Cranborne Audio Carnaby 500

Cranborne Audio Carnaby 500

The Cranborne Audio Carnaby 500 is a revolutionary 3-band HarmonicEQ® for the 500 Series format and the world's first analogue equalizer to shape frequencies using harmonic saturation rather than conventional boost and cut circuits. Instead of simply altering frequency response, the Carnaby 500 generates carefully controlled harmonic content that naturally enhances the source while maintaining the familiar workflow of a traditional analogue EQ.

Each of its three fully analogue EQ bands features a dedicated HarmonicEQ® circuit with harmonics specifically tailored for its frequency range. Parametric low and high shelving bands are complemented by a wide-ranging fixed-Q mid band, allowing everything from subtle enhancement to bold analogue coloration. With ±20 dB input and output trim, stepped controls, True Bypass and Cranborne's innovative OptoSync™ technology, two Carnaby 500 modules can be wirelessly linked into a perfectly matched stereo pair, while automatic calibration ensures identical tracking between channels.

Sound Character

The Carnaby 500 sounds unlike any conventional analogue EQ.

Rather than merely boosting or cutting frequencies, every adjustment introduces carefully controlled harmonic enhancement that makes sources feel larger, richer and more three-dimensional. High frequencies become airy and open without harshness, the midrange gains presence and depth, while the low end becomes fuller and more authoritative without sacrificing definition.

A defining characteristic is its dynamic response: as the input signal is driven harder, both harmonic saturation and the EQ effect increase naturally. This allows the Carnaby 500 to range from subtle analogue sweetening to bold harmonic coloration. Whether used on vocals, drums, guitars, synthesizers or stereo buses, it delivers a uniquely musical character that traditional equalizers simply cannot replicate.

Highlights

✔ world's first HarmonicEQ® for the 500 Series format
✔ fully analogue 3-band equalizer
✔ proprietary HarmonicEQ® frequency-shaping technology
✔ parametric low shelf (20 Hz – 420 Hz)
✔ parametric fixed-Q mid band (200 Hz – 6.2 kHz)
✔ parametric high shelf (5 kHz – 25 kHz)
✔ ±20 dB input and output trim controls
✔ harmonic saturation LED indicators for each EQ band
✔ true bypass switching
✔ stepped controls for accurate recall
✔ OptoSync™ wireless stereo linking for adjacent modules
✔ 3.5 mm link connector for non-adjacent modules
✔ automatic stereo calibration for perfect channel matching
✔ designed and manufactured in the United Kingdom

Typical Applications

✔ vocals
✔ drum bus and parallel processing
✔ bass and synthesizers
✔ guitars and acoustic instruments
✔ stereo mix bus (with a stereo pair)
✔ mastering
✔ analogue tonal enhancement
✔ professional hybrid 500 Series studios

Technical Specifications

✔ device type: analogue 3-band HarmonicEQ® (500 Series module)
✔ format: API 500 Series
✔ EQ bands: 3
✔ low band: low shelf, 20 Hz – 420 Hz
✔ mid band: peak, 200 Hz – 6.2 kHz (fixed Q)
✔ high band: high shelf, 5 kHz – 25 kHz
✔ input/output trim: ±20 dB
✔ maximum input/output level: +26 dBu (<0.003% THD)
✔ input impedance: 10 kΩ
✔ output impedance: 150 Ω
✔ current draw: 140 mA typical, 160 mA peak per rail
✔ stereo linking: OptoSync™ or 3.5 mm link connector
✔ bypass: true bypass (DIP-switch configurable)
✔ dimensions: 31 × 133 × 170 mm
✔ weight: approx. 0.4 kg