Cranborne Audio Brick Lane 500 Compressor

Cranborne Audio’s BrickLane 500 Overview

Cranborne Audio’s Brick Lane 500 is a sophisticated analog PWM compressor that aims to reinvent dynamics control in professional audio production. This module’s revolutionary Modal PWM Compression design provides unparalleled versatility by allowing for numerous different compression techniques inside a single unit. Each mode reflects a distinct compression strategy, resulting in various acoustic characteristics adapted to certain applications.

From smooth, Vari-Mu-inspired curves to quick FET-like responses, the Brick Lane 500 may meet every creative demand. Compression ratio, attack, release, and knee behaviors change dynamically across modes, giving you great control over tonal and dynamic shaping. The flexible Stress control enriches each mode by providing subtle harmonic warmth, transient shaping, mix glue, and volume optimization choices. The Brick Lane 500, ideal for mixing and sound design, combines the power of numerous iconic compressors into a single small module, making it a strong tool for professionals looking for a versatile and creative approach to compression.

Modal compression: The Sonic Transformation Engine

The Brick Lane 500 features six different compression characteristics, each precisely constructed to give unique sound signatures:

1.  Velvet has vintage Vari-Mu-style musicality and tube-inspired harmonic compression. This compression method provides smooth, organic, and dynamic control while maintaining vintage tone warmth and character.
2.  Float: Optical-inspired dynamics with considerable transparency and wave-like compression ballistics.
3.  Smash: FET-style transient dominance, aggressive dynamic reduction, explosive punch, and sonic impact.
4.  Tame manages transients with rapid, transparent control and surgical precision.
5.  Use Glue to gently compress your mix on the master bus.
6.  Polish offers the quickest and cleanest analog limiter with Clairborne’s Analogue Lookahead technology, ideal for mastering-style limiting.

Key Technological Innovations

1. PWM compression for optimal analog compression.
2.  Processed analog signals using pure PWM (Pulse Width Modulation).
3.  Reduces unwanted compression artifacts and distortion.
4.  Full control over compression envelopes, onsets, and ballistics.

Analogue Lookahead Technology.

1.  Quarter-wave predictive voltage detection offers excellent transient anticipating capabilities.
2.  Provides zero-latency dynamics control.
3.  Prevents converter clipping with surgical precision.
4.  Polish mode offers superior mastering-grade limiting and transient harmonic saturation capabilities.
5.  Proprietary stress control allows for precise audio coloration for each compression mode.
6.  Converts compression into a creative instrument.

Full Analogue Signal Path

•  Pure PWM processing.
•  Maintains 100% analog signal integrity without digital conversion.

Stereo Link using OptoSync

1.  The Brick Lane 500 uses Cranborne Audio’s OptoSync technology, allowing two devices to act as a stereo pair for mixes and sources.
2.  OptoSync synchronizes controllers from left to right without cords or internal fixes. Switch OptoSync on for all slave units, and their controls will synchronize wirelessly with the master unit via LED and optical communication.
3.  Use OptoSync to connect several devices and apply a consistent sound footprint across summing mixers or multichannel surround mixes.

Cranborne Audio Brick Lane 500 Features:

•  Cranborne Audio’s UK team methodically designed the 500 Series modal PWM compressor.
•  Utilizes a custom PWM compression circuit and Stress control to enhance harmonic compression effects.
•  Six compression modes: Velvet, Float, Smash, Tame, Glue, and Polish. Adjust compression ratio, knee, compression style, and rate of change.
•  Threshold control and variable-range attack and release controls (adjustable by mode)
•  Includes a 12-segment LED level and gain reduction meter.
•  4 sidechain HPF modes: OFF, 60 Hz, 100 Hz, and 200 Hz.
•  Tailor compression and saturation to the source with ±20 dB input and output/make-up gain levels.
•  Wireless OptoSync connection between modules allows for connected controllers during stereo operation.
•  3.5mm TRS socket for connecting non-adjacent modules.
•  Automatic circuit calibration ensures precise stereo matching across all modules.
•  DIP switch supports true-bypass IN/OUT switching and entire or post-input trim modes.
•  Front-panel controls provide fast recall and an accurate feel.

• Processor Type	Compressor
  Number of Channels	1
  Controls	Threshold, Attack, Release
  Bypass	True bypass switch
  Module Slot Size	Single
  Test Signal Path	APx555 (Line Out) – Input – Line Output – APx555 (Line In)
  Max Input Level	+24dBu (<0.003% THD)
  Max Output Level	+26.5dBu (<0.003% THD)
  Frequency Response	±0.5dB, 2 Hz – 80 kHz
  Noise Floor	<-100dBu (unweighted)
  Dynamic Range	>118dB
  Input Impedance	Line = 43 kOhms
  Output Impedance	Line = 150 Ohms
  Current Draw	140mA per rail – typical use case, 160mA per rail – max
  Compression Element	Pulse Width Modulation
  Switching Frequency	250kHz
  Harmonics (Stress Control)	<20% THD depending on conditions
  Frequency Range	200Hz – 6.2kHz
  Weight	0.9 lbs