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Saturation

Black Box Analog Design HG-2

Plugin Alliance

The Black Box Analog Design HG-2 is a faithful plugin emulation of the high-end tube processor that adds rich harmonic coloration and saturation to individual tracks and full mixes. It models four vacuum tube stages—6U8A pentode and triode tubes in series with modeled transformers, plus two alternate 12AX7 tubes in a parallel saturation circuit—to impart subtle warmth or blistering overdrive while increasing perceived loudness without requiring traditional compression. Expanded with digital controls like Density, Air, Calibration, and Mix, the HG-2 excels at transforming thin or sterile tracks into fat, punchy, vibrant mixes with beautiful character and charisma.

Key Features

01Modeled 6U8A pentode and triode tubes in series with virtual transformers for warmth and body
02Parallel Saturation circuit with two alternate 12AX7 tube voicings (aggressive and standard)
03Saturation Frequency selector for Low, Flat, or High frequency saturation
04Calibration menu with Dark, Normal, or Bright high-frequency coloration
05Continuously variable Density control for driving both tubes equally while maintaining output level
06Air control for high-frequency sparkle above 10 kHz
07Input Gain and Mix controls for fine-tuning tube saturation and wet/dry balance
08Settings A/B/C/D banks with automation support for parameter variations

Things to Try

  • 01Drench bass and low-midrange frequencies using Low Saturation Frequency setting to add massive body and weight to stereo tracks
  • 02Blend pentode and triode tube stages to perfect RMS level and dynamics without traditional compression
  • 03Use the parallel Saturation circuit in the High frequency position to add sizzle and presence to vocals and instruments
  • 04Turn down the Mix control to combine HG-2's tube softness with preserved detail and punch from the original dry signal
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