I've used a few 500 series racks over the years and had very good results. I have worked with higher-end units (Neve R10, API 500-6B) and affordable models (Fredenstein Bento 8 Pro Pure Analog) and tested others. What I found is that price does not always solely correlate with performance. The R10 and Bento 8 Pro are examples of how build quality and audio performance can be found at all price points. After working with the Cranborne 500ADAT I would say what sets it apart is the combination of quality, features, performance, and the most workflow options I have seen. It is the complete package with the possible exception of integrated recall for compatible modules offered by Wes Audio (if only digitally controlled 500 series would be standardized across manufacturers...we can hope). Overall, if you can take advantage of the many workflow options it provides, the 500ADAT offers one of the most compelling combinations available in a 500 series chassis and if you are looking for a 500 series rack with no compromises on performance and quality, it is a strong contender. I hope you enjoy my review, Cheers!
Thanks. I know the Cranborne is in the upper price range of 500 racks, but as an investment piece for the studio I do believe it is a platform that can help get the most out of the modules it holds, which of course can soon be far more costly than the chassis itself. For me, the decision to purchase the 500ADAT came down to performance, quality, and workflow... there are other great options, but I don't regret my decision. Good luck with your hunt for a 500 series solution, Cheers!
Glad to hear! The 500ADAT would be a good choice to house a mastering chain, it has very clean stable power, very low noise, and good headroom if you want to go the digital IO route plus the monitoring options for each module are nice to have imo. I will be posting reviews of a few of my 500 modules soon including the Wes Audio Prometheus (I like that it offers stereo, dual mono, and mid-side modes). I will also be reviewing my Maag EQ4M which is of course a 19" rack unit, but the EQ4-500 may also be something to consider...
Great review all this information is very useful and overwelming about this gear, I agree with cristopherjames comment this is by far one of the best channels for actual hands on testing of equipment. 👍
I have two Apollo X (x6,x4) interfaces and just ordered 2nd 500Adat now that I have some extra modules to fill it up with... ive had some issues with latency when mixing and pro tools where i calculated the amount of samples of delay compensation i needed and added them to PT settings but it didnt work. Im going to try Logic next
wish i could afford it.. for first im going with a camden ec2 for my MKH 50, after that i will start a 500 setup and im going with the cranborne 500 chassis. hope the camden ec2 will work well in combination with the MKH 50
Could only be better if they put the bypass module switch on the outside so you could get more control over analog I/O without having to remove the modules...
