Cranborne Audio 500R8 User manual
500R8 - Analogue/Digital Hybrid USB Audio
Interface, Summing Mixer, and 500 Series Rack
User Manual
500R8 User Manual -Page 1- ©2019 Cranborne Audio Ltd
Welcome to our family
Cranborne Audio represents a commitment by four product designers to build an audio brand
that does things the right way. We don’t take shortcuts. We don’t compromise. We don’t
accept “good enough.”
We’re just like you. We’re musicians. We’re audio engineers.
We make products that we want to use. We create, innovate, and design with passion,
purpose, and belief. We strive to design products that remain accessible whilst offering the
highest quality and truly innovative new ways of working and achieving that sound that we all
desire.
Cranborne Audio, for us, means so much more than metal boxes with components in them.
These are our labours of love that embody and demonstrate our demand for excellence. By
distilling what matters and putting our soul into these tools, we hope to help other people
make magic and express themselves, and in some way, become part of our Cranborne Audio
family.
So welcome to our family. We care for our family. And we care about making your tracks,
albums, scores sound as good as they should.
500R8 User Manual -Page 2- ©2019 Cranborne Audio Ltd
Cranborne Audio 500R8
Congratulations on your purchase of the Cranborne Audio 500R8 and thank you for selecting
Cranborne Audio to be a part of your music creation process.
What we set out to achieve with 500R8 was to put control back into the hands of musicians
and engineers. In a sea of products that rely on computer integration and a “virtual emulation”
mentality, we set out to offer an alternative that places a true, customisable, and flexible
analogue front-end at the forefront of music creation - after all, the feel and touch of a
musician is analogue and that’s where the music begins.
We adopted the widely loved 500 series format as a method to allow you as the engineer to
decide exactly what analogue circuit you would like to use for any particular source. We then
combined it with the very best of the modern essentials found in every home, project, and
professional studio around the world.
Not only is 500R8 the new home for 8 of your favourite 500 series modules; it is also your new
26-in/28-out channel USB audio interface, monitor controller, 16-in/16-out ADAT interface, and
8-to-2 high-headroom analogue summing mixer.
When digital is required, each and every component inside 500R8 has been carefully
considered to ensure that every nuance of your 500 series modules are translated into the best
possible digital signal to be processed. We employ converters with specifications that would
rival that of standalone units costing twice the price of 500R8 and it’s all governed by our
master reference-grade clock that features less than 0.5 picoseconds of jitter.
To top it all off, each and every 500R8 is proudly made with the utmost care and attention to
detail by our team in the UK. The beauty of this is that each and every product can undergo
our strict quality-control to ensure that every product meets our spec without having to rely on
offshore factories maintaining our strict high-standards whilst being situated halfway across
the world.
500R8 User Manual -Page 3- ©2019 Cranborne Audio Ltd
500R8 User Manual
Getting Started 8
Controls, Switches, and Connectors 8
Package Contents 10
Rack-Ear Orientations 11
Default Shipping Configuration 11
Recessed Configuration 12
Handle Configuration 12
Power Supply 13
Connecting Power 13
Disconnecting Power 13
Powering Procedures 14
Powering On 14
Powering Off 14
Installing and Removing 500 Series Modules 14
Installing Modules 14
Removing Modules 14
Hardware Setup 15
Software Setup 16
Windows Configuration 16
Sample Rate Selection In Windows 16
MacOS X Configuration 17
Sample Rate Selection in MacOS 17
Configuring 500R8 in Your DAW 17
Feature Overview 18
500 Series Rack 18
Module Inputs 18
Inserts 18
Module Direct Outputs 19
