The Black Box Analog HG-2 stereo analog mastering processor is a meticulously crafted tool designed to bring warmth, depth and harmonic richness to your mixes. Featuring both pentode and triode tube stages, allowing you to tailor everything from subtle enhancements to full-bodied analog saturation. Its innovative parallel saturation path, combined with custom input and output transformers, makes it a standout in mastering gear. Whether you're enhancing low-end punch, adding shimmer to high frequencies, or enriching the entire signal, the HG-2 delivers exceptional tonal clarity and character. Its modular design and premium components ensure that this processor not only enhances your sound but also stands the test of time.
Pentode and Triode Tube Stages for Dynamic Saturation
The HG-2 is built around high-voltage pentode and triode tube stages, each contributing unique tonal characteristics to your signal. The pentode stage provides a rich harmonic texture and dynamic response, perfect for adding depth to your mixes. Following this, the triode stage delivers smooth saturation, ideal for rounding out harsh transients or injecting warmth into digital recordings. These tube stages work in harmony to provide everything from subtle harmonic coloration to bold, analog-style saturation. The result is a mastering-grade processor that enhances the musicality of your tracks while preserving their clarity and detail.
Parallel Saturation With Frequency Control
This processor's parallel saturation circuit takes harmonic control to the next level. Equipped with 12AT7 tubes, it features a three-way frequency selector switch to target specific parts of the frequency spectrum. Choose the "low" setting to enhance sub and low-mid frequencies, "flat" for full-spectrum saturation or "high" to add presence and sheen to high-end content. The saturation knob lets you blend this processed signal back into the main path, offering precise control over the tonal balance. This feature enables engineers to sculpt mixes with surgical precision, adding energy and focus to key elements.
Air Lift and Tube Selection for Enhanced Tonal Flexibility
The HG-2 includes an "air" switch, which introduces a subtle high-frequency lift, perfect for adding clarity and sparkle to dull tracks. Additionally, the "alt" tube button allows you to switch between differently voiced 12AT7 tubes in the parallel circuit, giving you instant access to distinct saturation textures. This flexibility ensures that you can adapt the processor to a variety of tonal needs, whether you're working on lush vocals, punchy drums, or intricate electronic arrangements. Together, these features provide engineers with a versatile palette of analog tones that elevate any mix.
Precision Engineering With Mastering-Grade Components
Built with mastering engineers in mind, the HG-2 features custom input and output transformers for pristine signal integrity. Its ultrafine left/right trim controls ensure precise stereo balance, while the true bypass switch eliminates circuitry from the signal path when not in use. Illuminated push buttons and a 30-segment meter with three selectable modes (VU, VU/Peak, Energy) provide intuitive visual feedback during operation. Designed with an internally modular layout, this processor is not only easy to service but also built to handle the demands of professional studios. Its robust construction guarantees long-term reliability without compromising sound quality.