Cranborne Audio 500R8 USB Audio Interface & 500 Rack

The Cranborne Audio 500R8 is designed as a complete studio centrepiece, combining eight 500 series slots with a 28-in/30-out USB audio interface, a discrete analogue summing mixer, a zero-latency artist mixer, and a professional monitor controller, all housed in a rugged 4U, 19-inch rackmount chassis. Each unit is designed and engineered in the UK and undergoes extensive testing to ensure long-term reliability.

With the Cranborne Audio 500R8, engineers can shape their own analogue signal chain by installing their choice of 500 series preamps, EQs, compressors, or saturation modules for recording and mixing. Unused slots can be bypassed so analogue paths remain available, while per-slot source switching allows routing of analogue, C.A.S.T., or USB signals through any module. Each slot also features pre-ADC TRS inserts for seamless integration with rack processors or external converters.

Connected to Mac or PC via USB, the Cranborne Audio 500R8 operates as a high-performance 28-in/30-out interface, supporting sample rates up to 192 kHz. Its reference-class AD/DA conversion achieves 121 dB (A-weighted) dynamic range with jitter below 0.5 ps. External digital connectivity is comprehensive, including ADAT I/O (16-in/16-out at 44.1/48 kHz or 8-in/8-out at 88.2/96 kHz), S/PDIF I/O, MIDI I/O, word clock input and output, and sync via word clock, S/PDIF, or ADAT.

The integrated monitor controller delivers hands-on control with speaker A/B switching, mono sum, mute, dim, and a dedicated talkback system featuring phantom power, push-to-talk operation, and automatic distribution to all headphone mixes and C.A.S.T. outputs. A 28-segment peak meter provides detailed visual monitoring, while artists benefit from a zero-latency analogue mixer offering per-channel level and pan, DAW blend, and two high-power headphone outputs with independent control.

For hybrid workflows, up to eight USB returns can be routed through 500 series modules into the 8-into-2 analogue summing mixer, with the resulting stereo mix captured via dedicated conversion back into the DAW. Summing can be expanded to 16-into-2 using the C.A.S.T. link port with a Cranborne 500ADAT, or through third-party ADAT expanders for greater I/O flexibility.

C.A.S.T. connectivity streamlines wiring by carrying four balanced analogue channels up to 100 m over Cat 5e, Cat 6, or Cat 7 cable. With N22 or N22H breakout boxes, microphones and instruments patch directly into the Cranborne Audio 500R8’s slot inputs, while the monitor mix and talkback return along the same cable. Installed 500 series preamps can also supply 48 V phantom power to condenser or active microphones, with plug-and-play simplicity.

The chassis is engineered for both studio and mobile use, with rack ears offering recessed mounting for protection or rotation for use as a carry handle. A locking 24 V, 5 A external supply optimises analogue performance and cooling, while the high-current power delivery provides 250 mA per slot (2 A total). Every slot is equipped with XLR inputs, XLR outputs, TRS inserts, and per-slot bypass and source switching. Combining flexible configuration, transparent conversion, powerful monitoring, and expandable summing, the Cranborne Audio 500R8 delivers the workflow of a modern hybrid studio without compromise.

Features

• Studio hub with 8-slot 500 series rack for a configurable analogue front end
• 28-in/30-out USB 2.0 audio interface for direct Mac/PC connection and seamless DAW workflow
• Reference-class A/D and D/A conversion with 121 dB dynamic range and master-quality clocking
• ADAT I/O delivering 16-in/16-out at 44.1/48 kHz and 8-in/8-out at 88.2/96 kHz
• S/PDIF I/O and 5-pin MIDI I/O for comprehensive digital and MIDI integration
• Word clock input and output on BNC with external sync via word clock, S/PDIF, or ADAT
• Professional monitor controller with speaker A/B, mono, mute, dim, and a 28-segment peak meter
• Dedicated talkback input with phantom power, push-to-talk, and auto-routing to headphones and C.A.S.T.
• Zero-latency analogue artist mixer with per-channel level and pan plus DAW return blend
• Two high-power headphone outputs with independent blend and level controls
• Discrete 8-into-2 analogue summing mixer with dedicated ADC and balanced outputs
• C.A.S.T. link to expand summing to 16-into-2 with Cranborne Audio 500ADAT
• Deep 500 series integration with per-slot source select for analogue, USB, or C.A.S.T. routing
• TRS insert jacks per slot for easy integration of 19-inch outboard or external converters
• Per-slot module bypass so analogue paths remain usable without modules installed
• C.A.S.T. ports per channel to relocate analogue I/O over shielded Cat 5e, Cat 6, or Cat 7 up to 100 m
• Compatible with N22 and N22H C.A.S.T. breakout boxes for send/return of audio and monitor mixes
• Passes 48 V phantom power over C.A.S.T. when 500 series preamps are installed
• High-current 500 series backplane delivering 250 mA per slot, 2 A total
• XLR inputs, XLR line outputs, and TRS inserts provided per slot
• Locking 24 V, 5 A external power supply optimised for audio performance and thermal management
• Rugged 4U steel chassis with reversible rack ears for recessed mounting or carry handle, standard 483 mm rack-width
• Designed and engineered in the UK with extensive factory testing