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Bugfix release update for the analog equalizer
We have just updated SW34EQ MK2, our analog equalizer, bringing even more precision and versatility to your mixing and mastering toolbox. HoRNet SW34EQ MK2 takes inspiration from the iconic 1980s American console EQ, delivering the same classic sound that has shaped countless tracks in music history. With its smooth curves and rich analog tones, this plugin offers a digital recreation of the console’s EQ section, allowing you to inject warmth and character into your tracks while maintaining clarity and precision. Whether you’re mixing individual instruments or applying broad tonal shaping to your final mix, this plugin is a powerful tool for any audio engineer or producer.
The HoRNet SW34EQ MK2 recreates the unique analog EQ tone that has been a staple in professional studios since the 1980s. Inspired by the original American console used in the main room of Virus Studio in Siena, Italy, this plugin gives you an authentic taste of the classic 80s sound. It features bell and shelf filters, which provide a smooth and gentle response, making it perfect for general tone shaping. Whether you’re looking to add a subtle boost to the low end, tame harsh mids, or gently shape the high frequencies, the SW34EQ MK2 offers a versatile solution for every task.
The EQ curves are designed to be highly musical and intuitive, allowing you to dial in the perfect tone for your tracks. Bell filters help shape the midrange with a smooth, musical curve, while the shelving filters provide precise control over the low and high frequencies, allowing you to sculpt the overall balance of your sound. Whether you’re working on vocals, drums, bass, or full mixes, this plugin gives you the flexibility to enhance the character of your recordings in an easy-to-use interface.
One of the standout features of the SW34EQ MK2 is its independent 18dB/octave high-pass filter. This allows you to remove unwanted low-frequency content from your track without affecting the rest of the EQ settings. You can activate this high-pass filter even if the rest of the EQ is turned off, giving you additional control over the low end of your mix. Whether you’re cleaning up rumble or subsonic frequencies, this filter provides a transparent and effective way to tighten up your sound.
In addition to the high-pass filter, the SW34EQ MK2 also includes a 12dB/octave low-pass filter, which wasn’t available on the original hardware. This gives you even more flexibility in shaping the tonal balance of your tracks, allowing you to smoothly roll off high frequencies for a warmer, more vintage sound or to eliminate unwanted high-end noise or harshness.
But the SW34EQ MK2 doesn’t stop at EQ curves—it also captures the saturation characteristics of the original hardware. Since the console from the 80s uses op-amps throughout the signal path, it primarily produces even harmonics when pushed. However, as you increase the gain, odd harmonics also begin to emerge, contributing to a more complex and vibrant sound.
The SW34EQ MK2 emulates this saturation behavior, giving you the ability to add that characteristic warmth and fullness to your tracks. If you love the sound of analog saturation, you can push the input level up to four times its original value for more intense saturation effects. For those who prefer a cleaner, more precise sound, you can also deactivate the saturation altogether.
Additionally, the plugin includes a link button that automatically compensates for the output level when you increase the input gain, making it easier to use saturation without unintentionally overdriving the signal.
The SW34EQ MK2 features a sleek, user-friendly interface designed to give you full control over each band of the EQ. Each knob includes readouts, so you can quickly see the frequency and gain settings for each band, making it easier to fine-tune your sound without having to guess at settings. The controls are designed to be intuitive, so whether you’re a seasoned engineer or just starting out, you’ll be able to dial in the perfect settings with ease.
In addition to the EQ bands and filters, the plugin also displays a clear meter that shows your input and output levels, giving you instant feedback on how the EQ and saturation are affecting your signal. This visual feedback allows you to make more precise adjustments and ensure that you’re staying within the ideal operating range for your audio.
We didn’t just model the EQ curves of the original hardware; we also carefully captured its saturation and noise characteristics to create an authentic analog experience. The console used in Virus Studio is from the 1980s, and it relies on op-amps that produce a specific harmonic structure. As you push the EQ’s gain, you’ll hear the subtle introduction of harmonic distortion that adds warmth and character to your sound. We even modeled the inherent hiss of the console, which can be a defining feature of the analog sound. However, if you prefer a cleaner sound, you can deactivate this emulation and keep everything pure and uncolored.
This level of attention to detail ensures that the SW34EQ MK2 isn’t just another digital equalizer—it’s a true-to-life emulation of a classic, highly respected piece of audio gear, making it the perfect choice for anyone seeking to add vintage analog flavor to their tracks.
The latest update, version 2.1.1, introduces some important new features and bug fixes:
Fixed crash with Studio One and Cubase on Mac when the plugin was removed from a track: This update resolves a crash issue that affected users of these popular DAWs, ensuring more stability during your workflow.
Performance improvements: The update also includes optimizations to improve the plugin’s performance, making it faster and more efficient to use in large sessions.
Fixed issues with saving and loading state in Wavelab: Users working in Wavelab will benefit from this fix, which ensures that your settings are saved and loaded properly, preventing any interruptions when reopening sessions.
Fixed issues with background rendering in Wavelab: This fix addresses performance issues during background rendering, allowing you to work more efficiently, even during extended sessions.
This update is highly recommended for users who want a more stable and reliable experience with SW34EQ MK2. The improvements in performance and bug fixes ensure that the plugin works seamlessly across different DAWs and systems. Whether you’re mixing, mastering, or producing, the update ensures that your EQ processing remains smooth, efficient, and free of issues.
The 2.1.1 update is free for all current owners of HoRNet SW34EQ MK2. To download the latest version, simply log into your user area on the HoRNet website, where you can access the update. With this latest version, you can continue to take advantage of the classic 80s sound and enhance your audio with this authentic analog EQ.
