Cranborne Audio Brick Lane 500 – 500 Series analogue PWM Compressor
A Technological Breakthrough in Dynamic Processing
The Brick Lane 500 represents a quantum leap in analogue compression — a fully-analogue PWM Compressor that transcends traditional dynamics control methodologies through its revolutionary Modal PWM Compression architecture.
Key Technological Innovations:
- PWM Compression for Ultimate Analogue Compression
- Pure PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) analogue signal processing
- Minimises undesirable compression artefacts and distortion
- Infinite control of compression envelopes, onsets, and ballistics
- 100% analogue signal integrity with no digital conversion
Analogue Lookahead Technology
- Quarter-wave predictive voltage detection provides an advanced transient anticipation mechanism
- Enables zero-latency dynamics control
- Prevents converter clipping with surgical precision
- Exclusive to POLISH mode for ultimate mastering-grade limiting
Proprietary Modal Compression Architecture
- Six distinct compression modes – VELVET, FLOAT, SMASH, TAME, GLUE, POLISH
- Full control of the compression mode and envelope from ultra-fast limiting to gentler & slower compression styles
Transient Harmonic Saturation
- Proprietary ‘Stress’ control enables nuanced audio coloration for each compression mode
- Transforms compression into a creative instrument
Revolutionary Modal PWM Compression Architecture
At the heart of the Brick Lane 500 lies its groundbreaking Modal PWM Compression technology—a paradigm-shifting approach that empowers audio professionals with unparalleled compression flexibility. Unlike conventional compressors, this innovative design allows for unlimited shaping of compression envelopes and styles – without compromise.
Modal Compression: The Sonic Transformation Engine
The Brick Lane 500 introduces six distinct compression characters, each meticulously crafted to deliver unique sonic signatures:
- VELVET – Vintage Vari-Mu-style musicality with Tube-inspired harmonic compression, offering smooth, organic dynamic control with vintage tonal warmth and character.
- TAME – Precision transient management with ultra-fast, transparent control and surgical dynamic precision.
- FLOAT – Transparent Opto-inspired dynamics with moderate transparency and gentle, wavelike compression ballistics.
- GLUE – Glue together all the elements of your mix with this on your master bus for gentle bus-style compression.
- SMASH – FET-style transient dominance with aggressive dynamic reduction, and explosive punch and sonic impact.
- POLISH – Ultimate mastering-style limiting with the cleanest, fastest analogue limiter with our “Analogue-Lookahead” technology.
The Compression Chameleon: A Modal Metamorphosis
Imagine a single compressor that isn’t just a compressor—but an entire compression arsenal compressed into one revolutionary module. The Brick Lane 500’s Modal PWM Compression is like having six legendary hardware compressors at your fingertips, each with its own distinct personality, sonic signature, and dynamic DNA. Each mode isn’t merely a setting; it’s an entirely different compression philosophy.
Every mode effectively rewires your patchbay and brings you a totally different style of compression, featuring unique compression ballistics that fundamentally transform the unit’s behavior. Attack and release controls morph dramatically across modes—from glacially slow Vari-Mu-style curves to lightning-fast FET-like responsiveness. Compression ratios dance between gentle 2:1 nudges and aggressive 20:1 sonic obliterations. The knee characteristics shift from buttery-smooth rounded edges to razor-sharp precision.
Stress Control: A Sonic Shapeshifter
The ‘Stress’ control becomes a chameleon, radically changing its harmonic character and saturation profile in each mode. What adds subtle tube warmth in VELVET becomes a transient-destroying beast in SMASH, a mix-gluing agent in GLUE, and a loudness/clipping finalizer in POLISH. It’s not just a feature—it’s a sonic shapeshifter that redefines compression as a creative sound design and mixing tool.
Stereo-Link via OPTOSYNC
Brick Lane 500 features Cranborne Audio’s OPTOSYNC technology, enabling two Brick Lane 500 units to work as a perfect stereo pair for mixes and stereo sources.
Using OPTOSYNC, all controls are synchronized from the left unit to the right without cables or internal fixings. Switch OPTOSYNC for all slave units to ON and its controls all synchronize to the master unit wirelessly using LED and optical communication. You can also use OPTOSYNC to link together multiple units for applying the same sonic footprint across entire summing mixers or multi-channel surround mixes.
Rugged Industrial Design And Automatic Calibration
With rugged and unique structural support, custom 41-way detented pots on every control, as well as Automatic Calibration of all analogue saturation paths, Brick Lane 500 is a timeless processor designed to be a constant audio-enhancer in your studio for years to come.
Engineering Precision Meets Musical Intuition
The Brick Lane 500 is not merely a compressor—it’s a sophisticated sonic instrument designed for audio professionals who demand absolute control and exceptional sound quality. Whether tracking, mixing, or mastering, this modal compressor adapts to your most demanding audio sculpting requirements.
Redefine your approach to dynamic processing with the Brick Lane 500—where technological innovation meets musical expression.