Cranborne Audio Carnaby 500 – 3-Band Parametric Equalizer with Harmonic EQ™ Technology

The Cranborne Audio Carnaby 500 is an innovative 3-band parametric equalizer in the 500 Series format that introduces the revolutionary Harmonic EQ™ technology. With its unique analog circuitry, the Carnaby 500 uses harmonic saturation to boost and cut frequencies, offering a musical and rich sound for individual tracks and full mixes alike.

Main Features

• Three EQ bands: LO (20 Hz – 420 Hz), MID (200 Hz – 6.2 kHz), HI (5 kHz – 25 kHz)
• ±10 dB boost/cut per band
• Unique harmonic saturation tailored to each frequency range
• Input and output level control: ±20 dB
• Wireless stereo synchronization via OPTOSYNC
• Automatic analog circuit calibration for perfect stereo matching
• 41-position stepped potentiometers for precise control and fast recall

Harmonic EQ™ – A New Standard in Equalization

The Carnaby 500 is the world’s first equalizer to feature Harmonic EQ™, merging classic EQ behavior with harmonic saturation. Each band delivers a unique saturation character:

• HI Band: Smooth saturation extends high-end frequencies, adding air and openness to vocals and acoustic instruments.
• MID Band: Adds harmonic focus across mid frequencies, perfect for enhancing the source’s tone and clarity.
• LO Band: Hard-clipping saturation that makes subharmonic frequencies audible, ideal for warming up bass or adding low-end weight.

Applications

The Carnaby 500 is ideal for a variety of studio applications:

• Enhancing vocals and acoustic instrument recordings
• Adding warmth and density to bass tracks
• Creating cohesive and musical stereo mixes
• Precise frequency shaping combined with analog coloration

Technical Specifications

• HI Band: 5 kHz – 25 kHz, ±10 dB boost/cut
• MID Band: 200 Hz – 6.2 kHz, ±10 dB boost/cut, constant Q
• LO Band: 20 Hz – 420 Hz, ±10 dB boost/cut
• Gain range: ±20 dB input/output
• Input impedance: 10 kΩ
• Output impedance: 150 Ω
• Max input/output level: +26 dBu
• Noise floor: <-93 dBu (with all bands bypassed)
• Current draw: 140 mA (idle), 160 mA (peak)
• Dimensions: 170 mm x 31 mm x 133 mm
• Weight: 0.4 kg

Materials and Build Quality

The Carnaby 500 is built to last, featuring a robust metal housing, custom 41-position stepped potentiometers, and fully automatic analog circuit calibration to ensure long-term reliability and precise performance.

What's in the Box

• Cranborne Audio Carnaby 500 module
• User manual

Conclusion

The Cranborne Audio Carnaby 500 is a groundbreaking parametric equalizer that blends traditional EQ functionality with analog harmonic saturation. With its Harmonic EQ™ technology, wireless stereo linking, and precision controls, it’s a must-have tool for professional engineers looking for a new dimension in audio shaping.