Slot Bypass Switch 19
Source Switch 20
Chain Switch 21
500 Series Signal Flow 21
Summing Mixer 22
Mix Level & Pan 22
Summing Mixer Outputs 22
Summing Mixer Expansion Via C.A.S.T. LINK 23
Artist Monitoring Section 24
Aux/Monitor Blend 24
DAW Select Switch 24
DAW 2 Input Jacks 25
Aux/Monitor Level 25
500R8 User Manual -Page 4- ©2019 Cranborne Audio Ltd
Aux Outputs 25
Monitor Controller 26
Meter 26
SPKR A/B Key 26
Mono Key 27
Mute Key 27
Dim Key 27
Monitor Headphones Output 27
Talkback 27
Talkback Input 28
Talkback Level 28
Talk Key 28
USB Audio Interface 28
USB Inputs 29
USB Outputs 29
USB Channels At Higher Sample Rates 30
High Sample Rates On macOS 30
ADAT 30
ADAT Channels At Higher Sample Rates* 31
S/PDIF 31
Low-Jitter Internal Clock 31
Word Clock Input 32
Word Clock Output 32
Clock Source 32
Configuring Clock Source on Windows 33
Configuring Clock Source on macOS 33
Clock Settings DIP switch 33
MIDI I/O 34
C.A.S.T. 34
C.A.S.T. IN A,B,C & D (RRTT) 35
C.A.S.T. Requirements 36
Cranborne Audio USB Control Panel 36
Windows 37
macOS 38
Application Guides 38
Using 500R8 without 500 series modules 39
Sending Audio From Your DAW, into the 500 Series modules on 500R8 40
Using 500R8 With Hardware Inserts In your DAW 40
Hardware Inserts In Pro Tools 41
Configuring Studio Monitors With 500R8 42
Creating Monitor Mixes For Musicians 43
Creating A Mix 44
Using the DAW 2 Input 45
Adding Reverb Into The Monitor Mix 45
500R8 User Manual -Page 5- ©2019 Cranborne Audio Ltd
Expanding Your Recording System Using ADAT 45
Using 500R8 and 500ADAT Together 46
C.A.S.T. LINK 47
Using 500R8 In Combination With Your Own AD/DA Converters 49
Understanding C.A.S.T. 49
N22 50
N22H 50
Using N22 and N22H with 500R8 50
Custom Configuration For Logic Pro X Users 51
USB Channel Labelling And Assignments 52
44.1 - 48kHz 53
88.2 - 96kHz 54
176.4 - 192kHz 54
Technical Specifications 55
Digital Performance 55
Analogue Performance 56
System Performance 57
Power 57
Environmental 58
Dims/Weights 58
Troubleshooting 59
Important Safety Instructions 59
General Safety 59
Installation notes 60
Power Safety 60
CE Certification 61
FCC Certification 61
RoHS Notice 61
Instructions for disposal of WEEE by end users in the European Union 62
Electromagnetic Compatibility 62
500R8 User Manual -Page 6- ©2019 Cranborne Audio Ltd
Getting Started
Controls, Switches, and Connectors
[1] Source Switch: Toggles the input source of
each 500 series slot between C.A.S.T., Analogue,
and USB sources.
[8] Talkback Level Control: Adjusts the global
level of the Talkback Bus into all destinations.
[2] Mix Level & Pan Controls: Adjusts the level
and pan position of each 500 series slot into the
built-in Summing Mixer.
[9] Talk Key: Engages the Talkback facility.
Operates in a momentary, push-to-talk
behaviour.
[3] Chain Switch: Sends the output of the
preceding module into the input of the next. (1
into 2, 2 into 3, 3 into 4 etc).
[10] Aux & Monitor Blend Controls: Blends the
Summing Mixer and DAW playback together into
the Aux and Monitor Busses independently.
[4] Slot Bypass Switch: Bypasses the 500 series
slot to enable recording without a module
installed. All other features function normally
when slot bypass is engaged.
[11] Aux Level Control: Adjusts the main level of
the Aux bus to the Aux Headphones and Aux
Output 1/4” jack outputs on the rear panel.
[5] Power Switch: Safely powers on and off
500R8 as well as any inserted 500 series module.
Tap to power on, press and hold to power off.
[12] DAW Select Switches: Assigns an alternate
pair of DAW playback returns into the Blend
controls for Aux and Monitor busses. DAW 2 is
accessed using USB outputs 29/30* or DAW 2 ¼”
Jack inputs on the rear panel.
[6] Level Meter: Displays the signal level of the
Monitor Bus. Meter is positioned pre Monitor
Level control in the signal path. The meter scale is
in dBFS where 0dBFS = +24dBu.
[13] Monitor Level Control: Adjusts the main level
of the Monitor Bus to both Monitor Headphones
and Speaker Outputs.
