NAMM 2025: Cranborne Audio introduces Brick Lane 500 Series Modal Compressor

500 Series analogue PWM Compressor with 6 operating modes and variable Stress control for harmonically-enriched compression effects.

Cranborne Audio is proud to announce its latest product, Brick Lane 500 - the world’s first Modal Compressor. Powered by the cleanest, fastest PWM compression circuit in existence, the Brick Lane 500 is a fully analogue PWM compressor that provides unparalleled control, tonal flexibility, and sonic quality.

Cranborne Audio MD, Sean Karpowicz says “Continuing our dedication to true innovation and pushing the boundaries of audio, we are excited to announce our newest creation - Brick Lane 500. Whether you want the fastest, cleanest analogue compressor in existence, or the vibey-est vintage compressor, or anything in between - the Brick Lane 500 gives you the ultimate tool in analogue compression.”

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.

Brick Lane 500 is the fastest, cleanest analogue compressor in existence when in POLISH mode thanks to its unique ANALOGUE LOOKAHEAD feature and high-spec PWM compressor circuit - an ideal mastering-style limiter. But by changing the MODE and with a quick turn of the STRESS control - the Brick Lane 500 can become a “vintage-style” analogue compressor, or a punchy modern compressor to smash drums in parallel. All of it is possible with Brick Lane 500.

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.

Imagine a single compressor that is an entire compression arsenal in 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.

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.

Key Technological Innovations:

PWM Compression for Ultimate Analogue CompressionPure PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) analogue signal processing
Minimises undesirable compression artefacts and distortion
Infinite control of compression envelopes, onsets, and ballistics

Proprietary Modal Compression ArchitectureSix 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

Analogue Lookahead TechnologyQuarter-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

Transient Harmonic SaturationProprietary 'Stress' control enables nuanced audio coloration for each compression mode
Transforms compression into a creative instrument

Full Analogue Signal PathPure PWM processing
100% analogue signal integrity with no digital conversion

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. This compression style offers smooth, organic dynamic control with vintage tonal warmth and character.

FLOAT - Transparent Opto-inspired dynamics with moderate transparency and gentle, wavelike compression ballistics.

SMASH - FET-Style transient dominance with aggressive dynamic reduction, and explosive punch and sonic impact.

TAME - Precision transient management with ultra-fast, transparent control and surgical dynamic precision.

GLUE - Glue together all the elements of your mix with this on your master bus for gentle bus-style compression.

POLISH - Ultimate mastering-style limiting with the cleanest, fastest analogue limiter with our “Analogue-Lookahead” technology.

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.

Key Features:500 Series Modal PWM Compressor meticulously developed by the Cranborne Audio team in the UK
Custom PWM compression circuit and unique ‘Stress’ control for Harmonically-enriched compression effects
6 Compression modes - Velvet, Float, Smash, Tame, Glue, and Polish set compression ratio, knee, compression style, and compression rate of change.
Threshold control and variable-range Attack and Release controls (altered per mode)
12-segment LED level meter and 12-segment LED Gain Reduction Meter
4 selectable sidechain HPF modes - OFF, 60Hz, 100Hz, 200Hz
±20dB Input and Output/Make-up Gain Level to tailor the compression and saturation character to the source
OptoSync wireless communication between modules for linked controls during stereo operation
1⁄8” TRS socket for linking non-adjacent modules
Circuit auto-calibration for perfect stereo matching between all modules
True-bypass IN/OUT switching with complete or post input trim modes available on DIP switch
Stepped, front-panel controls for quick recall and precise feel

Pricing and availability

Brick Lane 500 will be available from our network of resellers end of Q1 2025. Pricing is $599 US Street, £599 UK RRP inc. VAT, €699 RRP inc. local tax.

For more information please visit: https://www.cranborne-audio.com/bricklane500









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