500 Series

London-based imprint Pope Audio made it onto the scene in recent years with 500 Series format offerings like the BAX 2020 and the Dirty C chorus module, both garnering praise from audio pros around the world. More than just another 500 Series preamp, Pope Audio’s PRE-BX includes a host of other features to help mold your sources on the way in. Continue reading →

If you're an audio enthusiast or a professional sound engineer, then you probably know about Cranborne Audio—the UK-based audio equipment manufacturer known for their exceptional audio interfaces and preamps. But their latest release, the Carnaby 500, takes things to a whole new level. Continue reading →

Whether you’re looking to build your first 500 Series rack or add some new modules to your collection, Rupert Neve Designs is making it easier than ever. Now through March, you can upgrade your studio with four new 500 Series bundles, combining the popular R6 and R10 chassis with some of the brand’s best-selling 500 Series modules. Continue reading →

API is expanding the brand’s popular API Select range of outboard gear and effects with two new 500 Series modules: the SV12 Compressor and SV14 EQ. Much like the rest of the API Select lineup, these new modules break from API’s traditional component structure or topography, offering a fresh new take on the classic API sound. Continue reading →

This article was originally published in Playback Issue 002. Subscribe to Playback for free to stay up to date with our latest articles, interviews, product reviews and more. When it comes to building out a studio, a well-packed 500 Series rack can be your best friend. Not only does it make it easy to mix and match sonic textures without breaking the bank, but you can also pick up the whole thing and take your sound with you, no matter where you work. Continue reading →

After many successful years producing the 527 compressor/limiter, API Audio is proud to announce the new 527A ($1135.25). The original 527 quickly gained a great reputation for its versatility, so API has built upon it by adding improvements to make it even more convenient to use. API retained the circuit of the former 527, so you’ll feel right at home...

Since bursting onto the pro audio scene in 2018, Cranborne Audio has firmly entrenched itself with a bevy of fantastic releases. One of its most notable products is the Camden 500. This microphone preamp has quickly joined the ranks of the Neve 1073LB and Rupert Neve Designs 511 as one of the best-selling 500 Series modules at Vintage King. The reason for the success of the Cranborne Audio Camden 500 is no secret. The module offers the polar extremes of the mic preamp world by giving engineers both extremely clean sounds and vintage warmth. When designing the module, Cranborne Audio elected to go transformerless, which guarantees an extremely transparent and linear sound. The Camden 500 preamp has low-noise and low-distortion performance for a stunning level of clarity. Continue reading →

Helios fans rejoice! After a sneak preview at the 2020 NAMM Show, the pro audio world is now getting its formal introduction to the new H2 Audio line. Led by Grammy-award winning producer/Acme Audio owner Al Sutton and Q2 Audio's Tim Mead, H2 Audio is reviving many of Dick Swettenham's classic console designs for the 500 Series format. For those unfamiliar with Helios, Dick Swettenham was a maintenance engineer at EMI Abbey Road Studios in the early 1950s before moving onto Olympic Sound Studios in 1958. The engineer would start the Helios brand in 1969 and go on to create the "Type 69" console, a desk used by everyone from Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones to Bob Marley and Black Sabbath. Continue reading →

Before Meris began making some of the most cutting edge pedals in the industry, the brand actually got its start with a handful of 500 Series releases. The latest creation from Meris sees them returning to form with the Hedra 500 Series. For those who are wondering, this is the same 3-voice intelligent pitch shifter that was released in pedal form and made my list of the hottest releases of 2019. The new 500 Series version accels with pro audio grade components and is ideal for both tracking and mixing during your next session. Continue reading →

Viewed by many as the father of modern recording, Rupert Neve spent many years pioneering the consoles that are still most desirable in the studio market today. With classic circuits like the 1073, 1081, and 2254 compressor, Neve established nothing short of a dynasty with his iconic, fantastic sounding modules.In our new Buyer's Guide, we'll be diving into the history of Rupert Neve's current brand, Rupert Neve Designs, and offering info on its consoles, outboard gear, and more. Let's get started by learning more about the man himself in our classic Make Your Mark. Continue reading →