[7] Monitor Controller Keys: Controls various
options for the connected studio monitors
including Speaker A/B, Mono, Mute, and Dim
functions.
[14] Aux & Monitor Headphones Outputs: Used
for connecting Independent headphones to the
Aux and Monitor busses.
Note:
*DAW 2 corresponds to USB outputs 27/28 on v0.9 software.
500R8 User Manual -Page 7- ©2019 Cranborne Audio Ltd
[1] Module Input: Connects balanced XLR
analogue inputs into each 500 series slot. Input
sensitivity varies depending on the type of module
inserted.
[10] USB 2.0: Connects to a PC, macOS, or Linux
device to enable 28-in/30-out USB recording and
playback. This connection is compatible with USB
3.0 ports.
[2] Insert: Connects external equipment in-line
after the 500 series module but before the A/D of
each 500 series slot. Utilises a standard Y-split or
insert cable. (Tip=send, Ring=return).
[11] Grounding Post: Enables direct binding to
chassis ground to help eliminate ground loops in
specific setups.
[3] Module Direct Outputs: Sends balanced,
line-level outputs of each 500 series slot for
connection to external converters and equipment.
Module Direct Outputs are positioned post-insert
point, pre Mix Level.
[12] DAW 2 Input: Connects analogue playback
sources from external audio interfaces directly
into 500R8’s monitoring paths. Inputs are
summed with the DAW 2 USB outputs.
[4] C.A.S.T. A, B, C, & D Inputs: Enables I/O
relocation and expansion via Cranborne Audio
C.A.S.T. enabled breakout boxes.
[13] Talkback Input: Connects external
microphones directly into 500R8’s Talkback
facility. Phantom power is always ON. Dynamic or
Condenser mics can be used.
[5] ADAT I/O: Interfaces 16-in/16-out ADAT optical
lightpipe channels directly into 500R8’s USB
interface.
[14] Power: Provides 500R8 with power via the
provided external 24v 5A DC power supply. No
other power supply should be used.
[6] S/PDIF I/O: Interfaces 2-in/2-out S/PDIF and
AES3 directly into 500R8’s USB interface.
[15] C.A.S.T. link: Enables linking of Summing
Mixers between 500R8 and 500ADAT. C.A.S.T. link
transmits the Aux Mix (inc Talkback) into the
connected 500ADAT for monitoring.
[7] Word Clock I/O: Enables sending and/or
receiving word clock information to/from external
digital devices.
[16] Aux Output: Connects balanced line outputs
of 500R8’s Aux Bus to external monitoring
devices or similar via 1/4” jacks.
[8] Clock Settings DIP switch: Adjusts 500R8’s
Clock Settings including Clock Source and Sample
Rate when a device is not connected via USB.
[17] Mix Output: Connects line outputs of 500R8’s
built-in Summing Mixer directly to external
converters or similar via 1/4” jacks.
[9] MIDI I/O: Converts MIDI information to USB for
sending/receiving note and program information.
[18] Speaker A/B Outputs: Connects two discrete
sets of speakers to 500R8’s Monitor Controller for
main and reference monitoring via XLR and ¼”
Jack.
Note: *S/PDIF is not operational on v0.9 firmware.
500R8 User Manual -Page 8- ©2019 Cranborne Audio Ltd
Package Contents
So now your 500R8 is out of it’s packaging, you’re probably itching to get it powered on and
making music! But before you get started, please read the sections below that will help guide
you through the process of getting 500R8 setup, plugged in, and ready-to-record as quickly as
possible!
The following items can be found in the packaging alongside 500R8:
- External power adapter
- IEC cable
- 16 module fixing screws (crosshead, 4-40 thread size)
- Allen key (2.5mm)
- Quickstart Guide
Note:
To reduce environmental waste, 500R8 does not ship with a USB cable to connect it
to a host device for recording/playback. To use 500R8 as a USB audio interface, you
will need to source a USB Type A to Type B cable - which is a common cable for
peripheral USB devices.
500R8 User Manual -Page 9- ©2019 Cranborne Audio Ltd
Rack-Ear Orientations
There’s more to 500R8’s rack ears than meets the eye. The default shipping configuration
features the rack ears mounted flush to the front panel of 500R8 - the most common method
for rack-mounting.
