HoRNet H160

Classic Compression, Modern Control

The H160 is an analog compressor plugin that brings the power and precision of legendary analog compression into the digital realm, enhanced with cutting-edge features designed specifically for today’s producers and engineers. With its rich history and modern enhancements, the H160 is a must-have tool for anyone looking to capture that sought-after analog sound while maintaining the flexibility and convenience of digital workflows.

Classic Punch and Precision

Modeled after one of the most iconic analog compressors in audio history, the H160 delivers that unmistakable punch and control over dynamics that made its analog counterpart a studio staple for decades. Whether you’re shaping the drums, bass, or any percussive element, the H160 captures the bold, tight sound that has made this type of compression legendary. The ability to apply tight control while still retaining the liveness and energy of the performance is what sets the H160 apart, making it an invaluable tool for mixing and mastering.

Streamlined Control

One of the standout features of the H160 is its intuitive controls, designed to make it easy for you to dial in your ideal compression settings quickly. With threshold, ratio, and output gain controls, you have everything you need to shape dynamics efficiently. The plugin’s hard knee compression curve gives you precise control, making it ideal for adding presence to any instrument, while still maintaining natural dynamics. Whether you’re adding punch to a drum kit or smoothing out the dynamics of a vocal track, the H160 ensures that you achieve the right sound without losing the natural feel of the audio.

Input and Output Management

The H160 is equipped with both input and output trim controls, which provide you with the flexibility to fine-tune your signal levels before and after compression. This level of control is essential for managing gain staging and ensuring that the analog emulation is driven to the desired saturation level. This not only allows you to control the compression but also ensures that you can optimize the sound quality by adjusting your signal flow to perfection. With this level of control, you can achieve a more consistent, polished sound in your mixes.

Automatic Precision

For those times when you need fast, hands-off control, the Auto Input Trim feature automatically adjusts your signal to an optimal level. This time-saving function ensures that you maintain the ideal gain levels, allowing you to focus on more important aspects of the mix without worrying about manual adjustments. Additionally, the Auto Gain Reduction (GR) Target feature lets you set the exact amount of gain reduction you want. The plugin will then automatically adjust the threshold to hit that target, giving you the precision of a well-calibrated system with minimal effort on your part.

Parallel Compression Made Easy

Parallel compression is a technique used by many engineers to balance punch and dynamic range in a mix. The H160 makes this process easy with its built-in Dry/Wet control, which lets you seamlessly blend the compressed signal with the original, unprocessed signal. This feature allows you to create a perfect balance between presence and transparency without the need for complex routing setups. Achieving a natural, dynamic sound is now simpler than ever, and the flexibility of this control gives you complete freedom over how much compression is applied to your tracks.

Oversampling for Pristine Sound

To ensure the highest audio quality, the H160 offers automatic oversampling that adapts to your project’s sample rate. Oversampling helps reduce the likelihood of distortion and aliasing during compression, which is crucial when working at higher sample rates. For those who want to further refine their sound, the H160 allows you to choose from fixed oversampling rates of 2x, 4x, or 8x. This ensures that you can match the oversampling rate to your project’s specific needs, giving you more control over the final sound without introducing unwanted artifacts.

Vintage Warmth and Character

The H160 doesn’t just function as a compressor—it also recreates the warmth and texture of classic analog hardware. Thanks to the dedicated Analog Saturation control, you can add authentic vintage color to your tracks, providing that unmistakable analog feel that is often missing in digital plugins. Whether you’re looking for subtle warmth or more pronounced saturation, the H160 gives you full control over how much vintage character you want to infuse into your sound. Additionally, an optional hiss emulation adds to the authenticity of the sound, providing a rich, organic feel that is often associated with classic analog gear.

Consistent Gain

Another invaluable feature of the H160 is the Auto Make-Up Gain function. During compression, it’s common to experience a loss in volume as a result of the gain reduction process. The Auto Make-Up Gain compensates for any volume lost during compression, ensuring that your signal remains consistent throughout the entire process. This feature eliminates the need for constant manual adjustments to the output levels, allowing you to focus solely on shaping the dynamics of your track.

The Perfect Blend of Vintage and Modern

With its perfect blend of vintage character and modern functionality, the H160 is the go-to compressor plugin for achieving professional results in any mix. Its intuitive design, coupled with the cutting-edge features of modern audio processing, makes it an essential tool for producers, engineers, and musicians alike. Whether you’re working on a rock track that needs punchy drums, a pop song that requires smooth dynamics, or an electronic track that demands tight control over bass frequencies, the H160 will help you achieve the sound you’re after with ease. The combination of vintage warmth, precise control, and modern convenience makes the H160 an invaluable tool for any music producer or engineer who wants to add that iconic analog feel to their projects while maintaining a smooth, transparent digital workflow.