Q2 Audio

Based out of Los Angeles, California, Bryce Gonzales and his company, Highland Dynamics, have created a masterclass approach to the vari-mu compressor.

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HIGHLAND DYNAMICS BG1 STEREO COMPRESSOR

3RU Stereo Tube Compressor

HIGHLAND DYNAMICS BG2 COMPRESSOR

Highland Dynamics BG1 Stereo
A modern compressor with a vintage soul, the Highland Dynamics BG1 Stereo Compressor nods to classic tube designs of the 50s and 60s without being a clone stuck in the past.

Like the BG2, the BG1 is a marriage of classic tube compressor topologies. The vintage Altec 436 serves as the starting point for its design but an array of tone tweaks, control modifications and noise improvements elevate that circuit to “very-mu” status, including the legendary British mods.

While the BG1 Stereo omits the heavy-duty, twin 6V6 output stage of the BG2, it gains some very useful features not found in the BG2. The twin compressor channels can be stereo linked via a front panel switch and 9-position Attack and Release controls allow the BG1 Stereo to be used in very fast to incredibly slow settings for anything from drums, to stereo bus or special effects.

COMPRESSION MODES
Perhaps its most unique feature is the ability to change feedback modes between British(B) and American(A) styles. Essentially giving you two completely different compressor sounds to choose from.

British
British mode utilizes a modified Altec 436 plate-to-plate style feedback. With less gain, a cleaner, more hi-fi sound and smoother operation. British mode is the big smooth tube compressor voicing. 

American
American mode lets more harmonics and color come through, instantly changing your BG1 to a different animal altogether. The sound is rich, lively and robust.

THRESHOLD
The three-way Threshold switch determine how much signal can pass before the circuit begins to compress. The Low setting is the classic/stock threshold level. Medium raises the threshold and High raises it even further and can enable soft, transient distortion.

COMPRESSION HOLD
When engaged the Hold switch allows gain reduction but does not allow the compression to release until the switch is placed in Operate mode.

COMPRESSION ON/OFF
There is a compression on/off switch that removes the side-chain tube, turning the compressor into a tube line amp. With the compression turned off, you can drive it into distortion. You can achieve different colors of distortion with both the feedback and input selection switches.

INPUT IMPEDANCE
The BG1 has standard 600 Ohm input, or 150 ohm for more gain and transformer color. It's also useful when running a microphone directly in with no preamp.

LINKING
The twin channels can be linked with the link switch on the front panel.

BUILD
The BG1 build quality is impressive with a rugged chassis, custom transformers, NOS tubes, US and European capacitors, and military-style, US-made Hoyt panel meters. It’s built by hand, for people that truly appreciate thoughtful design and construction.

FEATURES
• Transformer-balanced I/O
• Input and output level controls
• Switchable feedback settings
• 9 attack and release positions
• Link switch for stereo use
• Compression HOLD function
• 600 and 150 ohm input impedance taps





HIGHLAND DYNAMICS BG2 COMPRESSOR

Mono all-tube vintage-inspired compressor

HIGHLAND DYNAMICS BG2 COMPRESSOR

HIGHLAND DYNAMICS BG2
Write less automation. Find more enjoyment. The BG2 is an all-tube, fully transformer-balanced "very-mu" compressor with automatic leveling capability, but there's much more to it than mere leveling.

The BG2 is a marriage of classic tube compressor topologies. Its front end is in the style of a British-modified modified Altec 436 while its twin 6V6 output amp is reminiscent of the venerable RCA BA6A and Gates output stages. The result is a compressor with heavy tube character that sounds more airy and spacious than most.

COMPRESSION MODES
Perhaps its most unique feature is the ability to change feedback modes between British and American styles. Essentially giving you two different compressor sounds to choose from.

British
British mode utilizes a modified Altec 436 plate-to-plate style feedback. With less gain, a cleaner, more hi-fi sound and smoother operation. British mode is the big smooth tube compressor voicing.

American
American mode lets more harmonics and color come through, instantly changing your BG2 to a different animal altogether. The sound is rich, lively and robust.

COMPRESSION ON/OFF
There is a compression on/off switch that removes the side-chain tube, turning the compressor into a line amp. With the compression turned off, you can drive it into distortion. You can achieve different colors of distortion with both the feedback and input selection switches.

INPUT IMPEDANCE
The BG2 has standard 600 Ohm input, or 150 ohm for more gain and transformer color. It's also useful when running a microphone directly in with no preamp.

LINKING
Two BG2s can be linked with a single instrument cable via a 1/4" jack on each rear panel and the link switch on the front panel.

BUILD
The BG2 build quality is impressive with a rugged chassis, custom oversized transformers, US and European capacitors and a striking US-made Simpson panel meter. It's built by hand, for people that truly appreciate thoughtful design and construction.

FEATURES
• Input and output controls
• Switchable feedback settings
• Fast and slow attack
• 6 release positions
• Link switch for stereo use
• 600 and 150 ohm input impedance taps