500R8 can also be set backwards into its rack ears to allow the front panel controls to sit
behind the front of the rack for protection during travelling and location recording.
Finally, both of 500R8’s rack ears can be removed, placed back-to-back, and attached to 500R8
as a convenient carry-handle for travelling.
Depending on your desired use case, you may need to reorientate the rack ears and position
the rubber feet to best suit your application by using the supplied 2.5mm allen key.
Default Shipping Configuration
Standard rack-ear configuration used for rack-mounting 500R8 into standard 19” rack. If you
would like to secure 500R8 into a 19” rack, the rubber feet should be removed from the unit
using the allen key provided.
Note:
Whilst 500R8 features plenty of ventilation to ensure that it remains cool during
operation, some 500 series modules (and valve-based modules in particular) can
run extremely hot and will cause 500R8 to heat up quickly. When rack mounting
500R8, please leave a 1u space above and below the unit to ensure that the
ventilation is clear and fully-effective.
500R8 User Manual -Page 10- ©2019 Cranborne Audio Ltd
Recessed Configuration
Recesses 500R8 into a 19” rack to protect all of its front panel controls during transportation. To
position the rack ears in this configuration, remove both rack-ears and slide them forward until
the holes align with a second set of thread posts on 500R8. Once aligned, secure the rack-ears
with the 8x rack ear screws using the allen key provided.
Handle Configuration
Creates a convenient carry-handle for short-distance transportation. To position the rack ears
in this configuration, remove both of the rack ears and reposition them back-to-back onto the
left side of 500R8. Secure them into place using 4x rack ear screws and the allen key provided.
Store the leftover rack-ear screws in a safe place for future use.
500R8 User Manual -Page 11- ©2019 Cranborne Audio Ltd
Power Supply
500R8 is powered via an external 24v 5A DC
switch-mode power supply that supports any operating
voltage from 100 to 240v.
Switch mode power supplies can exhibit switching noise
but 500R8 features linear regulation on the DC inlet to
ensure that power noise and intermodulation distortion
doesn't find itself on the audio rails.
Each 500 series slot features 250mA of power as well as
extra headroom if a module is drawing even more
current for a maximum of 2A across all 8 slots.
500R8’s Power delivery is also made via a latching 4-pin
connector that is designed to provide a secure connection to the chassis with protection
against accidental removal.
Connecting Power
Align the metal pins and plastic locator of the plug with the power inlet. Once located, push
the connector firmly into the socket whilst holding the plug’s outer housing and not the cable
itself.
Disconnecting Power
Grip the body of the plug firmly and pull the body of the connector back from the socket. The
plug’s outer casing will pull back and release the safety latch to allow the plug to be pulled out
of the socket.
Note:
Excessive strain or a sudden tug/shock to the power cable could cause damage to
the cable strain relief as well as the hardware contact points associated with the
power input and power supply.
500R8 User Manual -Page 12- ©2019 Cranborne Audio Ltd
Powering Procedures
Powering On
First, make sure your speakers are switched off and any
headphones are disconnected. Briefly tap the power
button located on the top right of 500R8’s front panel.
The power icon will illuminate blue and you will hear soft
‘clicking’ as 500R8’s internal relays actuate. You may
now switch on your external equipment sequentially,
leaving your speakers until last.
Powering Off
First, make sure your speakers are switched off and any
headphones are disconnected. Press and hold the
power button for approximately 3 seconds. The power icon will deluminate and you will hear
the soft ‘clicking’ of the relays indicating that the unit has been powered off.
Note:
Please follow these safe powering sequences carefully in order to prevent any
unwanted pops and spikes causing damage to downstream audio components
including speakers and headphones.
Installing and Removing 500 Series Modules
Installing Modules
1. Ensure 500R8 is powered off and the power connector has been removed. Wait 30
seconds before continuing.
2. Firmly touch the metal chassis of 500R8 to discharge any built-up static electricity.
3. Carefully pick up your 500 series module and locate its conductive edge into the
backplane connector of 500R8.
4. Once located, push the module into place and secure the module into the rack using
the supplied 4-40 screws - be careful not to over tighten and strip the screw or thread.
Removing Modules
1. Ensure 500R8 is powered off and the power connector has been removed. Wait 30
seconds before continuing.
