Cranborne Audio 500R8 Demo & Review
Вставка
- Опубліковано 3 сер 2024
- Instagram: musicinthecabin
Twitter: alecbrits
Email: info@thecabinrecordings for Production, Mixing, and Mastering.
The Cabin Live Room Sample Pack:
www.thecabinrecordings.com/sh...
Equipment Used:
Cranborne Audio 500 R8:
studiocare.com/products/cranb...
Cranborne Audio Camden 500:
studiocare.com/products/cranb...
Neumann U67 Re-Issue:
studiocare.com/products/neuma...
Shure Beta 52A:
studiocare.com/products/shure...
Universal Apollo X16:
studiocare.com/products/unive...
ATC SCM 45A Pro:
studiocare.com/products/atc-s...
00:00 Intro
00:22 Front Panel
02:23 Rack Ears
02:43 Rear Pannel
03:58 Demonstration
06:04 Review
Another amazing tune Alec! Fantastic overview as always! Thanks so much for your kind words! 🙌
Also, that's word for word the conversation we had at the pub when designing this... no joke 😂😂😂😂
Thank you guys! :)
Honestly, I can really believe that. 😂😂
You guys really did something here! This is the all in one box I think most producers dream of. Do you guys have any plans of making a version with USB C connection anytime soon? My only concern with purchasing this is that I won't be able to run Pro Tools with more than 1024 buffer size for a heavy mix session.
Hey @@mattbang1072! Thanks for your kind words! 🙌 We have no plans to produce a version with a USB C connector. Many devices out there with C connectors still employ USB 2.0 but over a C connector - this method gives you no performance improvement over USB 2.0 on a Type B connector (like ours). A full Type C/USB 3 implementation is expensive to produce but for us, it wouldn't give any more performance improvements. USB 3.0 can transmit larger amounts of data (which is why it is much better for USB hard drives etc) but it's still at the same speed (Bit like a motorway with 2 lanes and cards travelling at 70mph (USB 2.0), vs one with 10 lanes travelling at 70mph (USB 3.0)). Regardless, it's the implementation and other factors that really impact your CPU performance more so than the connector. We have many customers who moved from thunderbolt systems to ours and were getting better, more efficient DAW sessions as our USB 2.0 solution is lightweight and designed for low latency and low CPU impact. Your milage will vary of course, but we would have no hesitation to say you would be able to run heavy Pro Tools with ease! Hope this helps! CA
@@cranborneaudio Ah ok. I guess I was concerned because I figured, with the amount of simultaneous ins and outs, that it seemed that it would need those "10 lanes." But good to know that other customers have had no issues moving from thunderbolt to the USB 2. Really excited about this product though!
@@mattbang1072 No worries Matt! As we only transport 28/30 channels, USB 2 has more than enough bandwidth to do that comfortably! Our friends at RME can send 128 channels of audio through USB 2.0 - they are wizards of course, but there's plenty of room for 30 channels! Hope that helps! CA
Nice. Every time I watch your videos I forget that I'm here for the gear review. I get so caught up in how good yours songs actually sound.
Thank you so much! :)
Yes please Cranborne. NEED that stereo mix bus insert to happen.
Ahh yeee!! :)
As always, awesome video! Thanks for sharing the knowledge and a new track!!! Love the new editing visuals!!
Thanks Kevin! :) really enjoying the video editing process, looking forward to trying new things there.
these videos are two of my favourite things combined. Good music and good Equipment!
Thank you so much Tim!! :)
I'm so glad I watched this. What a beautiful song bro, thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much Stephen! :)
Love the song man! Your best one yet. The unit sounds awesome!
Thank you my man!! :D
Awesome review. Got my R8.
Love the song, my favorite of yours so far.
Congratulations!!
Thank you so much. :)
Great review Alec. Your content and videos are so well produced, the lighting and Audio are top notch, and your music is lush and spacious. I know these videos take a lot of effort, so big props for that! My Cranborne 500R8 is in the mail and I can't wait to use it. Keep up the great work.
Thank you so much Isaac, that means a lot! I hope you enjoy your 500R8! The lads @cranborneaudio knocked it out. 👌🏽
Has to be the dopest review I've watched. Youre talented man and I have a better understanding what this piece of gear does.
Thanks so much! :)
What a brilliant piece of kit! I almost wish I was starting from scratch today - this would form the heart of my studio.
