Cranborne Audio Carnaby 500 Harmonic EQ

The Cranborne Audio Carnaby 500 Harmonic EQ is the world’s first HarmonicEQ — a single-slot 500 Series module that uses analog harmonic saturation to boost and cut frequency content rather than conventional filter circuits. As a result, every EQ move on the Carnaby 500 adds musicality alongside correction, with each band producing a unique blend of harmonic content that is specifically tuned to its frequency range. The HI band spans 5kHz to 25kHz and uses smooth saturation to extend high-frequency content naturally for air and presence on vocals and acoustic sources. The MID band is a fixed-Q peaking filter sweeping from 200Hz to 6.2kHz, using saturation to add harmonic emphasis precisely where the source needs it. In addition, the LO band covers 20Hz to 420Hz and applies hard-clipping saturation to push sub-harmonic frequencies into the audible low end for powerful, full-sounding bass. Marshall Music South Africa stocks the Cranborne Audio Carnaby 500 Harmonic EQ for studios across South Africa who want to bring a genuinely innovative approach to EQ into their 500 Series rack.

Dynamic Response and Stereo Linking From the Cranborne Audio Carnaby 500 Harmonic EQ

Whether you’re applying subtle tonal shaping or pushing the circuits hard for dense harmonic saturation, the Cranborne Audio Carnaby 500 Harmonic EQ responds dynamically — the harder you drive the input with audio signal, the more boost, cut, and harmonic content the circuits produce. Each band offers ±10dB of cut or boost alongside ±20dB input and output level controls, giving engineers a wide range of options from transparent EQ to rich, characterful saturation. However, what makes the Carnaby 500 particularly powerful in a stereo context is its proprietary OPTOSYNC feature, which allows two Carnaby 500 modules to operate as a perfectly matched stereo pair with all controls synchronised from the left unit to the right — no cables or internal fixings required. Marshall Music South Africa recommends the Cranborne Audio Carnaby 500 Harmonic EQ to South African mix engineers and producers seeking a unique, musical EQ that adds life and character to every frequency adjustment.

Tech Specs

• Format: Single-slot 500 Series module
• EQ Type: 3-band HarmonicEQ (analog harmonic saturation)
• HI Band: 5kHz–25kHz shelving, ±10dB, smooth saturation
• MID Band: 200Hz–6.2kHz peaking, fixed Q, ±10dB, harmonic saturation
• LO Band: 20Hz–420Hz shelving, ±10dB, hard-clipping saturation
• Level Controls: ±20dB input and output per band
• Dynamic Response: Harmonic content increases with signal drive level
• Stereo Linking: OPTOSYNC — links two Carnaby 500 units as a stereo pair, no cables required

Cranborne Audio

Founded in the UK in 2017 and launched at the 2018 NAMM Show, Cranborne Audio set out to bring a “modern approach to vintage sound” to project, large-format, and home studios. The name nods to Cranborne House, the former Soundcraft headquarters where the founders first worked together — and that pro-console heritage shows up throughout the range. Cranborne’s products pair transparent, high-headroom analog signal paths with switchable Mojo saturation circuits, letting engineers dial in vintage colour on demand rather than being stuck with it.

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