Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $1,833
High-end/Boutique
$100
$501+
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Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Cranborne Audio Carnaby HE2 Harmonic EQ". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Step up your sound game with the Cranborne Audio Carnaby HE2 Harmonic EQ, a versatile and dynamic tool designed for serious studio enthusiasts. Building upon the renowned Carnaby 500, the HE2 offers a unique HarmonicEQ circuit that injects harmonic saturation into your mixes, creating warmth and depth like never before. This 2-channel, 2U rackmount unit features a 3-band parametric EQ with interactive bands, allowing for stereo, dual-mono, and mid-side processing configurations. Each band is tailored with its own harmonic character, offering smooth saturation in the high frequencies and robust low-end enhancements.
What sets the Carnaby HE2 apart is its dynamic response, which increases the harmonic content as you drive the circuits harder. With +/-20dB level control on each band, you can craft anything from crystal-clear EQ to rich harmonic distortion. The unit also includes bypassable TRS inserts on both channels for added versatility, letting you integrate outboard gear seamlessly.
For those who thrive in digital domains, the Carnaby HE2 offers full remote operation via USB and Ethernet. The accompanying VST/AU/AAX control plug-in allows for real-time adjustments and preset recall directly from your DAW, while the intuitive interface, complete with LED rings and digital encoders, ensures a streamlined workflow.
Key Features:
- 3-band HarmonicEQ with saturation-core technology for enriched sound.
- Supports stereo, dual-mono, and mid-side processing.
- Dynamic response increases harmonic content with increased drive.
- Full remote control via USB and Ethernet with DAW integration.
- Bypassable TRS inserts for additional outboard processing.
- User-friendly interface with LED rings and digital encoders.
- Internal PSU with switchable mains for 100-240V operation.
Product specs
| Type | Solid State |
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Number of Bands | 3 |
| High Pass Filter | Yes |
| Low Pass Filter | Yes |
| Freq Range High | 5kHz-25kHz |
| Freq Range Mid | 200Hz-6.2kHz |
| Freq Range Low | 20Hz-420Hz |
| Inputs | 2 x XLR, 2 x 1/4" |
| Outputs | 2 x XLR, 2 x 1/4" |
| Frequency Range | 20Hz-40kHz |
| Rack Spaces | 2U |
| Power Source | Standard IEC AC cable |
| Height | 3.5" |
| Depth | 9.3" |
| Width | 19" |
| Weight | 13 lbs. |
FAQs
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What is the primary function of the Cranborne Audio Carnaby HE2 Harmonic EQ?
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The Cranborne Audio Carnaby HE2 Harmonic EQ is designed to enhance audio signals by adding harmonic content and shaping the frequency response across three bands, making it ideal for creative sound processing in studio environments.
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How many channels does the Cranborne Audio Carnaby HE2 support?
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The Cranborne Audio Carnaby HE2 supports two channels, allowing for stereo processing or dual mono operation.
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What are the input and output options for the Cranborne Audio Carnaby HE2?
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The Cranborne Audio Carnaby HE2 features 2 x XLR and 2 x 1/4" inputs and outputs, providing flexible connectivity for various studio setups.
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Does the Cranborne Audio Carnaby HE2 include high pass and low pass filters?
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Yes, the Cranborne Audio Carnaby HE2 is equipped with high pass and low pass filters, allowing for precise control over the frequency spectrum.
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What frequency ranges can the Cranborne Audio Carnaby HE2's bands adjust?
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The Cranborne Audio Carnaby HE2's bands cover frequency ranges of 20Hz-420Hz for low, 200Hz-6.2kHz for mid, and 5kHz-25kHz for high, providing comprehensive tonal shaping capabilities.
Videos
Cranborne Audio
Carnaby HE2 | 2-channel HarmonicEQ® for 19 Inch Rack | Product Overview
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Cranborne Audio Carnaby HE2 Harmonic EQ.
Features and functionality
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The Carnaby HE2 offers per band bypass, extra LF and HF cuts, and M/S encoding/decoding for enhanced control and flexibility in mixing workflows.
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Plugin control in the Carnaby HE2 is highlighted for its efficiency in mixing workflows, allowing for easy session recall.
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The Carnaby HE2 is praised for its ability to make audio sound "sparklier, richer, more dynamic, and ballsier," enhancing mixes significantly.
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The HE2 is characterized as a three-band saturation device rather than a traditional EQ, providing subtle saturation that never becomes overwhelming even when boosted on the top end.
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The HE2's saturation is praised for its ability to enhance audio subtly, making it particularly suited for those who already have traditional EQ hardware and seek additional harmonic enhancement.
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Comparisons
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The Carnaby HE2 is distinct from multi-band saturators like Wavesfactory Spectre and FanFilter Saturn, as it integrates EQ and saturation stages uniquely.
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The Carnaby HE2's analogue saturation is described as richer and more complex than DSP-modeled saturation, attributed to its unique circuit design.
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The Carnaby HE2 is perceived as more sophisticated and user-friendly compared to the Black Box Analog Design HG-Q plugin, which has been criticized for complex controls and limited functionality.
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Unlike the HG-Q, which requires EQ boosts for saturation, the HE2 offers saturation without needing significant EQ adjustments, making it more versatile and intuitive.
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User experience
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Owners report the Carnaby HE2 as a gamechanger, frequently used across various elements like kicks, snares, and acoustic guitars for its rich analogue saturation.
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Owners of the 500 series version of the Carnaby HE2 report satisfaction with its performance, noting that it delivers identical results to the rack version, with potential variations only in operating voltages.
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Use cases and applications
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The Carnaby HE2 is noted for reviving dry guitar DI tracks before amp simulation, enhancing the sound significantly.
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Described as a "mix bus polish" tool rather than a production tool, indicating its strength in final mix embellishments rather than initial recordings.
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The HE2 is noted for its ability to add color and character in a manner similar to Pultec EQs, but with a distinctly "Cranborny" approach, enhancing its appeal for those seeking unique tonal qualities.
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Critic Reviews
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Cranborne Audio Carnaby HE2 Harmonic EQ, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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