Brick Lane 500: The Modal Compression Revolution
A Technological Breakthrough in Dynamic Processing
The Brick Lane 500 represents a quantum leap in analog compression — a fully-analogue PWM Compressor that transcends traditional dynamics control methodologies through its revolutionary Modal PWM Compression architecture.
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. 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.
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.
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 Compression
- Pure PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) analogue signal processing
- Minimises undesirable compression artefacts and distortion
- Infinite control of compression envelopes, onsets, and ballistics
- 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
- 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
- Transient Harmonic Saturation
- Proprietary 'Stress' control enables nuanced audio coloration for each compression mode
- Transforms compression into a creative instrument
- Full Analogue Signal Path
- Pure PWM processing
- 100% analogue signal integrity with no digital conversion
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.
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
- ⅛” 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
Technical Specifications
- Test Signal Path: APx555 (Line Out) - Input - Line Output - APx555 (Line In)
- Max Input Level
- +24 dBu (<0.003% THD)
- Max Output Level
- +26.5dBu (<0.003% THD)
- Frequency Response: ±0.5dB, 2 Hz - 80 kHz
- Noise Floor: <-100dBu (unweighted)
- Dynamic Range: >118dB
- Input Impedance: Line = 43 kOhms
- Output Impedance: Line = 150 Ohms
- Current Draw: 140mA per rail - typical use case, 160mA per rail - max
- Compression: Pulse Width Modulation
- Switching Frequency: 250kHz
- Distortion (THD)
- 0dB Gain Reduction - <0.0006% THD+N, <0.00025% THD
- 5dB Gain Reduction - <0.00085% THD
- 10dB Gain Reduction - <0.00085% THD
- 20dB Gain Reduction - <0.00085% THD
- Harmonics (Stress Control): <20% THD depending on conditions
- Sidechain Detection HPF: Selectable - 60Hz, 100Hz, 200Hz, OFF
- Minimum attack time (standard): 6 nanoseconds (2 microseconds processing delay)
- Minimum attack time (POLISH mode with Analogue Lookahead enabled): 6 nanoseconds, 0 nanoseconds processing delay @ 20kHz
- Environmental
- Operating Temperature: +1 to 35 degrees Celsius
- Storage Conditions: -20 to 50 degrees Celsius
- Size: Single Slot 500 Series
- Weight: .9 lbs
