Plugin Alliance have announced the launch of Black Box Analog Design HG-Q, a modelled version of an upcoming hardware EQ unit that’s been in the making for seven years. Developed in a collaboration between Brainworx and Black Box themselves, the plug-in aims to combine analogue warmth with cutting-edge flexibility and tonal depth, and promises to reshape and enhance sounds in a new and unique way.
Building on the success of the HG-2 — a valve-based saturation processor that has also been modelled by Brainworx — the HG-Q sees Black Box Analog Design turn their attention to EQ, taking an interesting approach that intends to bridge the gap between analogue and digital. The unit employs both valve and solid-state circuitry: dialling in a boost relies on the former, adding additional harmonic content for ‘character’, while performing a cut utilises the latter, offering a cleaner sound with lower distortion figures.
The plug-in version faithfully models the signal path of its hardware counterpart, and promises to deliver a rich, warm tone while providing detailed control over every element of a mix. There are three bands, each equipped with independent cut and boost controls and a variable Q. By default, there’s ±8dB of gain available for each band, and it can be increased to ±16dB by engaging a X2 button. Some additional distortion can be introduced thanks to a variable Sat parameter, and it’s also possible to configure the cut and boost paths in series or parallel — both features are available on a per-band basis.
Stereo and dual-mono modes are joined by a Mid-Side option, and a spectrum analyser display occupies the lower section of the plug-in’s GUI, offering a detailed visual overview of the resulting EQ curve and real-time FFT analysis of the input and output signals. A toolbar along the top of the plug-in window then offers some handy tools including undo, redo, copy, paste and reset functions, and provides A, B, C and D presets that make it possible to switch between up to four different settings.
Compatibility
Black Box Analog Design HG-Q is supported on PCs running Windows 10 or above, and Macs running macOS 12 and higher. VST2, VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available.
Pricing & Availability
Black Box Analog Design HG-Q is available now, and is being offered at an introductory price of $89.99 until 6 February 2025, when it will increase to its full cost of $249.
www.plugin-alliance.com/en/products/black_box_analog_design_hg-q.html