2. Firmly touch the metal chassis of 500R8 to discharge any built-up static electricity.
3. Remove the 4-40 module fixing screws and store them in a safe place for future use.
4. Firmly pull the 500 series module to release the module from the backplane connector
of 500R8 and then carefully remove the module from the rack itself.
Note:
Removing or installing modules when any 500 series rack is powered on can
cause irreparable damage to the backplane connector, supporting circuitry,
and the 500 series module. Damage caused when “Hot Swapping” or
installing/removing modules whilst 500R8 is powered on is not covered
under Cranborne Audio’s Warranty.
500R8 User Manual -Page 13- ©2019 Cranborne Audio Ltd
Hardware Setup
This hardware setup diagram will get 500R8 connected to your studio monitors and your
laptop/desktop device ready for software installation.
1) Connect mains power into the external PSU
supplied in 500R8’s packaging and connect the
power connector into 500R8’s power inlet.
2) Connect 500R8 to an available USB port on your
device using a USB type A to type B cable.
3) Connect the left and right Speaker A Outputs of
500R8 into the inputs of your studio monitors
using balanced XLR cables.
4) Power On 500R8 using a brief tap of the Power
button. Then Power On your studio monitors.
5) Configure the front panel monitor controls to
match the provided diagram.
The Aux and Monitor Blend controls
should be set to 12 o’clock and the DAW
Select switch should be set into the up
position.
Note:
Once 500R8 is connected to your speakers, the Monitor Level control may
seem sensitive with small movements causing large changes in volume. In
order to get the most out of 500R8’s Monitor Level control, we recommend
reducing the level of you studio monitors so that nominal listening level is
achieved at the 12 o’clock position of 500R8’s Monitor Level control.
For a detailed guide of how to configure your studio monitors with 500R8, please follow
the “Configuring Studio Monitors With 500R8” section of this manual.
500R8 User Manual -Page 14- ©2019 Cranborne Audio Ltd
Software Setup
Windows Configuration
If you are a Windows user, you will need to download 500R8’s ASIO drivers in order for the
system to detect 500R8 and make it available as an audio device in the Windows Sound
Control Panel menu.
To download the latest Windows drivers for 500R8, please visit 500R8’s
product page on the Cranborne Audio Website.
Once downloaded and installed, the Cranborne Audio USB Control Panel enables you to adjust
the settings of the connected 500R8. When you open your DAW (Pro Tools, Cubase, Reaper
etc), these settings will be overridden and configured using the Audio Preferences menu from
within the DAW.
To configure 500R8 to play system sounds on your Windows device, follow the steps below:
1. Follow the Initial Setup diagram and power on 500R8 using the correct procedure
detailed previously in “Hardware Setup”.
2. Select the Windows Icon (displayed as a Windows Logo) on the bottom left corner of
your screen, search for “Sound”, and open up the ‘Sound’ application.
3. From the list of available audio devices, select “500R8 USB Output 9/10”, select the ‘Set
Default’ drop down menu, and select “Default Device”.
Once configured, press play in any of your applications (including Spotify, Tidal, iTunes or
similar), and the audio will be sent directly into 500R8’s DAW return and Monitor Outputs.
Increase the Monitor Level control for more volume!
Note:
If you are still unable to hear audio through 500R8, please ensure that the Speaker
B, Mute, and Dim keys are switched off on the monitor controller keymat. If the LED
meter is indicating signal, please check that the downstream connections are
correct and the speakers are switched on.
Sample Rate Selection In Windows
The Windows Sound Control Panel enables you to adjust the Sample Rate settings of 500R8
when it is playing system sounds such as Spotify, Youtube, and iTunes. Right-click “500R8 USB
Output 9/10”, select ‘Properties’, select ‘Advanced’, and select the ‘Default Format’ drop down
menu to select your desired Sample Rate.
When a DAW (Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Reaper etc) is opened, the current Sample Rate is
overridden and will need to be configured directly using the Audio Preferences menu within
the DAW itself.
For more details on how to adjust the Sample Rate settings from within your DAW,
please consult the User Manual of your DAW of choice.
500R8 User Manual -Page 15- ©2019 Cranborne Audio Ltd
MacOS X Configuration
As 500R8 is Class Complaint, it will connect directly with your Apple device and be instantly
recognised as an audio device from within the “Audio MIDI Setup” application.
