Cranborne Audio N8 Play C.A.S.T. Distribution Hub and Audio Over Cat 5 System
Home / Cranborne Audio N8 Play C.A.S.T. Distribution Hub and Audio Over Cat 5 System
Home / Cranborne Audio N8 Play C.A.S.T. Distribution Hub and Audio Over Cat 5 System
Clean Up Your Studio Workflow
The N8 is the heart of the Cat 5 Analogue Signal Transport (C.A.S.T.) ecosystem. Instead of running expensive, heavy XLR multicores across your studio floor, the N8 allows you to use standard shielded network cables to transport audio up to 100 meters (330 feet). It is a completely passive system, meaning it requires no power and adds zero latency or digital artifacts, preserving the pure analog tone of your microphones and instruments.
The Power of C.A.S.T. Distribution:
The Cranborne Audio N8 features DB25 connectivity on the rear and four C.A.S.T. ports on the front. Each C.A.S.T. port carries two balanced analog inputs and two balanced analog outputs. By connecting the N8 to C.A.S.T. breakout boxes (like the N22 or N22H, you can instantly create a remote I/O station anywhere in your facility.
Seamless 500R8 and 500ADAT Expansion:
If you already use a 500R8 or 500ADAT, the N8 serves as the ultimate "patchbay" expansion. You can plug the C.A.S.T. outputs from your interface directly into the N8 and then distribute those signals to multiple rooms or racks. This makes the N8 an essential tool for hybrid studios that need to move audio between different hardware locations quickly and efficiently.
High-Fidelity Signal Integrity:
Cranborne Audio has optimized the N8 for professional performance. By using shielded Cat 5 cables, the system protects against crosstalk and interference better than many traditional analog cables. The N8 supports Phantom Power (48V) across its lanes, ensuring your condenser microphones and active DI boxes work perfectly even at the end of a 100-meter run.
8-Channel C.A.S.T. Hub: Distributes 8 channels of balanced analog audio over Cat 5.
Passive Operation: No power supply required; zero latency and zero noise.
DB25 Connectivity: Industry-standard Tascam-format DB25 connectors for easy integration.
100-Meter Range: Reliable audio transport over long distances using standard network cables.
48V Phantom Power Compatible: Safe for use with all professional studio gear.
Rugged Steel Chassis: Built for professional rack installation (1U half-rack or full-rack).
Cost-Effective Alternative: Replaces expensive analog snakes with affordable, high-quality Cat cables.
| Specification | Details |
| Connectivity | 2 x DB25 (Tascam Format), 4 x RJ45 (C.A.S.T. Ports) |
| Signal Type | Balanced Analog Audio |
| Max Distance | 100m (330ft) via Shielded Cat 5e/6/7 |
| Latency | 0 ms (Fully Analog) |
| Power Requirements | None (Passive) |
| Format | 19" Rackmount (with optional rack ears) |
| Weight | 0.85 kg |
1 x Cranborne Audio N8 Unit
4 x Rubber Feet (for desktop use)
Quick Start Guide
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