Cranborne Audio Carnaby 500 Harmonic Equaliser

Cranborne Audio Carnaby 500 is the world’s first Harmonic EQ™, an analogue equaliser that uses harmonic saturation as the method of boosting and cutting frequency content. It brings genuine analogue harmonic enhancement to sources, stems, and mixes, all with the familiar control and workflow of an EQ.

It features three fully interactive bands, each offering ±10 dB of boost or cut with sweepable and overlapping frequency ranges. Every band applies a carefully tuned harmonic profile suited to its frequency range for maximum musicality. The HI band (5 kHz–25 kHz) uses smooth saturation to extend air and brilliance in vocals and acoustic instruments. The MID band (200 Hz–6.2 kHz) applies harmonic emphasis across a wide spectrum with a fixed-Q peaking filter. The LO band (20 Hz–420 Hz) uses harder saturation to extend subharmonics into the audible range, ideal for subtle warmth or powerful low-end enhancement.

Unlike conventional EQs, Cranborne Audio Carnaby 500 has a dynamic response where boost, cut, and harmonic content increase as circuits are driven harder. Each band has independent input and output level controls with ±20 dB adjustment, allowing precise shaping of saturation from clean enhancement through to pronounced distortion.

Cranborne Audio Carnaby 500 also introduces OPTOSYNC, an innovative stereo-linking system that synchronises multiple units for stereo or multi-channel use. With OPTOSYNC engaged, one unit acts as master, transmitting its control settings to linked units via LED and optical communication, with no cables or internal modifications required. This allows two units to operate as a perfectly matched stereo pair, or multiple units to be locked together to apply the same character across entire summing mixers or surround setups.

Features

• 3-band parametric 500 Series analogue EQ with unique Harmonic EQ™ circuit for harmonically enriched EQ effects.
• 3-band, 500 Series Harmonic EQTM meticulously developed by the Cranborne Audio team in the UK.
• Parametric LO and HI shelving bands with ±10dB of cut/boost and harmonic saturation.
• Parametric peaking MID band with ±10dB of cut/boost, fixed Q and harmonic saturation.
• LO, MID, and HI LED indicators to display saturation level.
• ±20dB Input and Output Level for dense harmonic saturation or clean EQ effects.
• OptoSync wireless communication between modules for linked controls during stereo operation.
• ⅛” TRS socket for linking non-adjacent modules.
• Circuit auto-calibration for perfect stereo matching between all modules.
• True bypass IN/OUT switching with complete or post input trim modes available on DIP switch.
• Stepped, front-panel controls for quick recall and precise feel.