Currently, many audio engineers are integrating 500 series into their studio using complex analogue cabling, an analogue rack, and by using-up the analogue I/O on the back of their audio interface. The amount of cabling and the complexities of achieving this setup leaves a lot to be desired and the headache of patching and re-patching takes the focus away from making music and onto being an electrical engineer!
Cranborne Audio offer two models of their 500 series rack - one features ADAT I/O designed predominantly to connect to an existing ADAT-equipped audio interface, whilst 500R8 features a USB audio interface built-in allowing 500 series to integrate directly with a computer. One thing is common between them: they make integrating 500 series modules much easier - and better - in almost all studio set-ups.
Let's see how 500ADAT and 500R8 are 500 series made easy.
1. Goodbye To Cable Spaghetti
500ADAT seamlessly integrates the 500 series format into your studio without running multiple analogue cables to and from your audio interface’s I/O. D-subs, XLRs, and TRS jacks cost money, take up space, and look unsightly. 500ADAT exchanges all of that copper for 2 optical cables. With 500ADAT, there are less physical electrical contacts to go wrong and less margin for error during patching. Spend more time making music and less time patching.
2. Get More Recording And Playback Channels From Your Audio Interface
Moving 500 series connectivity away from analogue lines to ADAT means that all of your interface’s analogue I/O is freed up and available for use elsewhere. ADAT is often left unused on audio interfaces whilst precious analogue I/O is permanently plumbed into your 500 series rack or patch bay. Move your 500 series modules to those dusty ADAT ports, free up those Line Ins and outs, and utilise more of your audio interface’s available I/O.
3. Upgrade Your Conversion
With converters and digital clocking built-in that exceeds the technical performance of the best audio interfaces on the market, 500ADAT not only gives you more channels during recording and mix down, but also elevates your sonic capture capabilities to the next level with huge dynamic range, inaudible THD+N, and less than 0.5 picoseconds of clock jitter.
4. Simplify Your Hybrid Studio Workflow
Remove the complexities of analogue I/O levels, re-patching, and patch bays by moving towards a simpler, yet more advanced integration of 500 series and other analogue equipment. 500ADAT’s module source switches allow for Analogue XLR or ADAT sources to be routed through the 500 series modules at a flick of a switch. 500ADAT is a completely optimised and fool proof way of using 500 series during recording and mixing.
5. 500 Series Made Easy, and Made Better
Not only does 500ADAT sit in the same place as your current 500 seres rack and analogue cabling, but it also brings much, much more to your studio capabilities. It also features a reference-class headphone amplifier and a high-headroom analogue summing mixer in one integrated, high-performance, and streamlined package.
"Cranborne's 500ADAT sounds great, boasts useful facilities, and makes adding 500-series processors to your existing audio interface convenient and hassle-free. You get a lot for your money too!"
Sound On Sound November 2019
1. Your New, Streamlined USB Audio Interface
500R8 is a completely standalone, plug-and-play USB audio interface with a very unique twist - you can customise its analogue circuits to suit your needs and sonic tastes by utilising the 500 series format. Fill it full of vintage 500 series preamps to record Bonham-style drums, clean and pristine preamps when the orchestra calls, or EQs/Compressors when it’s time to mix. 500R8 is the first completely analogue/digital hybrid USB audio interface designed entirely by you.
2. Goodbye To Cable Spaghetti
500R8 seamlessly integrates 500 series into your studio simply using a laptop/PC and USB cable. D-subs, XLRs, TRS jacks cost money, take up space, and look unsightly. 500R8 exchanges all of that copper for a USB cable to create a completely integrated, streamlined, and customisable recording/mixing experience for the studio and on the road.
3. Upgrade Your Conversion
With converters and digital clocking built-in that exceeds the technical performance of the best audio interfaces on the market, 500R8 not only allows for you to design your own analogue front-end thanks to the 500 series format, but also ensures that the analogue signal is converted with the utmost detail and clarity with enough converter headroom to drive those modules properly!
4. Simplify Your Hybrid Studio Workflow
Remove the complexities of analogue I/O levels, re-patching, XLR/TRS adapters, and patch bays by moving towards a simpler, yet more advanced integration of 500 series and other analogue equipment. 500R8’s module source switches allow for Analogue XLR or USB sources to be routed through the 500 series modules at a flick of a switch. 500R8 is a completely optimised, plug-and-play, and fool proof way of using 500 series during recording and mixing.
5. More Of The Analogue Essentials
500R8 is not only a 500 series chassis and USB audio interface, it’s also your new Monitor Controller, Reference-Class Headphone Amplifier, and Analogue Summing Mixer in a completely integrated package. 500R8 replaces several elements of a studio in one, streamlined package with complete circuit optimisation from mic input to speaker output.
6. Complete 500 Series Studio For the Road
Packed into a robust 4u, 19” chassis, 500R8 is a roadworthy, all-in-one solution that allows you to take your complete 500 series studio on the road as the ultimate hybrid studio mobile rig. No 12u rack case, audio interface, and D-subs required - just bring 500R8, a laptop, and your ears.
"The bottom line is that this melting-pot of an interface is a genuine triumph”.
Sound On Sound September 2019
This new blog is presented by the team at Sound Technology Ltd, a leading distributor of musical instruments and pro audio equipment in the UK and ROI.
