Developer Terry West has announced the release of MHorse P3, a freeware parallel mastering multi-effect device in 32-bit VST plugin format for digital audio workstations which operate on Windows.
This is the first plugin we’ve seen from Terry West in quite a while (more than two years, if I’m correct). Judging by my first impressions after testing MHorse P3, the long wait was definitely worth it. This is a very capable and highly versatile mastering processor which can be useful for handling all sorts of task on the master buss.
See also: Free Mastering Tools For Windows & Mac!
MHorse P3 features so many different FX modules that it can actually seem a bit too complicated to grasp at first, but thankfully the interface is very well designed and most of the features are pretty much self explanatory. After spending a couple of minutes with the plugin, it becomes obvious that MHorse P3 is a feature packed mastering processor with a workflow which is surprisingly easy to grasp.
Since there are almost too many individual features to count, I’ll mention only the most important ones. Obviously, the 3-band semi-parametric equalizer section is included for modifying the overall frequency balance of the processed audio signal and (although I definitely prefer having more control over the master buss) it does a pretty decent job as a mastering EQ, at least for quick mastering tasks.
Things certainly get more interesting as you dig a bit deeper and start using the parallel compressor, stereo enhancer, as well as the tape saturation and exciter modules. I also liked the specialized filters which are optimized for coloring the processed audio signal in different ways, like sweetening up the top end or slightly boosting the bass frequencies. The plugin also features some handy metering tools such as the correlation meter and the VU style signal amplitude display. Check out the download page linked below for the full list of features, as there are quite a few which aren’t mentioned in this article.
Although I am very happy with my current mastering toolbox (consisting almost entirely of freeware tools), I will keep MHorse P3 in mind as an interesting all-in-one solution for future use. If you’re looking for a tool which could help you master your projects at home before uploading the rendered version on SoundCloud or YouTube, then MHorse P3 is certainly worth a try. The 32-bit limitation can be a serious deal breaker to most users nowadays (I’ll be jumping on that bandwagon very soon), so keep that in mind before downloading your free copy of the plugin.
Download
MHorse P3 is available for free download via KVR Audio (7.3 MB download size, ZIP archive, 32-bit VST plugin format for Windows, made with SynthEdit).
Last Updated on January 22, 2015 by Tomislav Zlatic.
