Cranborne Audio 500R8 USB Audio Interface & 8-Slot 500 Series Rack

Cranborne Audio 500R8 is an all-in-one studio hub combining an 8-slot 500 series rack, 28-in/30-out USB 2.0 audio interface, discrete analogue summing mixer, monitor controller, and zero-latency artist mixer. With world-class AD/DA conversion (121 dB dynamic range, <0.00032% THD+N), reference-grade clocking (<0.5 ps jitter), and deep integration with Cranborne’s C.A.S.T. system, 500R8 delivers the tools needed to bridge analogue character with digital precision. Fill it with your favourite 500 series modules, expand via ADAT or S/PDIF, and create a complete hybrid recording and mixing workflow from one powerful unit.

Key Features

• 28-In/30-Out USB Audio Interface — low-latency USB 2.0 connectivity, compatible with PC/macOS, ADAT I/O (16/16 @ 48 kHz, 8/8 @ 96 kHz), S/PDIF I/O, and MIDI I/O.
• Reference-Class Conversion — 121 dB dynamic range, -1 dB response from 2.2 Hz to >80 kHz, <0.00032% THD+N, +24 dBu max I/O.
• Integrated Monitor Controller — speaker A/B switching, Mono, Dim, Mute, talkback input with phantom, and 28-segment peak meter.
• Analogue Summing Mixer — 8-into-2 mixer with +26.5 dBu headroom and dedicated ADC; expand to 16-into-2 with 500ADAT via C.A.S.T. link.
• Zero-Latency Artist Mixer — per-channel level/pan controls, DAW return blend, and dual high-powered headphone outputs with independent mixes.
• High-Power Headphone Amps — flat frequency response to <1 Hz, 1.21 W per channel @ 100 Ω, THD+N <0.00085%.
• 8-Slot High-Current Rack — 250 mA per slot (2 A total), XLR I/O, TRS inserts, module source select (Analogue/USB/C.A.S.T.), slot bypass switches.
• C.A.S.T. Connectivity — transport balanced audio and phantom power over Cat 5e/6/7 cable up to 100 m, compatible with N22/N22H breakout boxes.
• Expandable — pair with 500ADAT or other ADAT expanders for up to 16 channels of I/O and summing.
• Designed & engineered in the UK; each unit rigorously tested with Audio Precision APx555.

Specifications

• Digital Performance
  • A/D Dynamic Range: 121 dB A-weighted
  • A/D THD+N: <0.00032% (-110 dB) @ -4 dBFS
  • D/A Dynamic Range: 121 dB A-weighted
  • D/A THD+N: <0.0003% (-110.5 dB) @ -4 dBFS
  • Max Input/Output Level: +24 dBu
  • Clock: <0.5 ps jitter, Word Clock I/O (BNC)
• Analogue Summing Mixer
  • 8-into-2 (expandable to 16-into-2 with 500ADAT)
  • Headroom: +26.5 dBu
  • Dynamic Range: 108 dB A-weighted
  • THD+N: <0.0007% @ +23 dBu
• Headphone Amplifiers
  • Output Power (per channel): 250 mW @ 600 Ω; 650 mW @ 220 Ω; 1.21 W @ 100 Ω; 500 mW @ 32 Ω
  • Frequency Response: -1 dB, <1 Hz to >70 kHz
  • THD+N: <0.00085% (-101.4 dB) @ +20 dBu, 300 Ω load
  • Dynamic Range: 114.5 dB A-weighted
  • Output Impedance: 0.33 Ω
• 500 Series Rack
  • 8 slots, 250 mA per slot (2 A total)
  • XLR inputs/outputs, TRS inserts per slot
  • Slot source select (Analogue, USB, C.A.S.T.), slot bypass switches
• Dimensions & Weight
  • Unit: 19″ W × 7.3″ H (4U) × 8.6″ D
  • Unit Weight: 15.4 lb
  • Shipping Carton: 21.7″ W × 11″ H × 13.2″ D
  • Shipping Weight: 16.5 lb
• Power & Environment
  • External 24 V, 5 A locking PSU (120 W)
  • AC Input: 100–240 V AC, 50–60 Hz
  • Operating Temperature: +1 to 30 °C; Storage: -20 to 50 °C
• Notes: Specifications typical unless otherwise stated. Tested with APx555 at 192 kHz internal clock; HF response varies by sample rate.