The Cranborne Audio N8 is a versatile audio device designed to integrate seamlessly into music creation workflows, offering advanced I/O distribution and signal routing capabilities. It is a "labour of love" from Cranborne Audio, embodying a commitment to excellence and aiming to empower users in their creative process. The N8 is designed to help users achieve high-quality sound for their tracks, albums, and scores.
Function Description:
The N8 serves as a central hub for audio signal distribution, particularly leveraging Cranborne Audio's proprietary C.A.S.T. (Cranborne Audio System Transport) technology. C.A.S.T. allows for the transmission of balanced, analogue audio over standard network cabling (shielded Cat 5e, Cat 6, or Cat 7) for distances up to 100m (330ft). This significantly reduces cable clutter and offers a cost-effective solution for distributing audio around studios or stages.
The device features four C.A.S.T. Input Connectors (labelled A, B, C, and D), each capable of carrying four channels (two inputs, two outputs) of balanced, analogue audio. These inputs are used for connecting C.A.S.T.-enabled devices to the N8 for remote I/O distribution.
For traditional connectivity, the N8 includes DB25 Input and Output Connectors. The DB25 Inputs (1-8) connect to the outputs of an audio interface, mixer, or similar device, sending audio from the N8 to the outputs of connected C.A.S.T.-enabled devices. Conversely, the DB25 Outputs (1-8) connect to the inputs of a recording device, mixer, or audio interface, receiving audio signals from the inputs of C.A.S.T.-enabled devices. Both DB25 connectors utilize Tascam Wiring.
A key feature is the C.A.S.T. Transmit Selector Switch, which allows users to determine the audio source sent from the N8 to the outputs of connected C.A.S.T. devices. Each C.A.S.T. Input connector can be assigned to send out Channels 1&2 of the DB25 Input Connector, or its own discrete input paths (3&4, 5&6, or 7&8). This flexibility is particularly useful for applications like talkback routing, creating audio zones, or ensuring all connected C.A.S.T. devices receive the same output signal.
The N8 is compatible with other C.A.S.T.-enabled devices, such as the Camden EC1 and Camden EC2 microphone preamps. This integration allows for the patching of preamp outputs and headphone amp mixers to the N8 via a single C.A.S.T. connection, eliminating the need for multiple XLR cables. Up to four Camden EC1s or EC2s can be connected to a single N8, enabling flexible placement of preamps and monitoring facilities throughout a studio.
Important Technical Specifications:
- C.A.S.T. Connectivity: 4 C.A.S.T. Inputs (A, B, C, D), each supporting 4 channels (2 inputs, 2 outputs) of balanced, analogue audio.
- C.A.S.T. Cable Requirements: Shielded Cat 5e, Cat 6, or Cat 7 cables are required.
- Minimum Requirement: Shielded Cat 5e or Cat 6 cabling (fully shielded cables and connectors) for distances up to 20m.
- Recommended: Cat 7 cables with robust connectors for optimal performance over maximum distances (up to 100m/330ft), ensuring low crosstalk and no high-end roll-off. Cat 7 cables with a separate shield per twisted pair are recommended.
- DB25 Connectors: 1x DB25 Input (1-8) and 1x DB25 Output (1-8), both with Tascam Wiring.
- Phantom Power Support: All C.A.S.T. connections on the N8 support 48V Phantom Power from upstream equipment. The N8 itself does not generate 48V but can pass it through shielded Cat 5e, Cat 6, or Cat 7 cables directly to XLRs on the other end, functioning like a standard analogue snake.
- Signal Routing:
- C.A.S.T. In A corresponds to Channels 1/2 on the Input and Output DB25s.
- C.A.S.T. In B corresponds to Channels 3/4 on the Input and Output DB25s.
- C.A.S.T. In C corresponds to Channels 5/6 on the Input and Output DB25s.
- C.A.S.T. In D corresponds to Channels 7/8 on the Input and Output DB25s.
