HoRNet HCS1

HCS1 1.1.0 is available, this update is free for owners of the plugin and includes:

• Added Apple Silicon compatibility

Longer sustain for any guitar performance

The HoRNet HCS1 is a faithful recreation of a highly popular guitar compressor sustainer pedal that was originally produced from the mid-seventies to the mid-eighties. Known for its ability to provide smooth sustain to electric guitars, this plugin emulates the unique behavior of the compressor pedal to give you that distinct sound, which was made famous by guitarists all over the world, directly in your computer.

The HCS1 plugin accurately captures the peculiar dynamics of the original pedal’s compression effect. The core functionality of the pedal is that it smoothly sustains notes by acting as a compressor, which is why it became an essential part of the guitarists’ arsenal. Unlike standard audio compressors, the HCS1 has a fixed threshold that operates differently on signals above and below that threshold. When the input signal is low, such as a naturally decaying note, the internal volume is boosted significantly, giving the sound a sustained effect. On the other hand, if the signal is above the threshold—like when a note is first picked—the volume is gradually reduced, which is a hallmark of the pedal’s characteristic compression.

This behavior is distinct from the standard audio compressor, making the HCS1 a unique tool for not just guitars, but other sources as well. For instance, it can add texture and character to keyboards or drums. The HoRNet HCS1 lets you capture this unusual compression behavior in your digital recordings, adding that specific dynamic control that was once only available through the physical pedal.

Limited Controls for Maximum Impact

One of the defining features of the HCS1 plugin is its minimalistic control layout. Unlike traditional compressors with a myriad of settings, this plugin lets you focus on only a few essential parameters that define its sound. The threshold is fixed, meaning that you don’t have to worry about adjusting it for different situations—it is set to work specifically with the pedal’s designed behavior.

The attack time is also fixed. At first, you might wonder, how can there be an attack knob on the plugin if it’s fixed? The key here is that the Attack knob in the HCS1 doesn’t control the initial attack of the signal, as you would expect from a traditional compressor. Instead, it controls the release time, adjusting how quickly or slowly the compression effect fades. By tweaking this knob, you can introduce more or less “attack” into the sound, giving you more control over how the compression responds to the start of the note. This subtle tweak can make a noticeable difference in how the compression feels and how the sustain evolves.

The next parameter you can adjust is the Sustain knob, which directly controls the level of compression. Unlike traditional compressors, where you typically adjust the ratio to determine how much compression is applied, the Sustain knob on the HCS1 essentially controls the compression depth. Turning the knob to the right increases the compression, resulting in a more pronounced, squashed sound. This is ideal for achieving that signature smooth sustain without affecting the dynamics too much, which is often needed when working with guitars or other instruments that benefit from a little extra sustain.

Emulating Analog Characteristics

In addition to its unique compression characteristics, the HoRNet HCS1 also faithfully models the analog characteristics of the original hardware. This includes saturation and the hiss that was often present in analog pedals. These features can be disabled if you prefer a cleaner sound, but for those who love the warmth and character that analog introduces, this modeling brings a great level of authenticity to the plugin. The subtle saturation adds richness to the sound, while the hiss provides that vintage analog texture that many guitarists seek when using a sustainer pedal.

For users who prefer a brighter sound, the plugin includes a popular modification that removes the de-emphasis filter. This mod was commonly done to increase high-frequency clarity, and by incorporating it into the plugin, you can achieve a brighter and more present tone, perfect for cutting through dense mixes.

Advanced Controls: Dry/Wet

Another helpful feature added to the HoRNet HCS1 plugin is the Dry/Wet knob, which allows you to blend the processed signal with the dry signal. This is especially useful for parallel compression, where you can mix the compressed signal with the untouched original signal for a more dynamic and expressive sound. The ability to dial in the exact amount of effect provides extra flexibility in how you use the plugin, giving you more control over your compression and sustain levels. This is ideal for users who want the effect to be subtle or more pronounced depending on the specific sound they’re going for.

Part of the Guitar Plugin Collection

The HCS1 compression sustainer is a great addition to HoRNet’s guitar plugin collection, offering guitarists and music producers a chance to incorporate this unique effect into their digital setup. It can be purchased individually or as part of the HoRNet Guitar Bundle, which includes a variety of other guitar pedal effects, such as distortions and amplifier simulations. Whether you’re a seasoned guitarist or a music producer looking to add more creative tools to your arsenal, the HoRNet HCS1 delivers a distinctive sound that is hard to replicate with any other plugin.

By combining classic analog tones with modern digital convenience, the HCS1 offers an effective and accessible way to add that special sustaining effect to your guitar or other instruments. Whether you’re crafting a solo, shaping your tone, or adding sustain to a full track, this plugin gives you the power to control dynamics and create iconic sounds with ease.