Black Box Analog Design HG-2 Mastering Dynamics Processor

The Black Box Analog Design HG-2 is a powerful and flexible line-level, stereo unit engineered to bring exceptional saturation, harmonic richness, natural compression, and tonal enhancement to your mixing and mastering workflow. Designed to deliver results that would typically require multiple pieces of gear�only better�the HG-2 simplifies your signal chain while adding undeniable character and control. With its potent combination of tubes, transformers, and tone-shaping capabilities, the HG-2 is a formidable secret weapon for your mix bus.

Dual-Path Tube Saturation

The HG-2 employs custom input transformers that feed two distinct signal paths:

• Main path: The primary signal passes through a 6U8A Pentode tube stage and then into a Triode stage, allowing you to dial in everything from subtle harmonic warmth to full-on tube saturation.
• Parallel path: A second path, utilizing a pair of 12AT7 tubes, is dedicated to saturation and harmonics. This parallel circuit includes a 3-way Freq. Select switch:
  • Low: Saturates low mids and sub frequencies, ideal for enhancing the bass or adding weight to tracks.
  • Flat: Full-bandwidth saturation for a balanced harmonic enhancement.
  • High: Focused saturation on high mids and high frequencies to add presence and air.
• The Saturation knob lets you control how much of this parallel signal is blended back into the main path, offering a wide range of tonal possibilities.

Additional Tonal Controls

• Air switch: Adds a subtle, sweet high-frequency lift, perfect for polishing mixes or tracks.
• Alt Tube switch: Switch between two differently voiced 12AT7 tubes for distinct tonal flavors and saturation characteristics.
• Custom output stage: After the signal paths merge, the signal hits a pair of custom output transformers, delivering rich harmonic character with precision.

Metering and Bypass

• Meter button: Switch between three metering modes�VU, VU/Peak, and Energy�to visualize your signal dynamics.
• True bypass: The bypass circuit shorts the input directly to the output, ensuring complete transparency when the HG-2 is not engaged.

Designed for the Mix Bus, Built for Versatility

While the HG-2 is purpose-built to enhance your mix bus with its signature mojo, it shines on other applications as well:

• Use it on individual instruments to add richness and depth.
• Run it as a front-end processor for synths and stereo sources.
• Push it to create harmonic excitement, tube-driven compression, or distortion for creative sound design.

Black Box Analog Design HG-2 Specs

Audio I/O

2x XLR 3-Pin Line Input 2x XLR 3-Pin Line Output

Mobile App Compatible

No

Power Source

AC Input

Mounting	Side: 2x Rack Ears
Color	Black
Cable Length	Not Specified by Manufacturer
Dimensions	Not Specified by Manufacturer
Weight	Not Specified by Manufacturer

Package Weight	18.67 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)	22 x 14.4 x 8.6"