MHORSE P3 mkII: Your Comprehensive Mastering Tool
MHORSE P3 mkII by Terry West isn’t just a plugin; it’s a complete mastering studio in a single box, designed to achieve a professional, powerful, and clean sound. This processing unit, optimized for the final polishing of your mixes, uses a unique parallel processing philosophy, allowing you to achieve maximum transparency and control over the dynamic range while maintaining the energy and “life” of your track.
The heart of MHORSE P3 mkII is its flexibility. It combines a range of powerful tools that typically require the use of several separate plugins. From complex equalization capabilities to unique saturation and stereo widening tools – MHORSE P3 mkII covers all aspects of final processing.
Key Features and Capabilities
- Full Parallel Processing: The main principle of the plugin’s operation, providing unprecedented control over the mix, allowing you to mix processed signals with the original, preserving its integrity.
- Universal Bypass: Separate buttons for full plugin bypass and EQ bypass for quick A/B testing.
- Input/Output Settings: Option to reduce input/output levels by -3 dB for additional gain staging control.
In-Depth Equalization and Filtering
The plugin is equipped with a powerful equalization section:
- Three Parallel/Serial Equalizers: Each of the three parametric equalizers can operate in both series and parallel, offering extraordinary flexibility in shaping tonal balance.
- Wide Q Settings: 6 different Q values for each band allow precise adjustment of the equalizer’s action width.
- Frequency Selection: 4 fixed frequencies for each band (low, mid, high) simplify quick search for the required correction points.
- Boost/Cut Modes: Ability to boost or attenuate the level in each band.
- Filter Types: Peak filters, as well as low (LoShelf) and high (HiShelf) frequency filters.
- Loudness boost filter: Specialized filter for adding overall loudness and energy.
- Combined Processing: Option for combined parallel/serial equalization (after the serial stage).
- Special Filters: Unique processing modes, such as Mellow (softness), Punch (punch), Body (density), and Shine (brightness at 39K), which add a special character to the sound.
Parallel Processors and Unique Effects
MHORSE P3 mkII contains an arsenal of specialized parallel tools:
- MS Parallel Clarity processor: Mid/Side signal processing for improved clarity and intelligibility.
- NY Parallel Compressor: Implementation of the classic “New York” parallel compression to add power and “glue” to the mix.
- NY Compressor Functions: Solo, linking/unlinking channels, Motown and Aural Enhancer modes for various compression and enhancing styles.
- Three Bands of Parallel Tape Saturator: Add warmth, harmonics, and analog tape density by applying saturation in parallel to the signal.
- DC Remover: Removing the DC component from the audio signal.
- MS Parallel Stereo Widener: Widening the stereo base without losing density of the center channel (3 modes).
- CrossTalk Emulator: Emulation of crosstalk (2 modes: Vintage, Modern) to add the character of old analog equipment.
- Low / High Exciters: Exciters for adding “air” and clarity at high frequencies, as well as weight and density at low frequencies.
- Unique Deharsh processor: An effective tool for taming unpleasant, harsh frequencies, available in Stereo/Mid/Side modes.
Advanced Measurement Capabilities
For precise control over the processing, the plugin offers detailed indicators:
- Old Style VU Meters: Classic VU meters with a range from -60 dB to +6 dB and “light bulb” animation, adding visual vintage charm.
- Pan Peak/Correlation Meters: Pan peak and phase correlation indicators for stereo image control.
- Source Material Detector: Detector of the source material type.
- Tri-Color Input/Output Peak Indicators: Quick visual assessment of the signal level.
- Tri-Color Headroom Indicators: Headroom indicators for low, mid, and high frequencies.
- Energy/Compression Effect Meters: Visualization of dynamic and effect processing.
MHORSE P3 mkII is an extremely powerful and versatile mastering tool that provides complete control over the final sound, allowing you to achieve professional results with ease and creativity. Its unique combination of parallel processing, a wide range of tools, and detailed measurements makes it indispensable in your plugin arsenal.
