Cranborne Audio N8
The Cranborne Audio N8 is a completely passive C.A.S.T. distribution hub designed to simplify analogue audio routing around studios, stages and recording spaces using standard shielded Cat 5e, Cat 6 or Cat 7 network cable.
Featuring 8 analogue inputs and 8 analogue outputs via DB25 alongside four dedicated C.A.S.T. ports, the N8 converts conventional analogue I/O into Cranborne Audio's C.A.S.T. system. Up to four C.A.S.T. breakout boxes can be connected simultaneously, providing up to 16 channels of audio routing between an audio interface, mixer and remote locations.
A single C.A.S.T. connection can replace four conventional XLR cables, allowing balanced analogue audio to be distributed over cable runs of up to 100 metres / 330 feet.
C.A.S.T. Audio Distribution Hub
N8 acts as the central connection point for a Cranborne Audio C.A.S.T. system.
Its DB25 connectors provide 8 analogue inputs and 8 analogue outputs using Tascam wiring. These connections can be patched directly to the analogue I/O of an audio interface, mixer or studio installation.
The N8 then converts those analogue connections into four discrete C.A.S.T. connections that can be distributed around a studio or stage using standard shielded network cable.
Up to 16 Channels of Audio Routing
Four C.A.S.T. ports allow up to four compatible Cranborne Audio breakout boxes to be connected to the N8 simultaneously.
Each C.A.S.T. connection carries four channels of fully balanced analogue audio, consisting of two input and two output paths.
This allows microphones, line-level signals, headphone feeds and other analogue sources to be distributed between a central recording system and multiple remote locations without conventional analogue multicore cabling.
Analogue Audio Over Cat 5
C.A.S.T. uses the four twisted pairs inside network cable to transport four channels of balanced analogue audio.
N8 is compatible with shielded Cat 5e, Cat 6 and Cat 7 cabling and supports cable distances of up to 100 metres / 330 feet.
Cranborne Audio recommends higher-performance Cat 6 and Cat 7 cables for improved crosstalk performance.
Because C.A.S.T. transports analogue audio rather than converting signals to a digital networking protocol, N8 requires no A/D or D/A conversion as part of its audio distribution system.
Flexible Output Routing
Dedicated front-panel C.A.S.T. output routing switches provide control over the monitor signals distributed to connected C.A.S.T. devices.
Each connection can receive the same stereo output signal, allowing a common programme or monitor mix to be distributed to several locations.
Alternatively, separate stereo outputs can be routed to individual C.A.S.T. connections, enabling different performers to receive independent monitor mixes.
This makes the N8 suitable for both studio recording and broadcast installations where either individual or shared monitoring feeds are required.
Completely Passive Operation
The Cranborne Audio N8 is completely passive and requires no external power supply for operation.
This allows it to be installed remotely or incorporated into studio and stage systems without requiring additional power connections.
Its rugged metal enclosure is designed for studio and stage use, while the optional Cranborne Audio Half Rack Kit allows the N8 to be installed in a standard 19-inch rack.
48V Phantom Power Support
The C.A.S.T. system fully supports 48V phantom power.
This allows compatible microphone preamps and audio interfaces to provide phantom power through the C.A.S.T. cabling to microphones connected at remote breakout points.
Microphone signals and phantom power can therefore travel through the same C.A.S.T. system without requiring additional local power distribution for compatible equipment.
Compatible with Cranborne Audio C.A.S.T. Products
N8 is compatible with Cranborne Audio's range of C.A.S.T.-enabled equipment, including the N22, N22H, Camden EC1 and Camden EC2.
The N22 and N22H can be positioned throughout a studio or stage as remote breakout points, while Camden EC1 and Camden EC2 preamps can connect directly into the C.A.S.T. system for flexible signal routing.
This allows C.A.S.T.-enabled preamps, headphone amplifiers and analogue I/O to be distributed throughout a recording environment from a central N8 hub.
Key Features
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C.A.S.T. distribution hub and Audio Over Cat 5 system
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Completely passive operation
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No external power supply required
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Fully balanced analogue audio paths
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8 analogue inputs via DB25
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8 analogue outputs via DB25
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Tascam-standard DB25 wiring
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Four dedicated C.A.S.T. ports
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Two dedicated input and two output paths per C.A.S.T. connection
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Up to 16 channels of audio routing
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Connect up to four C.A.S.T. breakout boxes simultaneously
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One Cat cable can replace four XLR cables
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Compatible with shielded Cat 5e, Cat 6 and Cat 7 cables
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Cable distances up to 100 m / 330 ft
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Cat 6 and Cat 7 recommended for improved crosstalk performance
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Flexible front-panel C.A.S.T. output routing
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Distribute the same stereo signal to multiple C.A.S.T. devices
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Route separate stereo monitor mixes to individual C.A.S.T. connections
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Full 48V phantom power support
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Rugged metal enclosure
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Compatible with Cranborne Audio N22
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Compatible with Cranborne Audio N22H
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Compatible with Cranborne Audio Camden EC1
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Compatible with Cranborne Audio Camden EC2
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Rackmountable using the optional Half Rack Kit OBDRK001
