Cranborne Audio Introduces the Brick Lane 500 – The World’s First Modal Compressor

Strictly Embargoed Until 22 January 2025, 4 PM UK Time

Cranborne Audio, a leader in professional audio innovation, proudly announces the release of the Brick Lane 500—the world’s first Modal Compressor. This groundbreaking 500 Series PWM Compressor redefines dynamic processing with six unique operating modes and a variable Stress control, delivering harmonically enriched compression effects that set a new standard in analog sound design.

Brick Lane 500: A Revolutionary Approach to Compression

Unveiled in London on 22 January 2025, the Brick Lane 500 introduces a technological breakthrough in dynamic control, powered by the cleanest and fastest Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) compression circuit ever developed. Combining pristine analog audio quality with unparalleled tonal versatility, the Brick Lane 500 is a gamechanger for music producers, mixing engineers, and mastering professionals.

Key Features

• Modal Compression Architecture: Six distinct compression modes for creative flexibility.
• Pure PWM Analog Processing: Ensures transparent dynamics with minimal distortion.
• Stress Control: A versatile harmonic saturation tool that adapts to each mode.
• Analog Lookahead Technology: Zero-latency transient control, exclusive to the POLISH mode.
• Stereo-Linking via OptoSync: Effortless synchronization for stereo and multi-channel mixes.
• Automatic Calibration: Guarantees perfect stereo matching and consistent performance.

A Word from Cranborne Audio’s Managing Director

“Continuing our dedication to innovation and pushing the boundaries of audio, we’re thrilled to introduce the Brick Lane 500,” said Sean Karpowicz, Managing Director at Cranborne Audio. “Whether you’re seeking the fastest, cleanest analog compression or the vibe and color of a vintage unit, the Brick Lane 500 is the ultimate tool for crafting analog compression with modern precision.”

Modal PWM Compression Technology

At the heart of the Brick Lane 500 lies Modal PWM Compression, a groundbreaking system that delivers unprecedented compression flexibility. Unlike traditional compressors, this innovative architecture transforms the Brick Lane 500 into a complete compression arsenal, offering six compression styles that emulate iconic hardware units while providing a unique sonic signature for each mode.

Six Modal Compression Modes

1. VELVET: Classic Vari-Mu-inspired musicality with smooth harmonic compression and vintage warmth.
2. FLOAT: Transparent, Opto-style compression with gentle dynamics control.
3. SMASH: FET-inspired aggression for powerful transient dominance and explosive energy.
4. TAME: Ultra-fast, precision transient management for surgical dynamic control.
5. GLUE: Perfect for bus compression, bringing cohesiveness to mixes.
6. POLISH: Advanced mastering-grade limiting with unparalleled analog lookahead technology.

Each mode redefines how attack, release, ratio, and harmonic saturation behave, providing tailored responses for every mixing and mastering scenario.

Stress Control: A Creative Gamechanger

The Stress Control is more than a harmonic enhancement tool—it’s a dynamic shapeshifter. Depending on the selected mode, it adapts to:

• Add subtle tube warmth in VELVET.
• Crush transients with aggressive saturation in SMASH.
• Smoothly blend mix elements in GLUE.
• Serve as a mastering finalizer in POLISH.

This innovative control expands compression beyond dynamics into the realm of sound design.

Cutting-Edge Technology for Modern Audio Workflows

PWM Compression Circuitry

The Brick Lane 500’s Pulse Width Modulation design delivers unmatched speed, transparency, and tonal purity. This advanced circuit minimizes undesirable artifacts, ensuring precise control over every element of your mix.

Analog Lookahead Technology

Available exclusively in the POLISH mode, this proprietary feature provides predictive transient anticipation with zero latency, ideal for mastering-grade limiting and precision transient management.

OptoSync Stereo-Linking

The Brick Lane 500 employs OptoSync Technology for wireless stereo linking. By using optical communication, multiple units synchronize seamlessly, ensuring consistent performance in stereo and surround mixing applications.

Built to Last: Industrial Design and Calibration

• Rugged Construction: Designed for studio reliability with durable materials and custom detented pots for precise adjustments.
• Automatic Calibration: Guarantees perfect alignment of analog saturation paths, ensuring accurate stereo imaging and performance.

Specifications

• 500 Series Format: Fits seamlessly into compatible racks.
• Compression Modes: Velvet, Float, Smash, Tame, Glue, Polish.
• Adjustable Controls: Threshold, Attack, Release, Ratio, and Stress.
• LED Meters: 12-segment gain reduction and level indicators.
• Sidechain HPF Options: 60Hz, 100Hz, 200Hz, or bypass.
• Input/Output Gain: ±20dB for precise level matching.