Absolutely. :) my next room will start with one of these.
This thing filled with my favourite 500 series modules would be a total dream for me atm. Definitely a project im going to start building going forward, beginning with this.
It’s a great unit for sure. Specially with the new firmware update. :)
ANother great review man. Also hilarious. Also love the demo song. Crazy talented and informative about the gear I want! Thank you man. New favorite channel!
Thank you so much! :)
Dude thank you so much! I’m going to be building a home studio soon, and this is crazy helpful! Truly thank you!
No worries Ralphy! :) glad it was helpful. The guys at Cranborne know what they are doing!
Awesome work, great video, and it sounds great!
Thanks so much! :)
great video, this channel is a winner
Thank you Khari! :)
Love the song man. Good stuff.
Thank you!! :D
Hey Alec, first time I’ve come across your channel - really well done video and love the laid back vibe you project. Very easy on the senses. Great tune as well so thank you and we’ll be watching for more. Sub’d.
Thank you so much for the kind words Reginald! :) will be more content coming real soon.
Great song to demo what has become my next level kit wish. 👍👍👍
Thanks!! :) enjoy it when you get it.
Amazing song👏! I love my 500R8...this is all I ever wanted. Cranborne team its always on top of the game;)
Thank you so much! :) it’s such a great box. 👌🏽
Great video man. i own one myself and i am in love with this. i came from a LYNX HILO AD/DA and at first i was scared that the conversion wasnt up to par with the LYNX...i love it now!
side note: This oke is DEFINITELY South African 😂😂😂😂 i have no doubts about that 😂😂😂😂 his accent gives him away 😁👌
It’s a great unit for sure!
Yeah! 🇿🇦 🇿🇦🇿🇦
Yeah this unit really looks and sounds special. I’m looking to get the ADAT version for my 16A. Flexibility just seems amazing. Like you said, these units can certainly expand nicely in your desired workflow.
It’s a beast! :) absolute joy using this device. And the fact that the ADAT version can be included into a current workflow is just a big old fashioned win. 👌🏽
Love your videos! Nice songs! Great gear in your studio too! Love the ATC’s! Can you do a review on them!
Thank you Nathaniel! :) I would love to do a review on them, but I’m not sure how to show how they sound. It may just have to be a talking and featured kind of video.
Cranborne audio is someone who cares for the music industry, music producers. Music should not be inaccessible like how avid does. Iam upgrading my center console with cranborne audio equipments. And going to own every piece of equipment they manufacture.
Huge support to cranborne audio guys, keep doing the great work.
Humble request - PLS DONT EVER COME UP WITH A SOFTWARE OR APP FOR ANY OF YOUR PRODUCTS. LET THE VISUAL MECHANICS SAY IT ALL.
#CRANBORNE #CRANBORNEAUDIO
Lovely words Sachin! :)
Great song man!
Thanks so much! :)
Awesome song and review 9/10, 10 would be examples and real demonstrations of the routings possible
Also Id really like to know more about the Cast system
Such a great song 🥰
Thanks Joel! :)
More impressed with the song than the gear reviewed. Really great job. I'm trying to decide between the Cranborne 500 ADAT or the Heritage Audio OST-8 ADAT. Thanks.
Thanks so much billy! :) let me know what you end up going for.
you're a very talented guy! Thanks for sharing :) All you videos are inspiring. About the Cranborne, I have had one for a year and the workflow is really fun. It's forced me to plan out a mix, having only 8 tracks to work with. Forces one to make strong decision about what to include in each stem so they mix well. Absolutely love it, it's a recording beast.
Thanks so much for the response. :)
I cannot wait to get further into the different use cases for the R8!!
@@alecbrits Cool! I Thanks for sharing your insights :)
@@alecbrits
The workflow is so open ended and flexible, it would be great to see how you choose to use it.
I'm a bit torn with it. On the one hand I love the summing. But, sometimes I think it's easier to get a mix in the DAW without using the knobs/mixer.
I'm trying to figure out a way to print all the levels I set within the DAW, THEN route those stems for summing in the Cranborne.
I haven't found a way yet.
I think just having the unit set to unity is the easiest way. That way you are using automation within the DAW to push the unit as needed. :) that’s how I use my console, and how I have found recall to be dealt with easiest.
@@alecbrits ah okay, that's a nice tip :) Well you have one vote for a DAW to console work flow video :)
Anyway, cheers Alec!
i just got me one. i cant wait to get this baby!!!!!
