Black Box Analog Design HG-Q Tube EQ/Saturator with Digital Plug-in Control

The Black Analog Design Box HG-Q is an advanced stereo equalizer with a unique analog topology that delivers extraordinary tonal flexibility and control. Each channel features three independent bands with separate boost and cut circuits for complex tone-shaping, as well as flexible tube saturation that adds rich harmonic detail.

Choose from four modes of operation, including linked stereo and mid-side, and engage the 2X Mode to double the boost and cut range for creative frequency shaping. The included HG-Q plug-in offers full plug-in control and digital recall of the hardware unit, making the Black Box analog design HG-Q a powerful addition to any recording, mixing, or mastering chain.

ANALOG EQ CIRCUIT WITH 6 INTERACTIVE BANDS

Looking for something other than the same old EQs? The Black Box analog Design HG-Q equalizer features six interactive bands (three per channel), each with separate boost and cut controls capable of producing complex phase interactions that simply aren't possible with typical equalizers.

The HG-Q's Independent Gain, Frequency, and Q controls offer full parametric control, including overlap between bands and a broad range of bandwidth that allows for gentle tone-shaping, surgical notching, or complex custom EQ curves. Expertly combining precision and flexibility, the Black Box HG-Q offers unlimited ways to shape your tracks, process your mix bus, or polish your master tracks.

VERSATILE TUBE SATURATION CIRCUIT

The boost circuits of the Black Box HG-Q tube EQ each feature a dedicated tube saturation circuit for adding just the right amount of harmonics at just the right frequencies. Unlike conventional saturation circuits that affect the entire signal, the HG-Q's unique design gives you the option to enhance low frequencies with subtle richness, add focused grit to the midrange, or bring out the edge in the high frequencies. Simply press the SAT button on any band, raise the Boost control, and the tube saturator automatically blends in added harmonics for a fuller, more vibrant sound. This flexibility makes the HG-Q far more versatile than your average saturator.

DOUBLE YOUR CONTROL RANGE WITH 2X MODE

Activating 2X Mode on the Black Box HG-Q doubles the boost and cut range from ±8 dB to ±16 dB, dramatically expanding your creative options. In 2X Mode, the HG-Q offers enhanced tube saturation on the Boost circuits, surgical notch filtering for removing problematic frequencies with the Cut circuits, and dynamic phase interactions when boosting and cutting simultaneously.

This unique feature transforms the Black Box HG-Q from a subtle tone-sculpting tube EQ for mastering and mix bus processing into a unique creative tool offering flexible and musical interactions limited only by your imagination.

FOUR MODES OF OPERATION

Choose from four modes of operation: Stereo, M-S, Mono, and Dual-Mono. Stereo links the left and right controls for traditional mastering or mix bus processing, Mid-Side offers independent control of the center and side information, Dual-Mono allows you to treat each channel separately, and Mono is ideal for single-channel processing. Switching modes is fast and easy thanks to front-panel buttons with LED indicators to let you know which mode you're in.

INCLUDES HG-Q PLUG-IN

The Black Box analog Design HG-Q comes with the HG-Q plug-in, which offers full digital plug-in control over the hardware’s all-analog circuitry and doubles as an analog-modeled copy of the unit, allowing you to use multiple instances in your DAW mixes. Use the plug-in to save and recall EQ settings, automate parameter moves in your DAW, or work entirely in the box when you're away from the studio.

In addition to the advanced plug-in control features, there's also a built-in spectrum analyzer not found on the hardware unit, helping you visualize how each band interacts across the frequency spectrum. From digital plug-in control to setting up advanced parallel configurations, the Black Box analog Design HG-Q plug-in does everything the hardware equalizer does—and more.

BLACK BOX ANALOG DESIGN HG-Q FEATURES:

• Stereo analog EQ featuring six independent bands with separate boost and cut circuits per band
• Proprietary analog topology enabling dynamic phase interactions between bands
• Integrated tube saturation stages within boost circuits for harmonic richness, density, and analog character
• Four modes of operation: Stereo, Mid-Side (M/S), Dual-Mono, and Mono
• 2X Mode doubles boost/cut range to ±16 dB with intensified harmonic saturation
• Customizable series and parallel configurations
• Intuitive LED indicators and responsive displays for precise visual feedback
• Robust 3U rack-mount chassis combining classic analog aesthetics with studio-grade durability
• Includes HG-Q Plug-In with full digital control, automation, and spectrum analyzer
• Seamless communication between hardware and plug-in for hybrid studio setups