Cranborne Audio Carnaby HE2
The Cranborne Audio Carnaby HE2 is a 2-channel, 3-band parametric analogue equaliser built around Cranborne Audio’s unique HarmonicEQ technology. Designed for Stereo, Dual Mono and Mid/Side operation, Carnaby HE2 combines conventional EQ control with harmonic saturation to shape frequency content while adding analogue harmonic character.
An evolution of the Carnaby 500, the Carnaby HE2 provides three interactive HarmonicEQ bands per channel, dedicated input and output level controls, Hi and Lo Cut filters, analogue insert points, Mid/Side processing and full digital control via USB or Ethernet.
HarmonicEQ Analogue Equalisation
Unlike conventional analogue EQ designs, HarmonicEQ uses harmonic saturation as part of the boost and cut process. Each of the three bands incorporates a different saturation characteristic selected for its frequency range.
The response is also dynamic. As the circuitry is driven harder, both the amount of harmonic content and the overall EQ response increase.
With ±20 dB of input and output level adjustment, Carnaby HE2 can be driven harder for increased saturation and distortion or operated at lower levels for cleaner EQ processing.
Three Interactive EQ Bands
Each channel provides three bypassable and interactive HarmonicEQ bands with sweepable frequency controls.
HI Band
The high-frequency shelving band covers 5 kHz to 25 kHz. It uses smooth saturation designed to extend harmonic content beyond the audio band and shape high-frequency detail.
MID Band
The Mid band is a fixed-Q peaking filter with a frequency range from 200 Hz to 6.2 kHz. Harmonic saturation is used to add emphasis throughout the midrange.
LO Band
The low-frequency shelving band covers 20 Hz to 420 Hz. It uses hard-clipping saturation to extend sub-harmonic frequencies into the audible low-frequency range.
Stereo, Dual Mono and Mid/Side Processing
Carnaby HE2 can operate in Stereo, Dual Mono or Mid/Side configurations.
In Mid/Side mode, the processor internally encodes a stereo signal into Mid and Side components, allowing the centre and stereo-width information to be processed independently with HarmonicEQ. The signal is then decoded back to stereo internally, requiring no additional Mid/Side hardware.
Hi and Lo Cut Filters
Each channel features independently bypassable Hi Cut and Lo Cut filters.
The Hi Cut is a progressive-slope low-pass filter with a frequency range from 8 kHz to 40 kHz.
The Lo Cut is a progressive-slope high-pass filter covering 18 Hz to 180 Hz.
Analogue Insert Points
A balanced TRS insert is provided on each channel, with dedicated send and return connections.
The insert is positioned after the HarmonicEQ processing stage. In Mid/Side operation, the inserts are located after Mid/Side encoding and before decoding, allowing external analogue hardware to be inserted into the Mid or Side signal paths.
Digital Control and Recall
Although Carnaby HE2 provides analogue HarmonicEQ processing, its controls can be operated remotely using Cranborne Audio’s Carnaby HE2 Control software.
USB and Ethernet connectivity allow real-time parameter control and recall from a DAW, as well as independent saving and loading of presets.
Carnaby HE2 Control is available in standalone form and as AAX, VST3 and AU plug-in formats.
Key Features
-
2-channel, 3-band analogue HarmonicEQ
-
2U 19-inch rackmount format
-
Harmonic saturation integrated into EQ boost and cut
-
Three bypassable HarmonicEQ bands per channel
-
Parametric LO and HI shelving bands
-
Fixed-Q parametric MID peaking band
-
±20 dB input and output level control
-
Stereo operation
-
Dual Mono operation
-
Integrated Mid/Side encoding and decoding
-
Bypassable Hi Cut and Lo Cut filters per channel
-
Balanced bypassable TRS insert per channel
-
True bypass switching per channel
-
Stepped front-panel controls
-
LED saturation indicators for LO, MID and HI bands
-
USB remote control
-
Ethernet network control
-
DAW parameter control and recall
-
Preset save and recall
-
Carnaby HE2 Control software
-
AAX, VST3 and AU plug-in formats
Technical Specifications
Maximum input level: +26.0 dBu at <0.003% THD
Maximum output level: +26.0 dBu at <0.003% THD
Noise floor: < -93 dBu with all bands bypassed
Input impedance: 10 kΩ
Output impedance: 150 Ω
HI band type: High shelf
HI frequency range: 5 kHz to 25 kHz
MID band type: Peak filter
MID frequency range: 200 Hz to 6.2 kHz
LO band type: Low shelf
LO frequency range: 20 Hz to 420 Hz
Hi Cut: Progressive-slope low-pass filter
Hi Cut frequency range: 8 kHz to 40 kHz
Lo Cut: Progressive-slope high-pass filter
Lo Cut frequency range: 18 Hz to 180 Hz
Inserts: Balanced 1/4-inch TRS, dedicated send and return
Mid/Side: Internal encoder/decoder with sum-difference matrix
Dimensions: 48.3 × 8.9 × 23.6 cm
Rack size: 2U
Weight: 6 kg
