Cranborne Audio Carnaby 500 HarmonicEQ

The Cranborne Audio Carnaby 500 is the world’s first HarmonicEQ™ — a 3-band parametric EQ for the 500 series format that combines traditional EQ controls with unique harmonic saturation. Each band not only boosts or cuts frequencies but also introduces harmonics tailored to its range, adding warmth, air, or sub-harmonic power in a way that’s musical and dynamic. With stereo-linking via OptoSync™, stepped controls, and true-bypass switching, the Carnaby 500 delivers analogue colour and EQ precision like no other.

Key Features

• World-First HarmonicEQ™ — combines EQ curves with harmonic saturation for enriched analogue tone shaping.
• 3 Parametric Bands:
  • High Shelf (5 kHz–25 kHz) with smooth saturation for natural air and presence.
  • Mid Peak (200 Hz–6.2 kHz, fixed Q) with saturation that emphasises harmonic detail across the midrange.
  • Low Shelf (20 Hz–420 Hz) with hard-clipping saturation to extend sub-harmonics into the audible spectrum.
• Dynamic Response — boost/cut range and harmonic intensity increase as input levels are driven harder.
• ±20 dB Input/Output Trim for clean EQ or dense saturation/distortion effects.
• OptoSync™ Stereo Linking — wireless LED/optical communication links two or more units for stereo or multi-channel control.
• TRS Link — for linking non-adjacent modules.
• Auto-Calibration ensures precise stereo matching across modules.
• True Bypass Switching with full or post-input trim options.
• Stepped Front-Panel Controls for precision and easy recall.
• Designed and engineered in the UK.

Specifications

• General Performance
  • Max Input Level: +26 dBu (<0.003% THD)
  • Max Output Level: +26 dBu (<0.003% THD)
  • Noise Floor: <-93 dBu (all bands bypassed)
  • Input Impedance: 10 kΩ
  • Output Impedance: 150 Ω
  • Current Draw: 140 mA per rail (idle), 160 mA (peak)
• EQ Bands
  • High Band: Shelf, 5 kHz–25 kHz, ±12 dB boost/cut; harmonics ~8% THD+N @ +4 dBu, ~12% THD+N @ +14 dBu
  • Mid Band: Peak, 200 Hz–6.2 kHz, ±10 dB boost/cut; harmonics ~8% THD+N @ +4 dBu, ~12% THD+N @ +14 dBu
  • Low Band: Shelf, 20 Hz–420 Hz, ±12 dB boost/cut; harmonics ~8% THD+N @ +4 dBu, ~12% THD+N @ +14 dBu
• Environmental
  • Operating Temperature: +1 to 35 °C
  • Storage Temperature: -20 to 50 °C
• Dimensions & Weight
  • Unit: 6.6″ W × 1.2″ H × 5.2″ D
  • Unit Weight: 0.9 lb
  • Shipping Carton: 9.5″ W × 7.8″ H × 4″ D
  • Shipping Weight: 1.1 lb
• Notes: All specifications are typical and subject to change. Tested with Audio Precision APx555.