⚡️ A Smarter Way To Use Black Box HG-2 ⚡️

Ever wished you could dial in HG-2 without constantly adjusting the output knob?

Well now you can (and more) with the Black Box HG-2 Companion!

Black Box HG-2 and HG-2MS are a powerful saturation processors, but they has a few minor issues that make using them a little difficult...

❌ No linked input and output knobs

❌ No level compensated Pentode/Triode knobs (in HG-2)

❌ Inaccurate level-compensated Pentode/Triode knobs (in HG-2MS)

❌ No level-compensated Saturation knob

❌ The "Alt Tube" button adds +1.5dB of gain when engaged

❌ Adds a wide +0.9dB bell at 5.7kHz by default

❌ Lowers overall signal by -0.2dB by default

Black Box HG-2 Companion solves this by adding the following new features:

✅ A headroom knob (links input and output knobs)

✅ Global Auto-Gain Compensation (via TBProAudio ABLM2)

✅ Auto-Gain Lock (to pause the Auto-Gain measurements and lock in the output level)

✅ A switch to flatten out the default +0.9dB 5.7kHz boost (to be more suitable for mastering)

✅ A Delta switch

✅ Undo/Redo

✅ Ability to finely adjust all plugin parameters using the arrow keys

✅ Includes custom startup presets that measure perfectly flat

System Compatibility:

• MacOS 12 Monterey and above (Intel & Apple Silicon)
• Windows 10 (64-bit) and above

Host Compatibility:

• Any DAW running Blue Cat's PatchWork v2.75 or later

Plugin Requirements (AU or VST3):

• Plugin Alliance Black Box Analog Design HG-2 or HG-2MS
• TBProAudio ABLM2 v2.2.13 or later

What is ABLM2?

TBProAudio's AB Loudness Match 2 consists of a pair of gain control plugins (a sender and receiver) that enable level matched and sample accurate AB comparisons of plugins or entire FX chains.

Why was it used in Black Box HG-2 Companion?

Integrating it into this was essential, as both the HG-2 and the HG-2MS have numerous parameters that can significantly impact their output volume. By automating the handling of their output, we can focus more effectively on evaluating their effects and understanding their actual impact, rather than spending time trying to level match first, and then assess results.

How do I use Black Box HG-2 Companion?

You can either use these plugins exactly as you've been using them (while auto-gain does its thing), or via Patchwork's macros - each mapped to all the same parameters, but with some extra added benefits as listed above.

I recommend only using Patchwork's controls, and with HG-2/MS and ABLM2 visible - which is how these presets load up by default. (If you ever want to hide these plugins or re-position them upon loading a preset, you can do so, and then save/overwrite the Patchwork preset).

💡 Note that Patchwork's macros are mapped only to the Left/Mid sections of HG-2MS. If adjusting parameters on the Right/Side section of HG-2MS's GUI, knob positions won't appear to change in Patchwork's GUI, although they will have behind the scenes. Additionally, If "Parameter Link" is disabled, then you will need to use HG-2MS's GUI to control the Right/Side section. Auto-Gain will still be compensating for volume changes in any case.

Once you're done dialing in HG-2/MS, just engage the "AG Lock" switch, to pause/lock in ABLM2's measured output, since loudness gets measured/compensated every 400ms by default. (This default measurement can be changed within ABLM2 if needed, but this ensures the fastest output adjustments when adjusting parameters). While this dynamic compensation is not entirely ideal to use on certain dynamics processors, this is the best solution thus far to compensate for loudness changes in plugins that don't currently offer accurate (or any) gain compensation. Just don't forget to engage the AG Lock switch - otherwise ABLM2 can act as dynamics processor itself.

Are there any other things to know when using ABLM2?

Yes, please read this.

Files included:

Release Notes:

v1.0.0:

• Initial Release

Returns & Exchanges

Due to the nature of this digital product, returns are not possible unfortunately. However, I am committed to providing exceptional support for all purchases. If you have any questions or issues, please reach out with your transaction ID and I'll be happy to assist.

We hope these "companion" presets help make using this plugin a little easier!

Enjoy!