Brainworx Black Box Analog Design HG-2MS is a versatile saturation and harmonic enhancement plugin that builds upon the success of its predecessor, the HG-2. This updated version introduces mid-side processing capabilities, advanced filtering options, and Brainworx’s patented Tolerance Modeling Technology (TMT). The HG-2MS emulates four different vacuum tube stages combined in series and parallel circuits, allowing users to impart a wide range of rich and varied harmonics to their audio. With its ability to process audio in mono, stereo, or mid-side modes, the HG-2MS offers unprecedented control over saturation and coloration, making it a powerful tool for mixing and mastering engineers alike.
Pros:
• Versatile saturation and harmonic enhancement options
• Mid-side processing capabilities
• Advanced filtering section with four modes
• Brainworx’s TMT for added analog-like characteristics
Cons:
• Steep learning curve due to numerous controls and options
Black Box Analog Design HG-2MS plugin boasts an impressive array of features that set it apart from its predecessor and many other saturation plugins on the market. At its heart are the emulated 6U8A pentode and triode tubes, each with separate gain controls, allowing users to dial in the perfect blend of tube sweetness. The plugin’s Density control enables users to drive both tubes harder without altering their relative balance or the output level, adding more girth and mass to the sound.
The redesigned filter section, which offers four variable filter modes: highpass, lowpass, bandpass, and bandstop. This allows users to tailor their saturation separately for each channel, providing unprecedented control over the affected frequencies. The Calibration menu emulates the effect of an internal trim adjustment found in the original hardware unit, instantly modifying the HG-2’s high-frequency response to produce Dark, Normal, or Bright coloration.
For those seeking to add a touch of high-end sparkle, the Air knob allows users to control the amount of high-frequency enhancement applied to vocal tracks, string instruments, piano, and full mixes. The Mix control adds flexibility by allowing users to blend the processed signal with the dry input, combining the HG-2’s beautiful tube softness and luster with the mix’s preserved detail and punch. The HG-2MS also incorporates Brainworx’s TMT, which simulates the subtle variations found in analog hardware. This technology adds depth and dimension to the plugin’s sound, contributing to a more authentic analog-like character.
Compared to similar products like the Softube Harmonics or the Waves NLS Non-Linear Summer, the HG-2MS stands out for its extensive control over the saturation process and its mid-side processing capabilities. While the Softube Harmonics offers a simpler interface with fewer controls, it lacks the advanced filtering and mid-side options found in the HG-2MS. The Waves NLS, on the other hand, focuses more on emulating specific console channels rather than providing the diverse tube saturation options of the HG-2MS. FabFilter Saturn 2 is perhaps the closest competitor, offering multi-band saturation and extensive modulation options. However, the HG-2MS’s focus on tube emulation and its TMT technology give it a unique character that sets it apart. The HG-2MS excels in its ability to provide subtle coloration and enhancement, making it particularly well-suited for mastering and bus processing tasks where maintaining transparency while adding character is crucial.
• Who would benefit most from this product:
• Mixing engineers seeking to add analog-like warmth and character to their tracks
• Mastering engineers looking for subtle saturation and harmonic enhancement
• Producers wanting to add depth and dimension to individual tracks or full mixes
• Sound designers in need of a versatile tool for creative distortion and coloration
Black Box Analog Design HG-2MS is a powerful and versatile saturation plugin that offers an impressive level of control over harmonic enhancement and coloration. Its ability to process audio in mid-side mode, combined with its advanced filtering options and TMT technology, makes it a standout choice for both mixing and mastering applications. While the plugin’s numerous controls and options may present a steep learning curve for some users, those who invest the time to master its intricacies will be rewarded with a tool capable of imparting rich, analog-like character to their audio. Whether used for subtle warming of a full mix or aggressive saturation of individual tracks, the HG-2MS proves to be a valuable addition to any audio engineer’s toolkit.