HoRNet HDD-1 recreates the sound and character of the first digital guitar delay pedal from the early 1980s, offering a unique blend of vintage digital delay and analog circuitry. This plugin captures the original’s distinct sonic signature through a 12-bit digital-to-analog conversion process that stores audio samples in RAM banks, while the level, feedback, and other controls remain fully analog. The design results in a lo-fi effect where the signal degrades progressively with each feedback cycle, creating a rich, textured delay with a notable tonal coloration shaped by a sharp frequency cutoff at 7kHz and specialized pre-emphasis and de-emphasis filters.

In addition to the authentic delay sound, the plugin simulates the analog saturation and hiss inherent to the original hardware, both of which can be toggled on or off to suit your mix. The stereo mode offers a creative option by placing the dry signal on the left channel and the delayed signal on the right, producing a wide, immersive soundscape. When delay times are set between 12.5ms and 50ms, this stereo separation creates a pseudo-stereo effect leveraging the Haas effect. The unique Hold mode allows recording and looping of the last 200 to 800 milliseconds of audio even when the delay is bypassed, adding a dynamic performance tool that expands the plugin’s creative possibilities.

Designed to integrate seamlessly into modern production environments, HoRNet HDD-1 supports multiple plugin formats including Audio Units, VST, VST3, RTAS, and AAX, and runs on both Mac OS X and Windows with 64-bit compatibility. It features delay times ranging from 12.5ms up to 800ms, with adjustable effect level, feedback, and delay time controls. A tempo sync option allows the delay to lock perfectly to your host’s tempo in multiples of 16th notes, making it a flexible and inspiring tool for musicians and producers looking to add vintage flavor and character to their guitar tracks or any other sound source.