Cranborne Audio N8 - C.A.S.T. Hub + Audio Over Cat 5 System
Description
N8 - C.A.S.T. Distribution Hub and Audio Over Cat 5 System
N8 is an advanced audio distribution hub that uses Cranborne Audio’s C.A.S.T. system to transform network cable (Cat 5e, Cat 6, or Cat 7) into 4-channel analogue snakes.
Key Features:
- C.A.S.T. Distribution Hub and Audio Over Cat 5 System
- Completely passive operation
- Fully-balanced, high-quality audio paths
- 8 Inputs and 8 outputs over DB25 (Tascam wiring) (sold separately)
- C.A.S.T. IN A, B, C, and D ports on RH45 with 2 dedicated Input and output paths each
- Compatible with any shielded Cat 5e/Cat 6/Cat 7 cable with distances up to 100m/330ft
- Improved crosstalk performance with high-performance Cat 6 and Cat 7 (recommended)
- Ruggedised metal enclosure
- Compatible with all Cranborne Audio C.A.S.T.-enabled devices including N22, N22H, Camden EC1, and Camden EC2
- Fully-support of 48v phantom power
- Rack-mountable with optional Half Rack Kit (OBDRK001)
Audio Over Cat 5 Made Easy:
A single Cat 5 cable using C.A.S.T. can replace 4 XLR cables - providing better cable management, consistent sound quality, and easier deployment during mobile recording.
Using N8 and C.A.S.T., you can use standard network cables to distribute IO, headphone amps. mic preamps, and more around your studio with plug-and-play simplicity.
C.A.S.T. Distribution Hub:
Featuring Input and Output connectors on DB25, N8 converts 8 analogue inputs and 8 analogue outputs to Cranborne Audio’s proprietary C.A.S.T. system.
With 4 dedicated C.A.S.T. ports, N8 allows up to 4 Cranborne Audio breakout boxes to be connected at once for 16 channels of audio routing with any audio interface, mixer, or audio installation.
The Heart Of C.A.S.T. | Cranborne's Audio-Over-Cat 5 System
N8 is an advanced audio distribution hub that uses Cranborne Audio’s C.A.S.T. system to transform network cable (Cat 5e, Cat 6, or Cat 7) into 4-channel analogue snakes and breakout boxes that can be routed around the studio or stage.
Set N8 in your control room and patch directly to the IO of your audio interface via DB25. N8 then converts analogue IO from the audio interface into 4 discrete C.A.S.T. connections that can be distributed to C.A.S.T. breakout boxes such as N22 and N22H in your studio or on the stage.
In a real-world example, a vocal booth created with XLRs, would require 2 XLR cables for microphones, 2 more XLR cables for a stereo monitor mix for the singer, and a headphone amp with power. And after that, unless you're handy with a soldering iron, you'll be left with trailing XLRs and no discrete box to patch to.
N8 and C.A.S.T. replaces all of that complexity with one networking cable and neat, compact breakout boxes over distances up to 100m (330ft).
Flexible Output Routing
With dedicated C.A.S.T. output routing switches on the front panel, each C.A.S.T. connection on N8 can send the same stereo signal to all connected C.A.S.T. devices or separate stereo signals to each if performers need to hear their own mix.
This is perfect for broadcast installations where all outputs need to hear the program mix or for studio recording where each output needs a separate mix.
Turn Any Space Into A Studio
With a completely passive design, no power is required for full operation and C.A.S.T connectivity. N8 is rugged enough for the stage, small enough to hide in the rack, or rack-mountable with the optional Half-Rack Kit and it’s a cabling solution designed to transform your open space into a studio.