Cranborne Audio 500R8 USB Audio Interface and 8-Slot 500 Series Chassis

The Cranborne Audio 500R8 USB audio interface and 8-slot 500 Series chassis is an all-in-one analog/digital hybrid recording hub that combines an 8-slot high-current 500 Series rack, a 28-in/30-out USB audio interface, an 8-into-2 analog summing mixer, a comprehensive monitor controller with talkback, a 16-in/16-out ADAT interface, and a zero-latency analog artist mixer into a single 2U unit. As a result, the 500R8 can serve as the complete centrepiece of a professional studio, handling everything from module hosting and recording to monitoring, summing, and headphone distribution without additional outboard hardware. The 500 Series rack section delivers 250mA per slot with a 2A total current budget, providing ample headroom for even power-hungry modules. In addition, reference-class A/D-D/A conversion offers 121dB dynamic range and THD+N of less than 0.00032%, supporting sampling rates up to 192kHz for pristine digital conversion. Marshall Music South Africa stocks the Cranborne Audio 500R8 USB audio interface and 8-slot 500 Series chassis for studios across South Africa wanting to consolidate their entire studio front end into one well-engineered unit.

Complete Studio Integration From the Cranborne Audio 500R8 USB Audio Interface and 8-Slot 500 Series Chassis

Whether you’re tracking through 500 Series preamps, running a hybrid mix through the analog summing section, or distributing headphone feeds to a live room via C.A.S.T., the Cranborne Audio 500R8 USB audio interface and 8-slot 500 Series chassis handles it all from a single rackmount unit. The monitor controller section includes a talkback input with XLR connector and 48V phantom power, push-to-talk operation, and automatic signal routing to all C.A.S.T. and headphone outputs in the system. Two front-panel headphone outputs — Monitor and Aux — deliver up to 1.21W per channel into 100 ohm loads, providing powerful, clear monitoring through any headphones. However, the 500R8’s connectivity extends further still: ADAT optical for up to 16 additional channels, S/PDIF, 5-pin MIDI, and Cranborne Audio’s proprietary C.A.S.T. system for distributing audio across the studio via standard Cat 5 cable. Marshall Music South Africa recommends the Cranborne Audio 500R8 USB audio interface and 8-slot 500 Series chassis to South African engineers and studio owners who want a single, comprehensive unit that covers every aspect of a professional recording setup.

Tech Specs

• Format: 2U, 19″ rackmount — 8-slot 500 Series chassis + USB audio interface
• USB I/O: 28 inputs / 30 outputs
• A/D-D/A Conversion: 121dB dynamic range (A-weighted), THD+N <0.00032%, up to 192kHz
• 500 Series Power: 250mA per slot, 2A total
• Summing Mixer: 8-into-2 high-headroom analog summing
• ADAT: 16-in/16-out optical
• Additional I/O: S/PDIF, 5-pin MIDI, C.A.S.T. (Cranborne Audio Signal Transport via Cat 5)
• Monitor Controller: Comprehensive monitor section with talkback (XLR input, 48V phantom, push-to-talk)
• Headphone Outputs: 2 x front-panel ¼” (Monitor and Aux) — 250mW @ 600 ohm / 650mW @ 220 ohm / 1.21W @ 100 ohm / 500mW @ 32 ohm
• Power: External 24V, 5A locking power supply

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.

Learn more about Cranborne Audio

View more Cranborne Audio at Marshall Music

Why Buy From Marshall Music

At Marshall Music, we’re all passionate and highly experienced musicians that love what we do. Family run and family owned for over 35 years, we stock a huge variety of the very best brands in the world of musical instruments, music technology, professional audio and accessories. At Marshall Music, you’ll get the right advice – exactly what you need to make the best possible purchasing decision. We’ll do all we can to make sure you get the right thing at the right p      rice as efficiently as possible – leaving you with a smile on your face!