The Cranborne Audio Carnaby HE2 represents a massive leap forward in analog equalize technology. Building on the groundbreaking concept of their Carnaby 500 module, the Carnaby HE2 is a 2U, 2-channel HarmonicEQ® processor that boosts and cuts frequency content using pure analog harmonic saturation rather than traditional phase-shifting filter circuits.

With full digital control via USB/Ethernet, seamless DAW plugin integration with total recall, onboard Mid/Side processing, and post-M/S insert loops for integrating extra hardware, the HE2 blends rich analog tone-shaping with modern hybrid workflow precision.

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What We Think: Cranborne Audio Carnaby HE2 HarmonicEQ

At Sound Pure, we are constantly on the lookout for hardware that doesn't just recreate the past, but pushes analog processing forward into new territory. The Cranborne Audio Carnaby HE2 is a masterclass in innovation—taking the concept of a traditional studio equalizer and completely reimagining it through the lens of harmonic saturation.

Unlike standard EQs that adjust volume at target frequencies using traditional filter topologies, the HE2’s HarmonicEQ® engine works by generating frequency-specific harmonic saturation. Boosting a band enriches and lifts the signal with musical harmonics, while cutting saturates to fill the empty space—making source material sound thicker, warmer, and instantly "finished" without phase harshness.

Where the HE2 truly shines as a centerpiece for mixing and mastering is its hybrid functionality. It offers Stereo, Dual-Mono, and built-in Mid/Side (M/S) matrixing. Plus, with its onboard USB/Ethernet digital control, you can tweak settings directly on the unit or control and recall everything via a dedicated DAW plugin. Combined with per-channel hardware insert loops, it bridges the gap between true analog richness and modern plugin convenience better than almost anything in its class.

Key Takeaways for Your Studio:

• Revolutionary HarmonicEQ® Engine: 3 bands of parametric saturation (LO, MID, HI) per channel that sculpt tone through harmonic generation rather than standard digital/analog filtering.

• DAW Plugin Control & Instant Recall: Seamlessly connect via USB or Ethernet to automate settings, save presets, and achieve 100% accurate session recall inside your DAW.

• Built-In Mid/Side & Hardware Inserts: M/S matrixing allows for precise stereo-width shaping, while post-M/S TRS inserts let you patch in extra outboard gear before the EQ processing.

• Dynamic Gain & Variable Cut Filters: Features up to ±20dB of input/output level drive to push the saturation circuits harder or back them off, alongside progressive Hi-Cut and Lo-Cut filters.

Whether you're warming up digital stems, adding high-end air to vocals, or using M/S harmonic shaping to glue a master bus, the Cranborne Audio Carnaby HE2 is one of the most versatile and inspiring spectral processors available today.

Overview

The Carnaby HE2 is a 2U, 19-inch rackmount 2-channel 3-band HarmonicEQ® processor—an evolution of Cranborne Audio's revolutionary, award-winning Carnaby 500 module. Designed for stereo, dual-mono, or Mid/Side operation, the Carnaby HE2 uses genuine analog harmonic saturation rather than traditional filter circuits to boost and cut frequency content. The result is a tonally rich, musical, and euphonic spectral processor that enhances individual sources, stems, and mix masters with the familiarity, feel, and precision of an equalizer.

Revolutionary HarmonicEQ® Engine

Unlike conventional analog equalizers that rely solely on phase-shifting filters, the Carnaby HE2 generates frequency-specific harmonic saturation to shape tone:

• HI Band (5kHz – 25kHz): High-shelf filter utilizing smooth saturation to extend high frequencies beyond the audible spectrum, adding shimmering air and breath to vocals and acoustic sources.

• MID Band (200Hz – 6.2kHz): Parametric peaking filter with a fixed Q that adds presence, density, and midrange emphasis.

• LO Band (20Hz – 420Hz): Low-shelf filter utilizing hard-clipping saturation to extend sub-harmonic frequencies into the audible low end, ideal for subtle warming or deep sub-bass density.

Dynamic Level Control & Filtering

Each band offers up to 10dB of boost/cut alongside sweepable, overlapping frequency controls. Featuring per-channel ±20dB Input and Output level trims, engineers can drive the saturation-core engine harder for dense, euphonic harmonic color or back it off for subtle, pristine tone-shaping. Channel-level bypassable High-Cut and Low-Cut filters provide additional pre- or post-shaping.

Full Digital Remote Control & DAW Integration

The Carnaby HE2 bridges the gap between pure analog hardware and modern hybrid workflows. Equipped with USB and Ethernet connectivity, all hardware encoders and switches can be controlled remotely in real time using the Carnaby HE2 Control VST3/AU/AAX plugin wrapper. This allows for instant session recall, DAW automation, and preset management directly from your host software. Dimmable front-panel LED rings mirror every parameter adjustment made inside the DAW.

Mid/Side Processing & Insert Loops

Built specifically with mixing and mastering applications in mind, the Carnaby HE2 features onboard Mid/Side encoding and decoding, allowing independent HarmonicEQ® application to the center and side components of a stereo field without requiring extra external matrix hardware. Additionally, each channel features a dedicated, bypassable TRS insert loop (post M/S encoding, pre M/S decoding) for integrating external outboard compressors or EQs directly into the unit’s signal chain.

Warranty

This item is sold without the Sound Pure 3-year warranty (used / B-stock / dealer-exempt). Coverage terms for items in this category live in Terms & Conditions, Section 27.

Returns

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