Cranborne Audio 500ADAT combines an 8-slot 500 series chassis with premium AD/DA conversion, ADAT connectivity, a discrete analogue summing mixer, a zero-latency artist mixer, and reference-grade headphone monitoring. Designed to integrate with any ADAT-equipped interface, it delivers world-class conversion, flexible routing, and CAST-enabled expandability, making hybrid analogue/digital workflows simple and powerful.
The Cranborne Audio 500ADAT ADAT Expander & 500 Rack is available to audition in our showrooms.
Cranborne Audio 500ADAT is a complete studio expansion system that integrates an 8-slot 500 series chassis with premium AD and DA conversion, ADAT connectivity, a discrete analogue summing mixer, a zero-latency artist mixer, and reference-grade headphone monitoring. Designed to integrate instantly with any ADAT-equipped interface, it allows engineers to add eight channels of 500 series processing for both tracking and mixing without altering their main setup.
By connecting the Cranborne Audio 500ADAT to spare ADAT or optical ports on popular audio interfaces, users unlock additional recording and playback channels that drop seamlessly into any DAW workflow. With ADAT and SMUX II/IV support, operation is possible at all standard and high sample rates, providing 8 in/8 out at 44.1 or 48 kHz, 8 in/8 out at 88.2 or 96 kHz, or 4 in/4 out at 176.4 or 192 kHz.
At its core, the Cranborne Audio 500ADAT houses a high-current 8-slot rack designed for preamps, equalisers, compressors, and other 500 series modules, bringing them directly into the recording chain and back out of the DAW for hybrid mixing. Each slot includes per-slot source select switching for analogue, CAST, or USB sources, plus XLR inputs, XLR line outputs, and pre-ADC TRS insert points for effortless integration with outboard gear. Bypass options ensure all analogue paths remain usable even when slots are unoccupied, making the system flexible for growing module collections.
The Cranborne Audio 500ADAT ensures pristine digital capture with world-class conversion and clocking. Its converter stage achieves a 121 dB (A-weighted) dynamic range, a frequency response from 2.2 Hz to beyond 80 kHz (–1 dB), and exceptionally low THD+N figures. A master reference clock keeps jitter under 0.5 picoseconds, with external sync available via word clock BNC or ADAT. This guarantees transparent translation between analogue and digital domains, ensuring sonic colouration comes only from creative choices and the 500 series modules themselves.
Beyond conversion, the unit integrates key analogue tools for hybrid workflows. An 8-into-2 discrete summing mixer routes stems and instrument groups from the DAW through 500 series modules and back, adding analogue cohesion to the mix. A zero-latency artist mixer with two aux sends enables performers to monitor without delay while blending live input with DAW playback. Two reference-quality headphone amplifiers deliver high power, a linear response down to below 1 Hz, and minimal distortion, providing exceptional monitoring for artists and engineers alike.
Expandability is built in. Multiple Cranborne Audio 500ADAT units can be combined when connected to a dual-ADAT-port interface, or a Cranborne Audio 500ADAT can be paired with the Cranborne Audio 500R8 for up to sixteen channels of 500 series processing. The CAST link system allows routing stems into all sixteen slots for summing, with audio distributed efficiently across units.
CAST connectivity streamlines studio wiring by carrying four channels of balanced analogue audio up to 100 metres over Cat 5e, Cat 6, or Cat 7 cable. With breakout boxes such as the Cranborne N22 and N22H, microphones and instruments can be patched directly into the Cranborne Audio 500ADAT slot inputs, while the monitor mix including talkback is returned to the breakout outputs over the same cable. CAST also transmits 48 V phantom power for condenser and active microphones, making it an elegant, clutter-free solution for flexible recording setups.
The hardware is engineered for reliability in both studio and mobile environments. It is housed in a 4U, 19-inch steel chassis with rack ears that allow recessed mounting, front-panel protection during transport, or reorientation as a carry handle. Power is provided by a locking 24 V, 5 A external supply optimised for analogue performance and heat management.
Every Cranborne Audio 500ADAT is designed and built in the UK, with rigorous testing to ensure long-term dependability. The philosophy is clear: no shortcuts, no compromises, just uncompromising access to the creative power of the 500 series through the simplicity of ADAT.
Features
Download the User Manual in PDF format.
$3,051 Inc GST