Congratulations on your purchase!! :D
@@alecbrits I appreciate it man. Let’s see what this thing can do! 😉🙏🔥
Super cool info, and great delivery and teaching. Bravo on the great production and song.
Thanks Lauren! :D
Great production! most demos you for gear is meh, you my friend went all out to show off the unit. Awesome job.
Thank you so much for the kind words! :) I try to really use the gear and highlight the tone as much as possible.
subbed!!!
Thank you so much! :D
Hey Alec,
Great video and great channel here! Thanks for all that you do! I just got a 500R8. I was wondering if you could do a how to video for dummies with it? So like a walk through on how to set it up and how to do basic tracking and earphone monitoring with it? I seem to be getting a bunch of latency or delay when I'm trying to track bass direct! Thanks again for your great channel! God Bless.
Sure thing! Working on a few videos already!
@@alecbrits oh wow amazing! Cant wait to watch!!
Alec first Off I think THIS is one of your best songs. I'd love to write with you on something sometime. This is a terrific review and evaluation. I ended up buying one of these units. Please review the NEW Carnaby 500 Harmonic EQ circuit...I'd love to hear what you have to say about those units.
Thank you so much Bob! :) congratulations on your purchase. Sure thing, Carnaby review can be arranged indeed!
Yo! Amazing song!! I almost always hate the song on videos like this. Lol nice work! Decent.
Thank you so much Tyler! :)
Brooo amazing setup! Thanks for the vid. Really helpful. 🙏🏽 What is that console you have?
Thank you! :) it’s an Audient ASP4816, I have done a review for it on my channel too.
It's such a smart ecosystem the cranebornes came up with :)
It’s so handy! Specially if you are a one person team. :)
Great review! My Aphex USB 500 is similar to this box, but has only 4 slots (so lunchbox format) and no summing mixer. But it too has MIDI I/O, wordclock I/O, USB, etc. But it's not available anymore.
Thank you so much! :) the Aphex was a good box! Glad that we now have a unit that is so solid and flexible and can be bought.
@@alecbrits Definitely :-) I however wish that they would also do (or have done) a smaller "lunchbox-format" version. I strumbled accross the Cranborne too in my research for a 500 series lunchbox with included converters, but the Cranborne was a bit too large and expensive for my needs. As far as I'm concerned I like it small and portable (since I don't run a commercial studio, just home/project studio use) and I'm fine with four really good different preamps featuring different tone each. My four slots will be populated with the Neve 1073LB, Neve 88RLB, API 512c and SSL Six Channel, which should cover all my project studio preamp needs in a small portable package. Btw, I finally got the U-67 because of your great Neve 1073LB review :-)
You could use the Bison From IGS audio and insert your Mastering chain as an insert in the DAW.. just keep the volume knob on the summing mixer at - Infinity. Or take the summing output into your mastering chain and then input it on 7 and 8 line inputs and set them to analog and record them in your DAW as you would track a stereo instrument. also summing knob at - infinity ( in both cases you lose 2 summing channels) but it could work. I think..
That should work indeed! :) loosing the two channels of summing is a bit of a loss for me as my mix session is grouped into 8 stereo stems, but it is indeed a work around.
If this song were written & performed by Sting it would be his best fu&@ing song.
Amazing.
Thanks for that INSANELY kind compliment. Always loved listening to sting when I was growing up. :) I’ll keep working on more tunes!
Such a great insights and lovely quality music. Wonder to know how the mix is done on Craneborne audio 500r8? is this creating any issues or are you using a mixer with it? Because it appears there is no meter level, the knobs do not look appropriate for mixing, and I can see there is no mute button on channels, which is really sad:(( . What's your thoughts about it as I'm about to decide to go all in on CB500R8 or having a mixer.
Sounds like the issues you have highlighted are solved with a console style workflow. :)
good review as you said the unti is all those things and more but do you need the things you mentioned if you have a interface a summing mixer ect already ive seen one bad review all other have been good but as you also mentioned they sent you the item as they did others overall im stuck on what to get but great vid
Thanks AV! :) I think if you have everything you want, then you don’t need this piece of equipment. But if you are someone who is looking to upgrade from just an interface, or someone who wants to scale down from a console/outboard workflow, then this is a pretty wicked choice.
