HoRNet releases HTS9 classic overdrive guitar effect

HoRNet Plugins has announced the release of the HoRNet HTS9, a high-quality emulation of a legendary guitar overdrive pedal that has left a lasting mark on modern music. This classic stompbox, originally made famous by models like the Ibanez Tube Screamer, has been used on countless rock, blues, and even jazz and metal recordings. Known for its smooth midrange boost and dynamic overdrive response, the original pedal remains one of the most iconic guitar effects in history.

With the HTS9, HoRNet brings this classic tone into the digital domain, combining authentic analog-style sound with modern plugin conveniences. Designed to work inside any DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), the plugin offers guitarists, producers, and mix engineers a flexible tool that’s both faithful to the original and enhanced for today’s workflows.

At the heart of the HTS9’s tone is its dual-stage processing. The first stage is a frequency-dependent diode clipper that adds gentle, musical distortion, especially focused in the midrange frequencies. This ensures the guitar cuts through a mix without sounding harsh or overly aggressive. It also interacts beautifully with amp simulators or real tube amps, just like the original pedal. The second stage is a morphing EQ filter that shifts smoothly from a low shelf to a high shelf, giving users precise control over the tonal contour.

The result is a sound that can range from a subtle boost to a warm, saturated overdrive, making the HTS9 perfect for a wide variety of musical styles. In blues, it adds the creamy sustain and bite often associated with legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan. In classic rock, it’s perfect for pushing an amp just into breakup. Even metal guitarists use this style of pedal in front of high-gain amps to tighten the low end and increase clarity.

Unlike some digital recreations that fall short of capturing the organic feel of analog gear, the HoRNet HTS9 integrates analog-style saturation throughout the entire signal path. These subtle nonlinearities replicate the warmth and responsiveness of real hardware. For those who prefer a cleaner tone, the analog coloration can be switched off, offering a more transparent and modern-sounding alternative.

Another standout feature is the plugin’s automatic oversampling. Oversampling increases the internal processing rate, reducing aliasing—a common digital artifact that can make distortion effects sound harsh or artificial. With oversampling managed automatically by the plugin, users don’t have to tweak technical settings. You simply load it up and get the best possible sound quality, no matter your session’s sample rate.

Beyond its sound, the HTS9 is also remarkably affordable. Priced at just 6.99€ on hornetplugins.com, it’s accessible to musicians and producers on any budget. Even more, users who already own the HoRNet Complete Bundle can purchase the HTS9 with a 40% discount, making it a no-brainer addition to their plugin library.

In terms of workflow, the plugin is designed to be simple and intuitive. It features the same basic control layout as the original pedal—Drive, Tone, and Level—but with extra options under the hood. Whether you’re re-amping DI guitars or applying subtle overdrive to synths, drums, or even vocals, the HTS9 is flexible enough to go beyond traditional guitar use.

The plugin is also lightweight on CPU, meaning you can run multiple instances across your session without bogging down your system. This is especially useful for modern producers who might want to apply analog-style saturation across different layers to glue a mix together or create depth and warmth in a digital environment.

Historically, the pedal that inspired the HTS9 became popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and its fame only grew as artists discovered how well it paired with tube amplifiers. It provided just the right amount of grit, allowing the guitar’s dynamics and player’s touch to shine through. HoRNet has carefully analyzed and recreated this behavior, ensuring that the plugin version captures that expressive feel—something that’s often lost in digital models.

Whether you’re a bedroom guitarist, a session player, a live performer, or a mixing engineer, the HoRNet HTS9 offers a blend of classic tone and modern flexibility that makes it a valuable tool in any situation. It’s also a great choice for producers who may not own analog gear but want to bring some of that vintage color into their productions.

To summarize, here’s what the HoRNet HTS9 brings to the table:

• Authentic emulation of a classic overdrive pedal

• Frequency-based diode clipping for smooth distortion

• Morphing tone control from low shelf to high shelf

• Analog-style saturation, toggleable for clean tones

• Automatic oversampling for superior audio quality

• Lightweight performance, low CPU usage

• Incredible value at 6.99€

• 40% discount for Complete Bundle owners

• Flexible use on guitars, synths, drums, and more

In a world where audio tools are increasingly software-based, HoRNet continues to prove that great sound doesn’t have to come at a high price—or with compromise. The HTS9 is a testament to how modern plugins can faithfully capture the soul of analog gear while giving users the control and convenience of digital production.

Visit hornetplugins.com to learn more or grab your copy today.