The team at Cranborne Audio have burst onto the scene in a big way, bringing something new and tasty to the market. A copy of something old? Not a chance. Cranborne Audio are spicing things up. Here’s we get the Carnaby HE2 set up and put through its paces.
Introduction
The Cranborne Audio Carnaby HE2 is a 2U, 19‑inch rack‑mount, 3‑band parametric HarmonicEQ® stereo equaliser, packing analogue character with digital recall and control. Serving as the rack‑mount successor to the Carnaby 500, it brings Cranborne’s signature harmonic‑saturation EQ concept into a modern, studio‑friendly form with flexible routing options.
Ideal for mixing, mastering, and creative sound‑shaping, it offers intuitive tactile control, immersive analogue tone, and hybrid digital integration to streamline workflows.
What’s in the Box
While the Cranborne site doesn’t list every unboxing detail, standard offerings include:
- The Carnaby HE2 hardware (internal PSU, 100–240V)
- Power and USB‑C/network cables
- Control plugin (VST/AU/AAX) for remote parameter control and preset recall
Highlight Features
HarmonicEQ® – 3 Independent Bands
Each channel includes three bypass‑able, interactive HarmonicEQ® bands:
- HI band: 5 kHz – 25 kHz, offering smooth saturation to add “air” and “breath” to vocals and acoustic sources
- MID band: 200 Hz – 6.2 kHz, fixed Q peaking filter for midrange emphasis with harmonic richness
- LO band: 20 Hz – 420 Hz, hard‑clipping saturation to extend sub‑harmonics and thicken bass response
Each band offers ±10 dB of boost/cut, with unique harmonic tonalities per band, yielding rich colouration rather than sterile tone-shaping.
Dynamic Response & Level Control
Uniquely, the Carnaby HE2 responds dynamically: drive input and output levels harder (±20 dB available) to increase boost/cut intensity and harmonic saturation. Reduce levels for cleaner, more transparent EQ use.
Flexible Operation Modes
Supports:
- Stereo
- Dual‑Mono
- Mid/Side — process mid and side components separately for mastering and stereo‑image adjustments without extra hardware.
Digital Integration & Preset Recall
USB and ethernet connectivity enable remote control and recall via a plugin (VST/AU/AAX), syncing DAW workflow with physical control and LED ring feedback on the front panel.
Additional Tonal Tools
- HF and LF cut controls (bypassable per channel) for sculpting
- Per-channel TRS inserts, located post-mid/side encoding and pre-processing, for seamlessly incorporating outboard gear into the signal path
Construction & Connectivity
- True-bypass IN/OUT switching per channel
- Stepped, tactile front-panel controls for precision and recall
- Internal PSU supports 100–240V mains, making it suitable globally
Sound & Performance
Users consistently describe the Carnaby HE2 as bringing musicality rather than technical precision, and we can see why. In fact, we completely agree.
This speaks to the HE2’s ability to enhance clarity and depth within minutes—what users often achieve with multiple plugins—thanks to the harmonic saturation and dynamic responsiveness.
Workflow & Usability
- Intuitive Tactile Control: LED-ringed encoders offer quick visual feedback on parameter positions and modulation states.
- Remote Control Capability: Drag and automate parameters via DAW plugin control, streamlined recall and adjustments without stepping to the rack.
- Fast Sound Modeling: A musician-friendly unit that inspires creative sculpting rather than methodical frequency editing.
Build Quality & Value
Crafted with rugged stepped controls, an internal PSU, and stereo rack presence, the HE2 melds durability with elegance. The pricing positions it as a high-end investment—but its unique sonic imprint and hybrid flexibility justify the cost for serious professionals.
Verdict
The Cranborne Audio Carnaby HE2 is a standout unit—bridging the warmth and unpredictability of analogue saturation with the precision and convenience of modern workflow.
For mixers, mastering engineers, and sound designers looking for characterful, inspiring tone-shaping with real-world workflow integration, the Carnaby HE2 is a transformative tool.
Read more on the Cranborne Audio HE2 on the Cranborne Audio website