To configure 500R8 to play system sounds, follow the steps below:
1. Follow the Hardware Setup diagram and instructions detailed in “Hardware Setup”.
2. Select the Spotlight Search function (displayed as a magnifying glass icon) on the top
right corner of the screen, search for “Audio MIDI Setup”, and open the application.
3. Right-click 500R8 listed in the audio device column and select “Use this device for
sound output”.
4. Right-click 500R8 listed in the audio device column, select “configure speakers”, and
assign the left output to USB output 9 and the right output to USB output 10 using the
available drop down menus either side of the speaker representations on the screen.
Once configured, press play in any of your applications (including Spotify, Tidal, iTunes), and
the audio will be sent directly into 500R8’s DAW return. Use the Monitor Level control for more
volume!
Note:
If you are still unable to hear audio through 500R8, please ensure that the Speaker
B, Mute, and Dim keys are switched off on the monitor controller keymat. If the LED
meter is indicating signal, please check that the downstream connections are
correct and the speakers are switched on.
Sample Rate Selection in MacOS
Audio MIDI Setup for macOS enables you to adjust the Sample Rate settings of 500R8 when it
is playing audio from Spotify, Youtube, and iTunes. Simply select the ‘Format’ drop down menu
to display the possible Sample Rates from 44.1 to 192kHz.
When a DAW is open on the connected device, the Sample Rate will need to be configured
using Audio MIDI Setup as well as the DAW itself. macOS Core Audio requires that sample
rates above 88.2kHz and 176.4kHz are selected from within Audio MIDI Setup before they are
available for selection in the DAW.
For more details on how to adjust the Sample Rate settings from within your DAW on
macOS, read the “High Sample Rates On macOS” section of this manual.
Configuring 500R8 in Your DAW
In order for 500R8 to operate as intended within your chosen DAW, the Stereo/Monitor Output
of your DAW’s internal mixer must be configured to send audio out of USB output 9 and 10 by
default. These USB paths correspond with 500R8’s Monitor Controller and will allow you to
access 500R8’s DAW Returns and 500 series slots independently.
Every DAW handles Monitor Output assignments differently. For instructions on how to
reassign the Monitor Output, please consult the User Manual of your chosen DAW.
500R8 User Manual -Page 16- ©2019 Cranborne Audio Ltd
Feature Overview
500 Series Rack
The centrepiece of 500R8 is it’s 8-slot, high-current 500 series rack. Each slot features an
abundance of I/O located on the rear panel that allows analogue input, insert, and output
connectivity per-slot much like a standard standalone 500 series rack.
Each 500 series slot is tightly integrated with 500R8’s converters and USB interface for
recording each inserted 500 series module as well as playing back USB sources through each
500 series module. Each 500 series slot features front-panel switches that determine its input
source and enable deeper integration with 500R8’s Summing Mixer and USB Audio Interface.
Module Inputs
Each 500 series slot features a dedicated balanced XLR
input that is used to connect analogue signals into each
500 series module. The module input XLR can accept
mic, line, or hi-z sources depending on what module is
inserted and it’s input sensitivity options.
Note:
In instances where the 500 series module
features it’s own XLR/Jack input on the front
panel, it is advised to check with the
manufacturer of the module to determine
which input should be used for your desired
application.
Inserts
Each 500 series slot features a dedicated Insert connection that utilises a TRS jack socket in a
similar configuration that is commonly found on mixing consoles. This Insert point allows
external audio equipment such as 19” rackmount compressors and EQs to be inserted into the
audio path and recorded. The Insert is situated after the 500 series slot but before the ADC and
USB recording path in the signal which means that the effect Inserted will be heard on the
USB recording, Module Direct Outputs, and internal Summing Mixer.
Insert Wiring
Tip= Send, Ring= Return, Sleeve= Ground
To connect external audio equipment into 500R8 via its Insert, you will need to use a standard
Y-split or insert cable that splits a TRS jack into 2 separate connections - a send and return - to
two mono ¼ jacks or male/female XLRs.
The ‘Send’ connector (Tip + Sleeve) should be connected to the input of your outboard
equipment and the ‘Return’ connector (Ring + Sleeve) should be connected to the output of
your outboard equipment.
