly to your digital setup. This plugin faithfully recreates the effect of a compressor pedal that was popular from the mid-seventies to the mid-eighties, giving users access to a unique tool that smooths and sustains electric guitar sounds in a way that has become legendary in the world of music production.
The HCS1 plugin is designed to replicate the famous compressor sustainer pedal effect, known for its ability to control the sustain of electric guitars. For many guitarists, this pedal has become synonymous with achieving the ideal sustain that allows notes to ring out with smooth, consistent volume. The original hardware used an ingenious design that acts like a compressor, maintaining the guitar signal’s smoothness and preventing the natural decay of notes.
What sets the HCS1 apart from other compressors is the way it interacts with the signal. The compressor pedal in the original hardware features a fixed threshold that determines when the compression is applied. This threshold processes signals both above and below it in a unique way. For example, when the input signal is very low, such as when a note is naturally decaying, the internal volume is automatically boosted significantly, bringing the sound back to life. On the other hand, if the signal exceeds the threshold, like the initial pick of a note, the gain gradually decreases, creating a smooth, dynamic effect that softens the initial attack of the sound. This behavior differs from traditional compressors that apply compression uniformly across all frequencies and volumes, giving this pedal a distinctive, musical quality that is instantly recognizable.
This unique feature makes the HCS1 especially ideal for guitarists, who use it to smooth out their playing and create a more even sustain in their performances. The pedal’s dynamic range helps guitarists maintain consistent tonal quality throughout their performance, regardless of their playing style. However, HCS1 isn’t just limited to guitars—this versatile plugin can also work wonderfully with other instruments such as keyboards or drums, offering an intriguing way to manipulate dynamics across a wide range of sound sources.
The HCS1 plugin is designed with simplicity in mind. Unlike many complex compressor plugins, this tool only offers a few key parameters that allow you to dial in the perfect amount of sustain and smoothness. One of the most important features of this plugin is the “Attack” knob. While many might expect this knob to control the attack time, in the HCS1 plugin, it actually adjusts the release time of the compressor. This means that the “Attack” control affects how much of the initial attack of the note is preserved. The label “Attack” reflects this function, which can be a little counterintuitive for users familiar with other compression units. This unique control allows for creative use, helping to shape the dynamics of your guitar playing in ways that are natural and musical.
Additionally, the plugin includes sustain and level knobs, giving you fine-tuned control over the amount of sustain added to your sound and the overall output level. Whether you want a subtle touch of sustain or a more pronounced effect, these controls allow for precise adjustments to match your needs. This means you can easily create the exact sound you’re looking for, whether you’re recording or performing live.
To further enhance the HCS1’s flexibility, the plugin includes several additional features that give you more creative control over your sound. One of the most exciting features is the option to enable a “bright” modification to the original circuit. This setting adds extra clarity to your sound, making it stand out more in the mix. Whether you want a cleaner, more pronounced tone or simply need your guitar to cut through the mix, the bright modification will provide that extra edge.
As with many of HoRNet’s analog emulations, HCS1 introduces the natural saturation and hiss found in the original hardware. These imperfections, while often seen as unwanted in digital audio, add warmth and character to the sound, contributing to a richer, more authentic experience. However, for those who prefer a cleaner, more pristine sound, the saturation and hiss can be disabled through the plugin’s settings, giving you full control over the sound characteristics.
Another key feature in HCS1 is the Dry/Wet knob, which allows you to blend the original signal with the compressed signal. This is particularly useful for creating parallel compression, a technique used to add depth and punch to your tracks without sacrificing the natural dynamics of your sound. By adjusting the Dry/Wet mix, you can retain the original clarity of your guitar while adding the benefits of compression for a more polished and professional sound.
The HCS1 plugin utilizes 4x oversampling to ensure that all audio processing is clean and free from artifacts. This high-quality processing method ensures that even subtle nuances in your sound are captured and accurately represented. Whether you’re working in the studio or performing live, this level of detail guarantees that your guitar tone remains pristine and dynamic at all times.
The HCS1 plugin is compatible with both Mac OS X (10.7 and later) and Windows (Vista and later), ensuring that it works seamlessly across multiple platforms. It supports 32-bit and 64-bit systems on both operating systems, and it is available in Audio Units, VST2.4, VST3, and AAX formats. This wide range of compatibility makes the plugin accessible to a large number of users, whether you’re using it on a Mac or PC, and regardless of the DAW you prefer.
HoRNet’s HCS1 is available for the affordable price of €9.99, offering incredible value for such a high-quality emulation of a classic guitar effect. You can purchase the plugin directly from HoRNet’s website and start enhancing your guitar tone with this fantastic tool right away.
