CRANBORNE AUDIO Carnaby HE2 2-Channel HarmonicEQ

Equalization has always been about shaping frequency response. The Cranborne Audio Carnaby HE2 HarmonicEQ reimagines that process by using harmonic saturation to boost and cut frequency content, creating rich, musical tonal changes beyond those of conventional equalization. Expanding on the Carnaby 500, this dual-channel, 2U rackmount processor combines three bands of analog HarmonicEQ processing with digital recall, USB and network control, and flexible stereo, dual-mono and mid-side operation. The result gives engineers, producers and mastering professionals a powerful new way to sculpt sound while preserving the character of true analog circuitry.

HarmonicEQ Delivers a New Approach to Analog Equalization

Each of the Carnaby HE2’s three interactive EQ bands uses harmonic saturation to boost or cut selected frequency ranges. The high band extends from 5kHz–25kHz, adding openness and air through smooth saturation, while the low band sweeps from 20Hz–420Hz and uses hard-clipping saturation to extend subharmonic frequencies into the audible low end. Completing the circuit, the fixed-Q mid band spans 200Hz–6.2kHz, allowing instruments, vocals and mixes to be shaped with focused harmonic emphasis. Each band offers up to 10dB of boost or cut and can be bypassed independently.

Flexible Control for Mixing and Mastering

Designed for stereo, dual-mono and mid-side operation, the Carnaby HE2 provides independent bypass for each EQ band, allowing precise evaluation and fine-tuning of every adjustment. Dedicated input and output level controls provide ±20dB of adjustment, making it possible to drive the HarmonicEQ circuitry harder for increased saturation and distortion or back it off for cleaner EQ processing. Integrated mid-side encoding and decoding also allow the mid and side components of a stereo signal to be processed separately without requiring additional hardware.

Modern Workflow Meets Analog Hardware

USB and Ethernet connectivity bring the convenience of digital workflows to the Carnaby HE2 through Cranborne Audio’s control software. Every button and control can be adjusted remotely over USB or an Ethernet network, allowing convenient real-time control and recall from within a DAW. Settings can also be saved and loaded as presets, combining the tactile response and sound of analog processing with the repeatability required by modern mixing and mastering workflows.

Ready for Advanced Hybrid Production

A bypassable balanced TRS insert on each channel allows compressors, saturators and other outboard processors to be integrated after the HarmonicEQ processing stage. Positioned after mid-side encoding and before mid-side decoding, the inserts also make it possible to incorporate external hardware into more advanced stereo-processing chains. This flexible routing expands the Carnaby HE2 beyond equalization, allowing it to serve as the tonal centerpiece of a customized analog mixing or mastering setup.

Analog Character With Complete Creative Freedom

Housed in a 19", 2U rackmount chassis, the Carnaby HE2 delivers an innovative analog processing platform that combines the familiarity of traditional equalization with the musical richness of harmonic saturation. Whether enhancing individual tracks, shaping stereo mixes or adding depth during mastering, the Cranborne Audio Carnaby HE2 HarmonicEQ gives engineers a distinctive palette of analog tone-shaping tools with the control, recall and routing flexibility demanded by today’s hybrid studios.