- Electromagnetic Compatibility: Complies with EN 55032:2015 Class B, EN 55016-2-1:2009 A1 2011, EN 55016-2-3:2010 A1 2010, EN 55035:2017, EN 61000-4-2:2009, EN 61000-4-3:2006 A1 2008 A2 2010, EN 61000-4-4:2012, EN 61000-4-5:2014 A1 2017, EN 61000-4-6:2014, EN 6100-4-11:2004 A1 2017, EN 61000-3-2:2014, EN 61000-3-2:2013, FCC Part 15B Class B, ANSI C63.4:2014, ICES-003 Issue 6: Class B.
- Environmental Conditions:
- Operating Temperature: +1 to 30 degrees Celsius.
- Storage Temperature: -20 to 50 degrees Celsius.
- Altitude: Evaluation based on altitude not exceeding 2000m. Operation above 2000m may pose a safety hazard.
- Climate: Evaluation based on temperate climate conditions only. Operation in tropical climate conditions may pose a safety hazard.
- CE Certification: The unit is CE compliant. Any supplied cables with ferrite rings should not have them removed to maintain compliance.
- RoHS Compliance: Complies with European Union's directive 2011/165/EU on Restrictions of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) and relevant sections of California law.
Usage Features:
- Simplified Cabling: C.A.S.T. technology reduces cable spaghetti by using a single network cable instead of multiple XLRs for 4-channel audio transmission.
- Remote I/O Distribution: Enables flexible placement of audio inputs and outputs around a studio or stage, connecting remote devices to the N8.
- Flexible Signal Routing: The C.A.S.T. Transmit Selector Switch allows for custom routing of audio sources (DB25 Input Channels 1&2 or discrete C.A.S.T. input paths) to connected C.A.S.T. devices.
- Talkback and Zone Creation: The ability to send a common output signal (e.g., channels 1-2 from the DB25 Input) to all C.A.S.T. ports is ideal for talkback systems or creating distinct audio zones.
- Integration with Camden Preamps: Seamlessly integrates with Camden EC1 and EC2 preamps, allowing their preamp outputs and headphone mixers to connect to the N8 via C.A.S.T. for advanced monitoring and recording.
- 48V Phantom Power Passthrough: Facilitates powering DI boxes or condenser microphones connected to remote C.A.S.T. devices, with 48V supplied from an upstream audio interface or preamp.
- High-Quality Audio Transmission: Unique C.A.S.T. optimizations ensure maximum signal integrity over long distances without high-end roll-off and with very low crosstalk.
Maintenance Features:
- General Safety Guidelines: Users are instructed to read and follow all safety warnings, including proper installation, ventilation, and power cord handling.
- Shielded Cabling: Emphasizes the critical importance of using fully shielded Cat 5e, Cat 6, or Cat 7 cables with shielded connectors to ensure proper performance, 48V Phantom Power transmission, and to prevent damage. Damage caused by unsupported cabling is not covered under warranty.
- No User Serviceable Parts: Servicing is to be performed by qualified service personnel only. Users are warned against modifying the unit, as alterations may affect performance, safety, and compliance standards. Cranborne Audio does not accept liability for damage caused by unauthorized maintenance or modification.
- Cable Strain Prevention: Ensure no strain is placed on connected cables and that cables are not in locations where they can be stepped on, pulled, or tripped over.
- Cleaning: Clean the unit only with a dry cloth.
- Power Cord Protection: Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched.
- Unplugging: Unplug the apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods.
- Rackmount Kits (Optional): Available rackmount kits (CA-HALFRACKKIT and CA-1UJOININGKIT, sold separately) allow for secure installation into standard 19-inch racks, either individually or by joining two N8 units.
- Environmental Considerations: Adherence to specified operating and storage temperatures is important for the device's longevity and safe operation.
- RoHS and CE Compliance: The device is designed to meet international environmental and safety standards. Any ferrite rings on supplied cables should not be removed to maintain CE compliance.
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