Cranborne Audio
500R8
Best professional studio hub for high quality audio production.
This 8-slot 500 Series rack is a powerful centerpiece for any studio, offering a highly customizable signal chain. It seamlessly integrates a high-quality USB audio interface with extensive I/O, a versatile monitor controller, and an analog summing mixer. Enjoy latency-free monitoring and flexible routing options, allowing you to craft your perfect sound. Its unique C.A.S.T. system simplifies analog audio transmission, making it an indispensable tool for professional audio production and creative workflows.
$1799.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
18
/ 368
#18 in Multitrack Recorders
Price vs Category Average
+293%
Above average
Who it's for
- Producers seeking a versatile studio centerpiece
- Engineers desiring classic analog console sound
- Audio professionals building a custom analog toolkit
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious home studio owners
- Beginners expecting an all-inclusive interface
- Tech-forward users prioritizing the latest connectivity
Performance breakdown
Signal Chain Versatility
Eight slots provide immense flexibility for crafting bespoke analog signal paths.
Summing Mixer Performance
Discrete analog summing adds professional depth and character to digital mixes.
Monitoring Latency
Zero-latency monitoring ensures artists stay perfectly in time during tracking sessions.
Connectivity Integration
C.A.S.T. system simplifies complex studio cabling using standard Cat5 connections.
Conversion Fidelity
Reference-grade AD/DA converters deliver clean, transparent audio for critical listening.
Build Robustness
Heavy-duty chassis construction stands up to the rigors of professional studios.
Key Specs
8 I/O channels with XLR
28 in / 30 out USB audio interface
8-channel discrete analog summing mixer
Reference AD/DA converter
Latency-free monitor mixer
28-segment LED metering
C.A.S.T. system for Cat5 transmission
Dimensions
481 x 185 x 219 mm
Know before you buy
Yes, the 500R8 functions as a fully operational 28-in/30-out USB audio interface even if the 500 Series slots are empty. However, you will need to install modules to utilize the analog processing and summing mixer features.
The summing mixer allows you to route your DAW outputs back into the 500 Series slots to blend your digital tracks through analog hardware. This provides the classic analog character and depth that is often missing from purely digital mixes.
The 500R8 is designed with a high-current power supply capable of handling demanding modules. It provides 250mA per slot, which is sufficient for the vast majority of modern 500 Series preamps, EQs, and compressors.
Yes, the monitor controller section is quite flexible. It includes dedicated outputs for two sets of speakers and features essential studio tools like talkback, dim, mono sum, and mute, making it a complete hub for your monitoring chain.
Yes, the 500R8 is compatible with both operating systems. It uses a high-speed USB connection to ensure stable performance and low-latency operation across both platforms.
The artist mixer allows you to create a custom monitor mix for performers by blending the analog inputs from your 500 Series modules with the DAW return signals. Because this happens in the analog domain, you can provide performers with a high-quality, latency-free monitor feed.
The 500R8 is a fixed 8-slot chassis and cannot be physically expanded. If you require more modules, you would need to add a separate 500 Series rack and route the signals into the 500R8's line inputs.
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