HoRNet SW34EQ MK2 2.1.0 update

We are excited to announce the latest update to SW34EQ MK2, our highly anticipated analog equalizer plugin. The HoRNet SW34EQ MK2 brings the timeless, classic sound of the 80s, digitally recreating the EQ from a renowned American console. The plugin captures the essence of this iconic hardware, delivering the characteristic analog EQ tone and controls that audio engineers and producers have come to love.

In crafting the SW34EQ MK2, we focused on a specific channel of the console used in the main room of Virus Studio in Siena, Italy. This particular channel strip was carefully modeled to ensure that the plugin replicates the warmth, depth, and analog character of the original unit. The SW34EQ MK2 offers smooth and gentle curves, making it ideal for general tone shaping. It includes bell and shelf filters, both of which are widely used for broad tonal adjustments, from enhancing the midrange to adding warmth or clarity to the highs.

One of the standout features of the SW34EQ MK2 is the ability to independently activate the 18dB/octave high-pass filter, even when the rest of the EQ is turned off. This provides users with the flexibility to clean up the low end of their audio tracks, ensuring that unwanted rumble or subsonic frequencies are removed without affecting the rest of the EQ settings. The ability to engage this filter independently also makes the plugin more versatile in various audio production scenarios, from mixing vocals to processing bass-heavy tracks.

But the updates don’t stop at the EQ curves themselves. We’ve gone the extra mile by capturing the saturation characteristics of the original device. The console that the SW34EQ MK2 is modeled after dates back to the 1980s, and it uses op-amps throughout the signal path. These op-amps generate primarily even harmonics, which add warmth and richness to the sound. As you increase the gain, however, odd harmonics begin to emerge, creating a more complex and gritty texture. This subtle saturation is one of the key components of analog hardware, and we’ve carefully modeled this to provide the same character and authenticity in the digital domain.

To make this emulation even more realistic, we’ve included the characteristic hiss of the original hardware. This is a feature that many users find essential in achieving the true analog vibe. However, for those who prefer a cleaner sound without the inherent noise, you can easily deactivate the entire saturation emulation, leaving you with a pristine and clear signal.

In terms of usability, the SW34EQ MK2 offers a sleek and intuitive interface, making it easy to navigate and operate. Each knob on the plugin has a clear readout, which helps you precisely adjust the frequency and gain for each band. Whether you’re fine-tuning a high shelf or dialing in the low end, you’ll always have full control over the settings, ensuring that your adjustments are as precise as possible.

In addition to the independent high-pass filter, we’ve given users the ability to fine-tune its frequency. This allows for even more flexibility, enabling you to adjust the filter to better suit different types of material. Whether you’re working with a kick drum that requires a sharper cut or a vocal track that needs a gentler roll-off, the SW34EQ MK2 can adapt to your specific needs. Moreover, we’ve added a 12dB/octave low-pass filter, which wasn’t available on the original hardware, but is an incredibly useful addition for controlling high-end content. This new low-pass filter gives you even more ways to shape your sound, whether you’re aiming to soften the highs or remove unwanted noise from the top end.

For those who enjoy using the saturation feature, we’ve included a convenient link button that automatically compensates for the output level when you increase the input level. This ensures that you can enjoy the full character of the saturation without worrying about clipping or distortion. If you’re a fan of pushing the analog warmth to the limit, you can even push the level up to four times the normal input, achieving even more intense saturation and harmonic content. This makes the SW34EQ MK2 an ideal choice for anyone looking to add analog warmth and color to their tracks, whether you’re working on a modern mix or trying to capture that vintage vibe.

The new version 2.1.0 update is a feature release that brings a number of improvements and bug fixes. One of the key additions is a new switch that displays the EQ knob values, making it easier to see exactly what settings you’ve applied at a glance. This feature greatly improves the overall workflow, especially for those who rely on precise settings for their mixes. In addition to this, we’ve addressed some performance issues, including a crash with mono tracks when used in Digital Performer. This fix ensures that you can use the plugin smoothly across different digital audio workstations (DAWs), without any crashes or interruptions.

We’ve also made significant improvements to the EQ smoothness when changing parameters, ensuring that the transitions between frequencies are more fluid and natural. This improvement helps to eliminate any undesirable artifacts or harshness when adjusting the EQ, allowing you to shape your sound more organically. Additionally, we’ve fixed an issue where the EQ knobs did not display the correct values when restoring projects. This bug has been resolved, ensuring that your settings are accurately saved and recalled when you return to a project.

As always, the update is free for all current owners of the plugin, and it can be downloaded directly from the user area on our website. Simply log in, visit the downloads section, and grab the latest version to enjoy the full range of new features and fixes.

In summary, the SW34EQ MK2 is a powerful and versatile analog EQ plugin that captures the warmth and character of a vintage American console from the 1980s. With its smooth EQ curves, independent high-pass filter, saturation emulation, and intuitive interface, it provides everything you need for both subtle and dramatic tone shaping. The new version 2.1.0 adds several key features, including EQ knob value displays, improved smoothness, and important bug fixes, ensuring a more stable and efficient user experience. Whether you’re looking to enhance your mix with analog warmth or clean up unwanted frequencies, the SW34EQ MK2 is an essential tool for any producer or engineer.