HoRNet Audio is offering the HoRNet LU Meter MK2 metering plugin for free until 23:59:59 on April 12 (GMT+2), with discount code LUMEFREE.
HoRNet LU Meter MK2 is typically priced at €5.99, so this isn’t the biggest steal on paper. On the other hand, it’s well worth grabbing while it’s free—especially if you’re after a reliable LUFS meter with bonus workflow enhancements.
At first look, and judging by the name, you might mistake the HoRNet LU Meter MK2 for a simple metering plugin. But what makes it more than just a pretty LUFS readout is the built-in auto-gain feature.
I love how easy it is to use the auto-gain here. It’s super useful when playing around with saturation plugins and compressors in the signal chain because you won’t mistake louder for better that easily.
Here’s how it works.
You set your target loudness, and the plugin keeps your level consistent, even when you tweak other effects or plugins on the same channel. It works like magic—the level remains consistent without you doing any manual tweaking.
This makes it useful for fast gain staging or keeping your mixes tight without constant level readjustments.
There’s also a smart grouping feature that lets you sync parameters across multiple plugin instances.
For example, you might want to set the same gain target or metering mode across your drum bus, vocal stack, and parallel sends. Just right-click and send the setting to a group or every LU Meter MK2 in your session.
It’s a small thing, but it streamlines your mix workflow in a really effective way.
The GUI deserves a quick shout, too. It’s clean and modern, with a neutral gray background and customizable highlight color.
The large meter takes up most of the visual real estate, and all settings are arranged logically for quick access. You can even resize the interface by dragging the bottom-right corner, which is always a welcome touch for plugin UI.
In terms of metering, LU Meter MK2 supports momentary, short-term, and integrated LUFS readings with full EBU R128 compliance. It also includes peak protection, which kicks in when your signal risks clipping—helping avoid distortion during dynamic passages.
By default, it’s calibrated to -18 LUFS, but you can dial in your own target level depending on your platform or project needs (e.g., -14 LUFS for streaming, -23 LUFS for broadcast). Combined with the auto gain and grouping features, it’s a practical little plugin that handles more than you’d expect from a freebie.
LU Meter MK2 is available in VST2, VST3, AU, and AAX formats for Windows (7 or later) and macOS (10.11 and later), with full support for Apple Silicon (except AAX).
To get it for free, head to the product page and enter the code LUMEFREE at checkout before the deadline on April 12.
Get the deal: HoRNet LU Meter MK2 (FREE with coupon code LUMEFREE until midnight April 12)
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