HoRNet ZeroBus - Two-Step Mix Bus Processor (AutoEQ + Intelligent Compression)

Hey everyone,

Just released our newest plugin - ZeroBus, a two-step mix bus processor that combines automatic equalization with intelligent compression.

The idea came from watching engineers (including myself) spend way too much time on mix bus processing. You know the drill: sweep for problems with EQ, then add compression, tweak threshold forever, adjust makeup gain, rinse and repeat. ZeroBus handles both steps intelligently.

What it does:

STEP 1 - AutoEQ:
31-band continuous automatic equalization. Analyzes your spectrum in real-time and applies correction without manual frequency hunting. Control range: 0-200% (100% = balanced correction, you can push harder or softer).

STEP 2 - Smart Compression:
Two modes that learn your material and auto-configure threshold + makeup gain:

• FAT Mode - Parallel 1176-style compression (New York technique)
Targets ~19dB GR on compressed path, blends with dry signal
Preserves transients while adding density and presence

• GLUE Mode - Serial SSL 4K-style bus compression
Targets ~9dB peak GR, transparent cohesive binding
Learned threshold adapts to your material's dynamics

The compressor watches RMS/peak characteristics and automatically sets optimal threshold and makeup. You just choose the mode and set compression amount (0-100%).

Workflow:

1. Insert ZeroBus on your mix bus (or drum bus, or any stereo subgroup)
2. Hit play - AutoEQ works immediately, compression learns in ~3-4 seconds
3. Watch learning progress indicator
4. Select FAT or GLUE mode depending on your needs
5. Adjust EQUALIZATION (0-200%) and COMPRESSION (0-100%) to taste

Switch modes during playback without glitches. Visual feedback includes real-time EQ curve overlay and segmented gain reduction meter (0 to -20dB).

Use Cases:

Mix/Master Bus: GLUE mode, EQ 80-120%, Compression 30-50%
Result: Instant cohesion with balanced spectrum and transparent glue

Drum Bus: FAT mode, EQ 60-100%, Compression 40-70%
Result: Parallel New York punch with preserved transients

Vocal/Instrument Subgroups: Either mode, EQ 70-110%, Compression 20-60%
Result: Group cohesion without individual track processing

Features:

• 31-band continuous automatic EQ with visual curve display
• Dual compression modes (FAT parallel / GLUE serial)
• Automatic threshold and makeup gain learning
• Convergence indicators show learning progress
• Instant mode switching during playback
• Segmented GR meter (0 to -20dB)
• Auto 2× oversampling below 88.2kHz (transparent, minimal latency)
• Light/Dark/Auto UI themes (follows system)
• Reset button for new material

Specs:

macOS 10.13+ / Windows 10+
VST3, AU, AAX formats
Apple Silicon native
Sample rate: 44.1kHz - 192kHz
Latency: Near-zero with auto-compensation

Demo available - fully functional, periodic silence every 30 seconds.

Price: €24.99

We wanted to make professional bus processing accessible without the complexity. ZeroBus delivers musical results in seconds, whether you need transparent mix cohesion or aggressive parallel density.

More info: https://www.hornetplugins.com/plugins/hornet-zerobus/

Happy to answer technical questions about the implementation or use cases.

Cheers,
Saverio