HoRNet ZeroBus vs Waves Curves AQ
HoRNet ZeroBus
hornetplugins.comWaves Curves AQ
waves.comSide by side
| Figure | HoRNet ZeroBus | Waves Curves AQ |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | $20.83/mo |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 3 |
| Spec score · AI Audio Mixing Software | 8.0 (#8) | 7.6 (#17) |
| Founded | 2011 | 1992 |
| Purpose | ZeroBus is a two-step mix bus processor combining automatic EQ balance and intelligent compression. | Curves AQ is an autonomous EQ plugin that analyzes audio and creates five tailored EQ curves. |
| Support | Product support requests use the support system, which requires website registration; the maker says chat replies are AI-generated. | Waves provides technical support tickets, while phone support is reserved for customers with active Creative Access subscriptions or current Waves Update Plan coverage. |
Plans
Waves Curves AQ
- Perpetual licensePriced on request
- Waves Ultimate monthly subscription$24.99 a month
- Waves Ultimate annual subscription$249.99 a year
In their own words
HoRNet ZeroBus
HoRNet ZeroBus is a stereo mix-bus processor combining automatic equalization with adaptive compression. AutoEQ continuously analyzes 31 frequency bands and balances the spectrum in real time, with a control range from 0% to 200%. Compression has two modes: FAT uses parallel 1176-style processing for punch, while GLUE uses serial SSL-style processing for cohesion. The compressor analyzes RMS and peak levels to set threshold and makeup gain automatically. HoRNet describes ZeroBus for mix or master buses, drum buses, and other stereo subgroups. It supports 44.1–192 kHz, automatic 2× oversampling below 88.2 kHz, and near-zero auto-compensated latency. Formats listed are VST3, AU, and AAX on Windows 10+ and macOS 10.13+. The one-time price is €2,499 as a one-time purchase. A Windows and Mac demo is available, but its volume turns down every 30 seconds and host automation is unavailable. The product page states free updates and a 15-day money-back guarantee.
Waves Curves AQ
Waves Curves AQ is an autonomous EQ plugin that analyzes audio and creates five tailored EQ curves. Users can choose and adjust among five spectral targets, then apply static EQ, dynamic EQ, or both together. MixSense uses sidechain audio to adapt processing and make room for other tracks. Controls include Smart Tilt, curve Offset, four frequency anchors, and global or per-band boost and cut adjustments. A zero-latency live version is included. The plugin page lists support for Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Cubase, Nuendo, FL Studio, REAPER, and Studio One; supported plug-in formats include VST3, Audio Units, and AAX. It runs on Windows 10 64-bit or Windows 11, or macOS Sonoma 14 or later, with 16 GB RAM and 30 GB of free disk space listed. The current requirements specify Intel CPUs from generation 5 onward with AVX; Apple Silicon native support is listed in Waves V17 release notes. Waves Ultimate includes Curves AQ and has subscriptions at $24.99 a month or $249.99 a year. There is no free plan; Waves Creative Access offers a seven-day free period.