Cranborne Audio 500ADAT ADAT Expander & 8-Slot 500 Series Rack

Cranborne Audio 500ADAT transforms any ADAT-equipped audio interface into an analogue powerhouse by combining an 8-slot high-current 500 series rack, pristine A/D-D/A conversion, analogue summing, and zero-latency artist monitoring. With 121 dB dynamic range, sub-0.5 ps jitter, and world-class clocking, 500ADAT ensures your favourite 500 series modules sound their best in a modern DAW workflow. Expand by pairing with another 500ADAT or the 500R8, harness C.A.S.T. connectivity to reduce cabling, and enjoy a truly integrated hybrid studio solution.

Key Features

• ADAT Expansion — 8-in/8-out at 44.1/48 kHz, 8-in/8-out at 88.2/96 kHz, 4-in/4-out at 176.4/192 kHz.
• World-Class Conversion — 121 dB dynamic range, <0.00032% THD+N, -1 dB from 2.2 Hz to >80 kHz, jitter <0.5 ps.
• Reference-Grade Clocking — internal clock with word clock I/O (BNC), sync via Word Clock or ADAT.
• High-Current 500 Series Rack — 8 slots with 250 mA per rail (2 A total), gold-flash contacts, bypass switches, and source select (analogue, USB, or C.A.S.T.).
• Analogue Summing Mixer — 8-into-2 summing with +26.5 dBu headroom, expandable to 16-into-2 via C.A.S.T. link.
• Zero-Latency Artist Mixer — per-channel level/pan controls, aux blends, and true analogue monitoring independent of DAW latency.
• Dual Headphone Amps — high-power, reference-grade headphone outputs with independent blend/level controls and linear response down to <1 Hz.
• C.A.S.T. Connectivity — balanced audio over Cat 5e/6/7 cables, integrates with N22/N22H breakout boxes, transports phantom power up to 100 m.
• Expandable — link with 500R8 or additional 500ADAT units for up to 16 channels of I/O, summing, and 500 series processing.
• Designed & Engineered in the UK — rigorously tested with APx555 for reliability and sonic consistency.

Specifications

• Conversion
  • A/D Dynamic Range: 121 dB A-weighted (AES17, 20 Hz–20 kHz)
  • A/D THD+N: <0.00032% (-110 dB) @ -4 dBFS, 20 Hz–40 kHz, 1 kHz, A-weighted
  • D/A Dynamic Range: 121 dB A-weighted
  • D/A THD+N: <0.0003% (-110.5 dB) @ -4 dBFS, 1 kHz, A-weighted
  • Frequency Response: -1 dB, 2.2 Hz to >80 kHz (A/D); -1 dB, <1 Hz to >61 kHz (D/A)
  • Max I/O Level: +24 dBu
• Clock
  • Internal reference-quality master clock
  • Sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz
  • Jitter: <0.5 ps
  • Word Clock input and output via BNC
• Analogue Summing
  • 8-into-2 summing mixer, expandable to 16-into-2 with C.A.S.T. link
  • Headroom: +26.5 dBu
  • Dynamic Range: 108 dB A-weighted
  • THD+N: <0.0007% @ +23 dBu, 1 kHz
• Headphone Amplifiers
  • Dual high-power, reference-grade outputs with discrete mixer
  • Output Power: 250 mW ×2 @ 600 Ω; 650 mW ×2 @ 220 Ω; 1.21 W ×2 @ 100 Ω; 500 mW ×2 @ 32 Ω
  • Frequency Response: -1 dB, <1 Hz to >70 kHz
  • THD+N: <0.00085% (-101.4 dB) @ +20 dBu, 1 kHz, 300 Ω load
  • Dynamic Range: 114.5 dB A-weighted
• 500 Series Rack
  • 8 slots, 250 mA per slot (2 A total)
  • XLR inputs/outputs, TRS inserts per slot
  • Slot bypass switches and source select (Analogue, USB, C.A.S.T.)
• C.A.S.T. Connectivity
  • Dedicated ports per channel for balanced analogue I/O over Cat 5e/6/7
  • Transports 48 V phantom to microphones
  • Works up to 100 m cable runs
• Power & Environment
  • External 24 V, 5 A locking PSU (120 W consumption)
  • AC Input: 100–240 V AC, 50–60 Hz
  • Operating Temperature: +1 to 30 °C
  • Storage Temperature: -20 to 50 °C
• Dimensions & Weight
  • Unit: 481 mm W × 185 mm H (4U) × 219 mm D — 19″ × 7″ × 8.6″
  • Unit Weight: 7 kg
  • Shipping Carton: 550 mm W × 280 mm H × 335 mm D — 21.7″ × 11″ × 13.2″; 7.5 kg
• Notes: Specifications typical unless otherwise stated. Tested with APx555 at 192 kHz internal sample rate/clock. Performance varies with sample rate.