Cranborne Audio N22H
The Cranborne Audio N22H is a reference-grade stereo headphone amplifier, C.A.S.T. breakout box and Cat5 audio snake designed for studio, stage, tracking, mixing and mastering applications. Its headphone amplifier circuit is derived from Cranborne Audio's 500R8 audio interface and combines high output power, extremely low distortion and a very low output impedance for accurate headphone monitoring.
Two balanced combi jack inputs and balanced XLR and 1/4-inch jack outputs allow the N22H to integrate directly with audio interfaces, mixers and other studio equipment. High and Low Power operating modes optimise the amplifier for different headphone types, while battery and DC powering make the N22H suitable for both permanent studio installations and portable applications.
Reference-Grade Headphone Amplifier
The N22H headphone amplifier is designed to provide clean headroom and sufficient output power for a wide range of headphones.
In High Power mode, the amplifier delivers up to 950 mW per channel into 100 ohms, with an output impedance of just 0.33 ohms. Its frequency response extends from below 0.8 Hz to above 250 kHz at -1 dB, while THD+N reaches below 0.0009% at +6 dBu with a 100 kOhm load.
This combination of low distortion, wide bandwidth and low output impedance allows the N22H to drive both high and low impedance headphones while minimising additional coloration from the headphone amplifier itself.
High and Low Power Modes
The N22H provides two carefully calibrated operating modes for different monitoring requirements.
High Power Mode is optimised for maximum power and performance with high-impedance, open-back and over-ear headphones commonly used for mixing and mastering.
Low Power Mode is optimised for low-impedance headphones, in-ear monitors and closed-back tracking headphones while reducing power consumption for extended battery operation.
Battery or DC Powered Operation
The N22H can operate from a standard 9V battery, making it suitable for remote recording, tracking and stage applications where mains power may not be conveniently available.
Average battery life is approximately 2 hours in High Power mode and approximately 9 hours 30 minutes in Low Power mode, depending on headphone impedance, sensitivity, listening level and programme material.
A 9V DC centre-negative power supply is included. The N22H can also be powered using compatible third-party 9V centre-negative guitar pedal power supplies.
Seamless battery switching allows the unit to continue operating from its internal battery if external power is interrupted.
C.A.S.T. Audio Connectivity
N22H also integrates Cranborne Audio's C.A.S.T. audio distribution system.
C.A.S.T. uses shielded Cat 5e, Cat 6 or Cat 7 network cable to carry balanced analogue audio between compatible Cranborne Audio products over distances of up to 100 metres / 330 feet.
The N22H features both C.A.S.T. IN and C.A.S.T. OUT connections, allowing it to function as part of a Cranborne Audio C.A.S.T. studio or stage system.
C.A.S.T. Expander for 500R8 and 500ADAT
When connected to the C.A.S.T. inputs of a Cranborne Audio 500R8 or 500ADAT, microphone or line sources connected to the N22H can be sent directly to the interface for recording.
At the same time, a stereo monitor mix generated by the 500R8 or 500ADAT can travel through the same C.A.S.T. connection to the N22H headphone amplifier.
This allows audio to be sent in both directions between the recording location and interface using a single shielded Cat cable.
Standalone Cat5 Audio Snake
The N22H can also be combined with a Cranborne Audio N22 to create a standalone analogue Cat5 audio snake.
A shielded Cat 5e, Cat 6 or Cat 7 cable can carry balanced analogue audio between the N22 and N22H, allowing sources and monitor signals to be distributed between locations without a conventional analogue multicore.
Built for Studio and Stage
The N22H is housed in a rugged metal enclosure with a powder-coated finish for portable and permanent installations.
Four fixing holes allow permanent mounting, while cable-tie points assist with cable management. A 3/8-inch thread on the underside allows the N22H to be mounted onto a microphone stand.
A custom logarithmic headphone level control provides precise volume adjustment, while non-slip rubber feet help keep the unit securely positioned during desktop operation.
Key Features
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Reference-grade stereo headphone amplifier
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Headphone amplifier circuit derived from the Cranborne Audio 500R8
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Two balanced combi jack inputs
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Balanced XLR and 1/4-inch jack outputs
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High and Low Power operating modes
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High Power mode for high-impedance, over-ear and open-back headphones
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Low Power mode for low-impedance headphones, in-ear monitors and tracking headphones
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Up to 950 mW per channel into 100 ohms in High Power mode
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0.33 ohm output impedance in High Power mode
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Wide frequency response extending beyond 200 kHz
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Extremely low distortion
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Internal 9V battery compartment
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Approximately 2 hours average battery life in High Power mode
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Approximately 9 hours 30 minutes average battery life in Low Power mode
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Included 9V DC centre-negative power supply
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Compatible with suitable third-party 9V centre-negative power supplies
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Seamless battery operation if external power is interrupted
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C.A.S.T. IN connection
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C.A.S.T. OUT connection
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Compatible with Cranborne Audio 500R8 and 500ADAT C.A.S.T. connections
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Can be combined with N22 as a standalone Cat5 audio snake
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Supports shielded Cat 5e, Cat 6 and Cat 7 cable
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C.A.S.T. cable distances up to 100 m / 330 ft
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Rugged metal enclosure
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Permanent installation fixing holes
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Cable-tie mounting points
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Non-slip rubber feet
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3/8-inch microphone stand mounting thread
Technical Specifications
Headphone Amplifier, High Power Mode
Maximum input level: +28 dBu
Input impedance: 44 kOhms
Frequency response: -0.5 dB, <1.2 Hz to >200 kHz
Frequency response: -1 dB, <0.8 Hz to >250 kHz
THD+N: <0.0009% at +6 dBu, 1 kHz, A-weighted, 100 kOhm load
Output impedance: 0.33 ohms
Output power: 252 mW × 2 at 600 ohms
Output power: 502 mW × 2 at 300 ohms
Output power: 950 mW × 2 at 100 ohms
Output power: 470 mW × 2 at 32 ohms
Dynamic range: Up to 116.5 dB A-weighted
Noise floor: -97.5 dBu A-weighted
Headphone Amplifier, Low Power Mode
Maximum input level: +21.7 dBu
Input impedance: 44 kOhms
Frequency response: -0.5 dB, <1.2 Hz to >200 kHz
Frequency response: -1 dB, <0.8 Hz to >250 kHz
THD: <0.0002% at +6 dBu, 1 kHz, A-weighted, 100 kOhm load
Output impedance: 1 ohm
Dynamic range: Up to 112.9 dB A-weighted
Noise floor: -100 dBu A-weighted
Power
High Power current consumption: 110 mA idle, 390 mA peak
Low Power current consumption: 30 mA idle, 80 mA peak
Average battery life, High Power: Approx. 2 hours
Average battery life, Low Power: Approx. 9 hours 30 minutes
Included power supply: 9V, 500 mA DC, centre negative
Third-party power supply recommendation: 9V, 1000 mA DC, centre negative
AC requirements: 100 to 240V AC, 50 to 60 Hz
Dimensions and Weight
Width: 150 mm
Height: 46 mm
Depth: 120 mm
Weight: 0.91 kg