500R8 User Manual -Page 17- ©2019 Cranborne Audio Ltd
Note:
500R8 does not feature a dedicated switch to engage the insert point and so to
fully bypass the insert point during recording/mixing you will need to bypass
Inserted effect itself or disconnect the insert point.
Module Direct Outputs
Each 500 series slot features its own Module Direct
Output that is a fully balanced XLR line-level output of
each 500 series module that can be used to connect to
external A/D converters or advanced monitoring
systems. The Module Direct Outputs are positioned PRE
the Mix Level controls for each 500 series slot and mirror
what is sent into the DAW via USB.
You can also use the Module Direct Outputs to send
audio from one slot to another by simply using an XLR
cable.
Note:
For advanced patching combinations, you can
connect the module inputs and outputs of
500R8 to a patchbay to allow convenient
re-ordering of modules as well as advanced
channel strip creation without accessing the
rear panel.
Slot Bypass Switch
The Slot Bypass switch is located on the backplane
connector by each 500 series slot and can be used to
bypass the slot if no 500 series modules are inserted.
Bypassing the slot allows you to connect line-level
sources such as external mic preamps and effects units
directly into the rear panel inputs of 500R8 and record
those signals directly into the DAW via USB.
The Slot Bypass switch is available per-slot which allows
you to occupy some of 500R8’s 500 series slots with
modules whilst using the others to record line-level
sources.
The Module Source, Insert, Module Direct Output, and
Summing Mixer features function as normal for each slot
that has the Slot Bypass switch active.
500R8 User Manual -Page 18- ©2019 Cranborne Audio Ltd
Source Switch
Each 500 series slot on 500R8 features a Source Select
switch on the front panel that is used to determine
which audio signal is sent into the input of the inserted
500 series module.
These source options include:
C.A.S.T.
This configures the 500 series slot to receive signal
via the corresponding C.A.S.T. inputs. There are 4
C.A.S.T. Inputs on the rear panel and they
correspond to pairs of 500 series slots. This port is
intended for expansion via C.A.S.T. enabled
breakout boxes.
For a detailed explanation of C.A.S.T., please read
the “C.A.S.T. IN A, B, C, & D (RRTT)” section of this
manual.
ANLG
This configures the 500 series slot to receive signal
via the corresponding rear Module Input XLR
connection.
USB
This configures the 500 series module to receive signal via the corresponding USB
channel from 500R8’s built-in USB Audio Interface.
For a detailed explanation of the USB routing for each slot, please read the “USB
Channel Labelling And Assignments” section of this manual.
Note:
Switching between source selections whilst monitoring the 500 series slots can
cause audible “clicks and pops” through your audio system depending on what
module is inserted and its input/output gain. Please take care and reduce the
listening volume prior to switching the Source Selector switch.
500R8 User Manual -Page 19- ©2019 Cranborne Audio Ltd
Chain Switch
The Chain Switch overrides the Source Select switch and sends the audio signal from one 500
series slot into the next 500 series slot. This can be used to create chains of modules for
advanced tonal shaping and channel strip creation during tracking and mixing.
Slots can be chained from left to right and can be created independently from one another for
a total of 4 chains of 2, 2 chains of 4, 1 chain of 8, or any configuration in between.
Note:
When chaining channels, all existing Module Direct Outputs and USB outputs work
as normal for all contributions in the chain. For example, if you have a mic preamp
in slot 1, an EQ in slot 2, and a compressor in slot 3, you can record the USB output
of slot 3 to record the summed result of all 3 modules, record the USB output of slot
2 to record just the preamp and EQ, or record the USB output of slot 1 to print the
dry effect. You can also record all 3 parts of the chain simultaneously for more
flexibility later on in the mix stage.
500 Series Signal Flow
Each 500 series slot is connected to multiple sources and destinations that facilitate all of the
complex internal recording and mixing aspects of 500R8. To better understand where each
slot is positioned in the signal path in relation to its converters, the below diagram displays a
rough overview of the signal flow of one 500 series slot to its possible destinations.
Note:
The output of each module is sent to 3 destinations at all times irrespective of the
Module Source or Chain switches.
500R8 User Manual -Page 20- ©2019 Cranborne Audio Ltd
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