More than just an incredible EQ

The Black Box Analog Design HG-Q is a 3U boutique hardware EQ and saturator that offers digital plug-in control over its true-analog, tube-driven circuitry. Far from a traditional EQ or clone of a classic, the HG-Q is a revolutionary creative powerhouse that reshapes and enhances your sound in ways traditional EQs could only dream of.

More than just an incredible EQ

The HG-Q combines unique topology, flexible tube saturation, and the ability to cut and boost simultaneously to create a totally new kind of audio enhancement tool.

This dual-mono, stereo, and M/S-capable EQ offers six fully independent and interactive bands for creative frequency shaping and sculpting, combined with acclaimed tube saturation circuitry that adds rich harmonic detail, depth and energy without compromising clarity — taking analog EQ and enhancement to a new level of integration and flexibility.

A standout feature is the saturation circuit, which adds rich harmonic content without muddying transients or mix clarity. Unlike conventional saturation, the HG-Q’s circuit brings out lower-level details and enhances the mix’s density, resulting in a fuller, more vibrant sound.

Get creative!

HG-Q creates astonishing new possibilities for creativity and workflow.

The heart of the HG-Q is a topology where the bands interact with each other in complex ways, allowing the HG-Q to deliver incredible sonic shaping well beyond the scope of traditional equalizers.

The 2X mode further expands the EQ’s range, allowing up to 16 dB boosts and cuts with intensified saturation that brings out every harmonic nuance. The result is a more cohesive, balanced, and musically engaging sound, achievable even at aggressive settings.

By boosting, cutting, adding saturation, and switching between series and parallel configurations, you will achieve wildly complex interactions and curves impossible on traditional EQs.

True analog processing with plugin control

Seamlessly linked with its included plugin counterpart, the HG-Q plugin delivers digital control over the hardware’s true all-analog circuitry.

But it doesn’t stop there. The HG-Q plugin is not simply a controller; it’s also a fully-modeled digital re-creation of the hardware; ideal deal for remote projects where you can’t bring your physical HG-Q with you.

The plugin even offers functionality beyond that of the hardware: you get a spectrum analyzer and not found on the hardware unit. allowing you to visualize how boosting or cutting on one band affects frequencies far outside its range. An extended control view provides a dedicated knob for each function and control.