CRANBORNE AUDIO Brick Lane 500

Description

The Brick Lane 500 is an analogue PWM compressor in the 500 series format, featuring 6 operational modes and variable Stress control for harmonically rich compression effects. The Brick Lane 500 represents a genuine quantum leap in analogue compression: an all-analogue PWM compressor that transcends traditional dynamic control methodologies thanks to its revolutionary Modal PWM Compression architecture. In POLISH mode, the Brick Lane 500 becomes the fastest and cleanest analogue compressor ever made, thanks to its exclusive ANALOGUE LOOKAHEAD function and top-tier PWM circuit — ideal as a mastering-style limiter. By changing modes and quickly adjusting the STRESS control, the Brick Lane 500 can transform into a "vintage-style" analogue compressor, or into a modern, aggressive compressor perfect for crushing drums in parallel. At the heart of the Brick Lane 500 lies its innovative Modal PWM Compression technology — a radically new approach that offers audio professionals unparalleled compression flexibility. Unlike conventional compressors, this design allows for unlimited shaping of envelopes and compression styles, without compromise. Imagine a single compressor that encapsulates an entire arsenal of compression in one revolutionary module. The Modal PWM Compression of the Brick Lane 500 is equivalent to having six legendary hardware compressors at your fingertips, each with its own personality, sonic signature, and dynamic DNA. Each mode is not just a setting: it is an entirely different compression philosophy. Each mode effectively reconfigures your "virtual patchbay", offering a totally different compression style, with unique ballistic characteristics that radically transform the unit's behaviour. Attack and release controls mutate drastically between modes — from slow, Vari-Mu-style curves to lightning-fast FET-type responses. Compression ratios range from gentle 2:1 interventions to aggressive 20:1 sonic destruction. Even the knee behaviour transitions from soft, rounded profiles to sharp precision. The Stress control becomes a true chameleon, radically altering the harmonic character and saturation profile in each mode. What adds a slight tube warmth in VELVET, becomes a transient destroyer in SMASH, a mix glue in GLUE, and a loudness/clipping finalizer in POLISH. It's not just a function: it's a sonic transformer that redefines compression as a creative tool for sound design and mixing. Key Features: ● 500 series Modal PWM compressor developed by the Cranborne Audio team in the UK ● Custom PWM circuit and “Stress” control for harmonically enriched compression effects ● 6 modes: Velvet, Float, Smash, Tame, Glue, Polish ● Variable Threshold, Attack, and Release controls per mode ● 12-segment LED meter for level and gain reduction ● 4 HPF sidechain filters: OFF, 60Hz, 100Hz, 200Hz ● ±20dB Input and Output/Make-up Gain ● Wireless OptoSync for stereo operation ● 1/8” TRS jack for linking non-adjacent modules ● Auto-calibration for perfect stereo matching ● True-bypass IN/OUT with post-trim mode ● Stepped front panel controls for precise recall