@@alecbrits hey man hope your good yeah im kinda looking to upgrade so i mainly do just use the pc but i got some synths and i also got some real good old school delays reverbs ect so i would like to have it all flowing the best way possible and i do need an upgrade ive got an saffire 6 and dont mind using somthing else now i was also looking at the big six ssl and the apogee symphany desktop so to be honest the more i been looking the more i just need to do more research and take my time
Absolutely! Research is key with these things really. :)
Hi alec! Awesome video one again! I have a question you might be able to help me with.
I expect my 500r8 to arrive on monday!
I want to use it as my monitoring (main) interface and hook up my apollo 8 from 2015 via adat.
Now I was wondering how to monitor those adat channels through the 500r8 and how to control those input levels. Or do I still need the apollo software to make that work?
Thank you for your help😊
Hey Lieuwe! Sadly I’m not too sure how best to control the Apollo/500r8. I would assume you have to still use the software on the Apollos, but again, I’m not too sure.
@@alecbrits Thanks for responding Alec. I'll send a message to the team at Cranborne audio to see if they can help me out. Cheers!
Thanks for such a great informative review. I have a UAD Apollo Twin MKII. I’m curious if these digital converters sound better in the Cranborne?
The Cranborne conversion is really solid, I personally prefer the tone of them to my Apollos. Especially the DA conversion. :)
@@alecbrits that what I wanted to know! You are extremely talented. Thanks for taking the time to share your gifts!
Greatest vídeo, Sir Alec!
Do you get on your álbum? I like yours songs.
Lord bless you and family.
Thank you Felipe!! :)
I’ll be working on my album later this year.
What a lovely channel!! Seeing that this does not have a stereo mix bus insert, is there a practical simple way to make that process happen if you were to purchase this system? Thank you 🙏 Regards~
Thanks Roan! As stated in the video, if you were to have a second converter, that could work, or if you had an ADAT converter, you could take the mix outputs, then fire them through your buss processing and pop them into the conversion connected via ADAT. :)
Alec, thank You 🙏
Question I really love the sound of my AuroraLynx N 16in 16out DAC Just wondering how does it compare with the Cranborne sound. Thanks.
Hey Rick! :)
I’ve not tried the Lynx N yet. So I can’t honestly say. What I can say is that I really enjoy both the AD and DA on the Cranborne stuff. :)
Does r8 interface records straight to the daw? Or do they have their own mixer app, kinda like rme total mix which sometimes is complicated for me, i just want to start recording without much learning curve
There is no mixer app. :) just gotta change one or two setting in you DAW and you computer and you are ready to go. All the functionality you need is on the mixer underneath the 500 series slots.
I have a query. In the back panel, Mix Output refers to the summed mixed right? So is it possible to route that summed mix through outboard gear and then back in the DAW, probably through DAW 2 INPUT?
I want to eliminate the need to do multiple ADDA round trips for stem mastering purpose. Please suggest! On the verge of purchasing this unit and can’t find a single tutorial regarding this hack.
I have the EC2 & N22H for the master bus so probably we can use CAST i/o for this?
Hey Larry, I think it’s best to get in touch with Cranborne to discuss this. :)
@@alecbrits Thanks.
how would u rate the converters on this unit. Specially D to A? Do they compare to the likes of dangerous etc? thanks
I have maybe a silly doubt some one hopefully can help with. Lets assume half of those slots are eq or dynamics modules, do i then loose the intrument inputs on those channels or can they be used for both line input and 500 series silmutaneously?
As far as I’m aware, once there is a unit inside the rack will default to it being used. The little switches that allow you to select which inputs are to be used are on the inside of the rack.
Hello. Can I use the 500R8 only as adat? I mean, without using de interface or connecting the usb cable. I want to expand my apollo twin interface and still using it as the brain, but also i want the flexibility of the 500r8 because i can take it everywhere without using another interface.
Hi Chris! Cranborne make a 500ADAT only version of the rack just for the use that you are looking for. :)
If the R8 modules come before the A/D stage; couldn't you just put your mastering chain in the R8 module spaces and any other mastering plugins on the DAW Master track, and then print? I'm not the most knowledgable producer. But it seems like something I would try.
Would putting the master chain on channels 9 and 10 as a master insert make it sound different (if it were possible, of course)?
