Cranborne Audio 500R8 8-slot 500 Series Chassis and USB Audio Interface

Cranborne Audio 500R8

The Cranborne Audio 500R8 is a powerful and versatile device combining an 8-slot 500 Series chassis with a high-quality USB audio interface. It’s designed to offer both analog processing and digital recording capabilities, making it an excellent choice for modern studios. Here’s an in-depth look at its features, benefits, and applications:

Features:

1. 8-Slot 500 Series Chassis:

• Modular Flexibility: Accommodates up to eight 500 Series modules. This allows you to customize your signal chain with a variety of preamps, EQs, compressors, and other processors.
• High-Quality Power Supply: Provides reliable power to your 500 Series modules, ensuring stable performance and minimizing noise.

2. USB Audio Interface:

• High-Resolution Conversion: Includes high-quality A/D (analog-to-digital) and D/A (digital-to-analog) converters for precise and clean audio capture and playback.
• Multiple I/O Options: Typically features multiple inputs and outputs via USB, allowing for seamless integration with your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation).
• Low-Latency Performance: Designed to offer low-latency monitoring, which is crucial for recording and mixing in real-time.

3. Comprehensive Connectivity:

• ADAT I/O: Some models may include ADAT connectivity, expanding the number of digital inputs and outputs for greater flexibility.
• MIDI I/O: MIDI capabilities can be included for integrating MIDI hardware and controlling software instruments.

4. Built-In Monitoring and Control:

• Monitor Control: Includes features for controlling headphone and speaker monitoring, offering a flexible monitoring setup.
• Software Integration: Typically comes with dedicated software for managing audio routing, monitor mixes, and other settings, providing a user-friendly interface.

Applications:

1. Studio Recording:

• Analog Processing: Use the 500 Series modules to shape and enhance your sound before it’s converted to digital. This is ideal for adding character and warmth to recordings.
• High-Quality Recording: The USB interface allows for high-resolution recording directly into your DAW, making it suitable for professional-quality productions.

2. Mixing and Mastering:

• Versatile Signal Chain: Build custom analog signal chains for mixing and mastering, utilizing your 500 Series modules to achieve the desired sound.
• Efficient Workflow: The integrated USB interface simplifies the workflow by combining analog processing with digital recording, reducing the need for additional outboard gear.

3. Live Sound:

• Flexible Setup: Use the 500R8 to integrate analog processing with a digital audio system in live sound environments. This setup can enhance the sound of live performances with professional-quality processing.
• Portable Solution: Its combination of 500 Series chassis and USB interface in a single unit makes it a convenient option for mobile recording and live sound applications.

Practical Tips:

1. Optimize Signal Flow:

• Cable Quality: Use high-quality cables to maintain signal integrity between your 500 Series modules, the 500R8, and your other audio equipment.
• Proper Setup: Ensure correct routing and connections in both hardware and software to avoid signal degradation or issues.

2. Leverage Software Controls:

• DAW Integration: Familiarize yourself with the software that comes with the 500R8 to efficiently manage audio routing, monitor mixes, and other settings.
• Update Firmware: Keep the device’s firmware updated to benefit from the latest features and performance improvements.

3. Experiment with Modules:

• Custom Signal Chains: Experiment with different combinations of 500 Series modules to discover unique signal processing chains that suit your style and needs.

Summary:

The Cranborne Audio 500R8 USB Audio Interface and 8-slot 500 Series Chassis offers a comprehensive solution for integrating analog processing with digital recording. Its combination of high-quality conversion, modular flexibility, and advanced connectivity makes it a powerful tool for both recording and live sound. By leveraging its features effectively, you can achieve a high level of audio quality and flexibility in your productions.

Cranborne Audio 500R8 500 Series Chassis and USB Audio Interface Features:

• 28-in/30-out USB interface, summing mixer, artist mixer, and monitor controller
• C.A.S.T. ports per channel for routing analog I/O using passive or active C.A.S.T. breakout boxes via standard Cat 5 cable
• 24-volt, 5A external locking power supply for improved analog audio performance and heat dissipation
• Each 500R8 is extensively tested by a team of dedicated engineers to ensure reliability and consistency
• Low-latency USB 2.0 interface:
• Compatible with macOS and Windows computers
• ADAT I/O (16×16 channels @ 44.1/48kHz, 8×8 channels @ 88.2/96kHz)
• S/PDIF I/O; 5-pin MIDI I/O
• High-performance A/D conversion:
• Dynamic range: 121dB A-weighted dynamic range, 20Hz–20kHz
• Frequency response: 2.2Hz to >80kHz (-1dB)
• THD+N: <0.00032% (-110dB) @ -4dBFS, 20Hz–40kHz (1kHz, A-weighted)
• Max input level: +24dBu
• High-performance D/A conversion:
• Dynamic range: 121dB A-weighted, 20Hz–20kHz
• Frequency response: <1Hz to >61kHz (-1dB)
• THD+N: <0.0003% (-110.5dB) @ -4dBFS, 20Hz–40kHz (1kHz, A-weighted)
• Max Output Level: +24dBu
• Reference-quality internal master clock:
• Sample rates: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, and 192kHz; <0.5ps jitter
• Dedicated word clock I/O via BNC
• External sync options using word clock BNC, S/PDIF, or ADAT
• Monitor controller with talkback:
• Speaker A/B switching, mono check, dim, mute, and 28-segment peak meter
• Dedicated talkback input with phantom power, push-to-talk activation, and automatic routing to all headphone and C.A.S.T. facilities
• Illuminated front-panel controls for all monitor controller functions
• Analog summing mixer:
• 8×2 analog summing mixer with +26.5dBu of headroom and dedicated ADC
• Balanced 1/4-inch jack outputs
• C.A.S.T. link port for increasing summing mixer to 16×2 using Cranborne Audio’s 500ADAT
• Zero-latency artist mixer:
• Analog artist mixer with per-channel physical level/pan controls and DAW return blend controls
• 2 high-power headphone outputs with independent blend and level controls
• Reference-grade headphone amplifier:
• THD+N: <0.0006% (-104.4dB) @ 20dBu, 1kHz A-weighted, 300-ohm load
• Output wattage (1kHz): 250mW x 2 @ 600 ohms, 650mW x 2 @ 220 ohms, 1.21W x 2 @ 100 ohms, 500mW x 2 @ 32 ohms
• Frequency Response: <1Hz to >70kHz (1dB)
• High-current 8-slot 500 Series rack:
• Per-slot current: 250mA , 2A total for all slots
• XLR inputs, XLR line outputs, and TRS inserts (pre-ADC) per 500 Series slot
• Module source switching options to send analog, USB or external C.A.S.T. signals through 500 Series modules
• Per-slot module bypass switches allowing 500R8 to be used without 500 Series modules installed