Cranborne Audio
Cranborne Audio Carnaby HE2 Legacy Edition 2U 2-channel HarmonicEQ
Best creative sound shaping for discerning audio professionals.
This 2U rackmount unit redefines equalization with its unique HarmonicEQ® concept, utilizing harmonic saturation to shape frequencies and impart rich analog character. Each channel offers three bypassable parametric bands, each with distinct harmonic content designed for musical enhancement. The HI band extends air and presence, the LO band adds warmth and sub-harmonic depth, and the MID band provides harmonic emphasis. With extensive control over boost/cut and sweepable frequencies, it excels in Stereo, Dual Mono, or Mid-Side processing. Seamless DAW integration is achieved through digital control via USB or Ethernet for recall and real-time adjustments.
$2149.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
123
/ 321
#123 in Equalizers
Price vs Category Average
-23%
Below average
Equalizer Type
Parametric
/ Parametric
Who it's for
- Audio engineers seeking premium analog warmth.
- Creative producers exploring distinctive sound design.
- Mix engineers needing versatile stereo or dual-mono processing.
Who should skip it
- Engineers requiring transparent, surgical EQ.
- Budget-conscious home studio owners.
- Novice users unfamiliar with harmonic processing.
Performance breakdown
Saturation Character
HarmonicEQ technology adds rich, musical analog warmth to every frequency band.
Workflow Integration
Digital control and DAW recall bridge the gap between analog and digital.
Processing Versatility
Seamless switching between stereo, dual mono, and mid-side modes offers immense flexibility.
Tonal Sculpting Precision
Three-band parametric control allows for surgical frequency shaping with harmonic enhancement.
Build Quality
Robust 2U rackmount construction feels built for demanding professional studio environments.
Signal Integrity
True bypass and low noise floor ensure pristine audio path transparency.
Key Specs
Equalizer Type
Parametric
Number of Channels
2
EQ Bands Per Channel
3
Rack Mountable
True
Max Frequency Response
25000 Hz
Max Gain Range
+/-10dB
Control Interface
Rotary Knobs, Software Control
USB Connectivity
True
Know before you buy
Unlike traditional EQs that only adjust gain at specific frequencies, the Carnaby HE2 uses harmonic saturation to shape the signal. Each of the three bands adds distinct harmonic content, meaning you are adding analog character and texture as you boost or cut, rather than just changing the volume of a frequency range.
Yes, the unit features dedicated modes for Stereo, Dual Mono, and Mid-Side processing. This makes it highly versatile for mastering applications or for treating the center and sides of a stereo mix differently.
Yes, the Carnaby HE2 features digital control via USB or Ethernet. This allows you to integrate the unit with your DAW for full session recall and real-time adjustments, bridging the gap between analog sound and digital workflow efficiency.
The insert loops allow you to integrate other outboard gear directly into the signal path of the Carnaby HE2. These inserts are positioned post-M/S encoding and Carnaby processing, but pre-M/S decoding, providing a flexible point to patch in compressors or other processors.
Yes, the unit offers per-band bypass functionality. This allows you to precisely sculpt your tone by engaging only the specific bands you need while keeping the rest of the signal path clean.
The Carnaby HE2 is designed with a very low noise floor of less than -93dBu when all bands are bypassed. It also includes a true bypass circuit to ensure your signal remains clean and uncolored when the EQ is not engaged.
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$2149