I'm asking because I am planning on buying one and want to know if getting the 500 Series SSL Bus Compressor is worth it. Or if I should get the rack version and put the R8 master outs (9 and 10) through the SSL rack version Bus Compressor and then into a separate interface into the computer, like you said.
Hey Julian! :)
That would work if you don’t want to use the summing mixer that is built into the unit itself.
The only reason why a hypothetical 9-10 channel would be great is to be able to take the summing mixer output and have it go into your analog chain, then back into the unit.
If you are looking to have the ability to pop analog inserts into your projects, then using the unit without the summing mixer is totally possible. If you are looking to use the summing mixer with the appropriate stereo processing per stereo stem, then that’s possible.
If you want to add ANALOG stereo buss compression/EQ to the summing mixer outputs, then you will either need to come out of the summing mixer outputs, into another set of converters. Or take the outputs of the summing mixer into a pair of channels on the unit, without 500 units in with the line input switch enabled.
Hope this helps. :)
How do you feel about the connectivity only being usb 2? That’s my biggest concern with this. I still use an apogee duet 2 with usb 2, but finding that it doesn’t provide enough buffer size when my session gets heavy. I don’t understand why they didn’t use a faster connection, especially for something that came out in last two years.
It felt pretty good to me, specially with the fact that I can monitor from the device itself with the onboard mixer. I generally work at 96khz, so latency is less of an issue in general. That was just my experience, if you have had any interesting experiences with one of the Cranborne units, then please feel free to share. :)
@@alecbrits Interesting. I would think you would have more latency concern running at 96k as opposed to 48k. Latency is less concern as you said, there's onboard mixer. More concerned with being able to set a large buffer size for a heavy mix session, but also faster connection for overdubs would be good.
@@mattbang1072 I think buffer size limits are determined by the DAW that you use. :)
@@alecbrits I think yes and no. I use Pro Tools and Ableton. They do offer different buffer size limits, but also when I have a faster connection interface, the buffer size limit changes. For instance if I have my usb interface connected, I can go up to 1024 in PT. If I have a thunderbolt connection, I can go higher.
@@mattbang280 that’s very interesting! I guess I’ve been on thunderbolt interfaces for quite some time, so it’s not really something I’ve noticed. Thanks for the feedback!
But hopes the conversion compare to other high end converters? Like burl or lynx
How does…
It’s really solid conversation. Hard to know how they compare to the burl or the lynx as I have not tried them. But compared to the the Apollo’s I’d say they are even.
How could you integrate this in to 8 channel mixer? I know this is mixer in a way but what if you have quality 8 or 16 channwl mixer?
Perhaps a normal 500 series rack is the better way for you?
I just want to know if it's quiet. What's the noise floor like?
Really good! :)
more saffa brits pls thx
😂😂
and after all this time, SPDIF not implemented, still doesnt work (not in the firmware) and the clock dipswitches are still not implemented... maybe in another year all features might be supported! otherwise, this might be a great product. buyer beware tho...
Thanks for the insight! :)
Agree. I really could use those SPDIF ports. About to order either both the 500R8 and 500ADAT or perhaps a combination of the 500R8 and a different expander unit. I already have a 500 chassis and 3 of them is just a bit much and will tempt me to spend even more money trying to fill up the holes!
Hi Alec. Do you have Spotify?
Hey Jasper, I don’t have any of my songs up on Spotify just yet. They are all being finished off over the course of this year. :)
Can I have full track of the song??
It’s not finished yet! :)
@@alecbrits can't wait for the full song!!!
Hi, i did no get right the headphone outputs. How can i work at night without disturbing my wife if when i turn up the headphone output, the monitors, going to sound too. How can i do that, to mute the monitors while i am using the headphone ?
All you have to do is hit the mute button on the unit. That mutes the speakers, not the headphones.
Thanks a lot
Word higest end gears, so maximum can't afford 🤣🤣
It’s a series of small steps to get these pieces I think. :)
@@alecbrits still u r lucky to have these👍
@@alecbrits anyone can't Comment against these gears and its output.... These are ultimate standards👍👍👍
how much did they pay you for this? lol
Hahaha, there was no financial contribution on this! :)
Not impressed, not penetrating sound
Thanks for the feedback. :)
@@alecbrits don't mind, from great gears i expect Great sounding tracks🙏... U can also
@@GokulChandCreation Might you save yourself a few thousand quid on high end equipment by investing in having your ears professionally cleaned out? Maybe you live next door to an airport runway? 🤣