Understanding C.A.S.T.
As C.A.S.T. is all analogue, it cannot be reconfigured depending on what task is required by the
end user. As such, it is important to recognise what C.A.S.T. port does what on the 500R8. To
Aid in this process, Cranborne Audio’s product and graphic design team has taken great care
to add visual cues that will assist in their recognition.
Each of the 4 paths on all C.A.S.T. ports are labelled either T (Transmit), or R (Receive)
depending on their function relating to the featured device. A socket that is labelled TTRR will
transmit balanced audio over its first two paths (TT), and will receive balanced audio on its
second two paths (RR). The box will also have a white header colour to display that it is an
output.
Other C.A.S.T. ports labelled RRTT will receive balanced audio on its first two paths (RR) and will
transmit balanced audio over its second two paths (TT). These boxes will have a clear header to
display that it is an input. In addition to the path labelling, C.A.S.T. ports may also feature
identification labels such as A, B,C, or D, or ’link’ to provide further clarity as to their function or
provide differentiation between several C.A.S.T. ports on the same product.
500R8 can integrate with a number of our C.A.S.T. enabled products. These products allow you
to relocate the I/O where it’s needed as well as headphone and monitoring capabilities for you
musicians.
N22
N22 is our simplest C.A.S.T. device and provides connectivity to C.A.S.T. A, B, C, or D ports
onboard the 500R8. N22 features 2 combi jack inputs that feed directly into modules ‘x’ and
‘x+1’ on 500R8 as well as XLR outputs to receive the Aux bus generated from 500R8.
N22 can also be used as a standalone device by connecting 2 together using both C.A.S.T. In
and Out ports. This will enable you to connect analogue I/O from one location into one N22 and
run it to another N22 elsewhere in your studio/venue. N22 is completely passive and requires
no power in order to be used.
N22H
N22H is very similar to N22 in that is can be used
passively to send audio into the modules of a
connected 500R8. N22H however features a
built-in headphone amp as well as a level control
that receives the Aux bus of a connected 500R8
and amplifies it to the correct level and
impedance for driving headphones.
N22H allows you to distribute input and
headphone connectivity to and from a remote
location using just a single Cat 5 cable. It is
powered via a standard ‘pedalboard-friendly’ 9v
DC power supply or via an internal 9v battery. Power is only drawn when the headphone
output has been plugged-in to preserve battery life and when the headphone amp is not
required, you can simply use the combi jack inputs as passive input connections.
When the C.A.S.T. port of N22H is not connected, it acts as a standard headphone amp by
sending the two built-in inputs to L and R respectively of the headphone amp.
500R8 User Manual
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©201
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Cranborne Audio Ltd
