Highland Dynamics BG2 (#2)

What is the Highland Dynamics BG2?

The Highland Dynamics BG2 is an all-tube, fully transformer-balanced variable-mu (vari-mu) compressor. It pairs a gain-reduction stage styled after a British-modified Altec 436 with a tube output stage in the spirit of an RCA BA6A or Gates Sta-Level, delivering clean, smooth leveling or rich tube-and-transformer grit. Switchable British/American feedback and 150/600-ohm input impedance let you dial in everything from pristine compression to lively harmonic color.

What is the Highland Dynamics BG2 best for?

The BG2 shines on vocals and bass, where its smooth vari-mu compression levels a performance while adding warmth and presence. It is equally at home on snare, kick, guitars, piano, and vocal- or drum-bus duty – or on anything you simply want to run through real tubes and transformers for color. Engineers reach for it as a versatile character compressor for both tracking and mixing.

Is the BG2 at Access Analog the real hardware, or an emulation?

It is the actual Highland Dynamics BG2. Real tubes, real transformers, real circuitry, not a model of them. Real Gear. No Emulations. Through the Analog Matrix plugin you robotically control the physical unit in our studio straight from your DAW, in real time.

How much does it cost to use the Highland Dynamics BG2 at Access Analog?

Access Analog lists the Highland Dynamics BG2 (#2) at Reserve From: $4.29. You can reserve a session or use it on demand through the Analog Matrix plugin, paying with credits (1 credit = $1) or an active subscription; the on-demand rate matches the hourly reservation rate. New accounts get about one free hour of processing (12 free credits) to try it out.

Does the Highland Dynamics BG2 have threshold and ratio controls?

No. Like classic vintage-style tube compressors, the BG2 has no threshold or ratio knobs. You set compression by driving the Input control and trimming the Output while the variable-mu circuit handles gain reduction program-dependently. Your hands-on controls are Input, Output, fast/slow attack, six release positions, British/American feedback, 150/600-ohm impedance, a stereo link switch, and a compression on/off switch that turns the unit into a tube line amp for color and drive.

What’s the difference between British and American mode on the BG2?

British mode gives cleaner, smoother, more open vari-mu compression with a pristine high end, based on the plate-to-plate feedback of a modified Altec 436. American mode lets through more harmonics and color for a richer, livelier, more robust sound. Pair either with the impedance taps – 600 ohm for the cleanest path, 150 ohm for more gain and transformer color – to shape a wide range of tones from one box.

How should I set attack and release on the BG2?

A good starting point on vocals and bass is the slow attack with a medium release for smooth, musical leveling, then adjust to taste. The BG2 has two attack speeds (fast and slow) and six release positions, so faster releases add energy and sustain while slower ones keep compression transparent between phrases. Many engineers favor British mode with 600-ohm impedance for clean control, or American mode with 150 ohm when they want grit.

What is a variable-mu (vari-mu) compressor?

A variable-mu (vari-mu) compressor uses a tube whose gain naturally changes with the level of the incoming signal, so it compresses more as the signal gets louder. The result is a smooth, program-dependent, musical kind of compression that is hard to overdo, which is why vari-mu designs are prized on vocals, bass, and the mix bus. The BG2 is a modern vari-mu built around a remote-cutoff tube, offering more tonal options and steadier recall than most vintage units.

Can I save and recall my BG2 settings through Access Analog?

Yes. Through the Analog Matrix plugin you can save your BG2 settings inside your DAW session and recall them instantly, like any other plugin. Every knob and switch on the interface is robotically linked to the physical hardware, so a recall moves the real controls on the unit. You are processing your DAW audio at line level through the actual BG2.