HoRNet AnalogStage MK2

AnalogStage MK2 -the analog console emulation- has been upgraded to 1.0.5. This update is free for owners of the plugin and includes:

• Added support for Apple Silicon to AAX format
• Fixed issue with mono tracks for VST3 format
• Removed VST 2.4 support

Add the analog console vibe to your digital mixes

HoRNet AnalogStage MK2 is a console emulation plugin designed to bring the warmth and character of analog gear into the digital realm. It emulates the distinctive sound characteristics often associated with classic analog equipment, such as saturation, hiss, and non-linear frequency response, all of which contribute to the richness and authenticity of analog consoles. With AnalogStage MK2, you can add these qualities to your mixes, recreating the unique flavor of an analog console—whether applied on each individual channel or across your bus. This can transform the overall vibe of your track, giving it that professional, organic sound often found in analog mixes.

Tailor Your Analog Console Vibe

One of the most exciting features of AnalogStage is its ability to simulate the behavior of three distinct types of analog technologies: operational amplifiers, transistor circuits, and tube gear. Each of these technologies has its own distinct flavor, and AnalogStage MK2 allows you to choose the one that best suits your mix.

The operational amplifiers are the cleanest and most modern of the three, offering transparency and accuracy, making them a great option for mixing tasks that require precision. These op-amps provide a clear and crisp signal, ideal for professional applications where cleanliness is key.

On the other hand, the transistor mode is designed to capture the spirit of the 1970s. These discrete transistor designs were known for their warm, fat saturation and punchy character, which many consider to be the hallmark of the golden era of analog mixing. This mode gives your sound a thicker texture, perfect for adding vintage flavor and depth to your tracks.

The tube mode provides the classic, smooth saturation found in vintage tube gear. This setting adds a dynamic response, where distortion occurs in a more organic way, with gradual compression and harmonics that bring warmth and smoothness to your audio. Tube technology is often associated with the analog sound of the past, giving a touch of nostalgia and analog “magic” to any modern mix.

Moreover, both the Transistor and Tube modes include an advanced transformer emulation. Transformers played a crucial role in the analog consoles of the 60s, 70s, and 80s, shaping the sound by adding subtle distortion, harmonic richness, and enhancing low-end punch. This emulation faithfully replicates the sonic character of that era’s gear, making AnalogStage MK2 a versatile plugin for anyone looking to incorporate vintage warmth into their digital productions.

Advanced Control Over Your Sound

In AnalogStage MK2, you have full control over how these analog characteristics are applied. The plugin allows you to use each instance independently or link them together, either in groups or globally. For example, you can group several instances and apply the same settings across multiple channels, or link them globally to keep all settings synchronized for consistency throughout your entire mix.

By default, some of the key parameters that define the sound of the analog console are linked globally. However, the plugin provides the option to unlink certain controls from the global settings. This means that with just a right-click, you can fine-tune the controls to work only within the group or globally across all instances. This flexibility gives you the power to customize the sound of each channel or bus individually, while still maintaining coherence in your mix.

Visual Feedback and Intelligent Gain Staging

To ensure optimal performance, AnalogStage MK2 includes a stereo VU meter calibrated to -18dBFS, which helps you to properly gain stage the plugin. Achieving the right balance of input levels is crucial in mixing, and the VU meter provides an intuitive visual guide to help you adjust your levels precisely. In addition to the VU meter, we’ve integrated auto gain technology into the plugin. This feature automatically adjusts the input level to ensure that your mix is properly gain-staged, saving you time and effort in the process. This makes it much easier for both beginners and professionals to quickly achieve a polished, balanced sound.

Aging and Vintage Sound

Another unique feature of AnalogStage MK2 is the inclusion of an “age” slider. This control allows you to simulate the effects of an aging analog console, such as dried capacitors, which can affect both the saturation and frequency response of your mix. As you increase the age setting, you’ll notice the sound becoming more vintage, with a more organic, less pristine quality. This can be particularly useful when you want to add a sense of character or wear and tear to your tracks, bringing them closer to the feel of classic analog recordings.

Enhanced Tone Shaping Tools

For those looking for even more tonal flexibility, AnalogStage MK2 includes several additional features designed to refine your sound further. The plugin comes with 6dB/Octave high-pass and low-pass filters, giving you precise control over the frequency range of your mix. Whether you need to eliminate unwanted low-end rumble or smooth out harsh high frequencies, these filters help you shape your sound with ease.

The phase reversal button is another useful tool for ensuring phase coherence in your mix. Phase issues can often arise when combining multiple tracks, and this button allows you to invert the phase of the signal to correct any potential problems.

In addition, the “mic mode” button provides a 20dB boost at the input, driving the preamp harder to achieve greater distortion and character. This mode is perfect for adding grit and edge to vocals, drums, or any other element that benefits from extra energy and intensity. The mic mode button lets you push the limits of your virtual console, adding aggressive textures and a more raw sound.

High-Quality Processing

When it comes to sound quality, AnalogStage MK2 does not disappoint. The plugin features intelligent oversampling, which can be set up to 4x to ensure the highest level of fidelity during processing. This feature minimizes aliasing artifacts, ensuring that the plugin sounds pristine even when applied to complex, high-fidelity mixes. In addition, AnalogStage MK2 operates with an internal sample rate of 192kHz, further enhancing the plugin’s ability to deliver top-tier audio quality. Whether you’re working on a high-resolution production or simply seeking the best possible analog sound, AnalogStage MK2 provides the tools you need to achieve it.