Cranborne Audio C.A.S.T. N8 Distribution Hub and Audio Over Cat 5 System

Cranborne Audio C.A.S.T. N8 Distribution Hub and Audio Over Cat 5 System

The Cranborne Audio C.A.S.T. N8 distribution hub and audio over Cat 5 system is a fully passive, rugged audio routing solution that converts eight analog inputs and eight analog outputs into Cranborne Audio's proprietary C.A.S.T. (Cranborne Audio Signal Transport) format, distributing audio over standard Cat 5e, Cat 6, or Cat 7 network cable at distances of up to 100 metres. As a result, studios can replace expensive, bulky analog multicore snakes with affordable Ethernet-grade cable while maintaining fully balanced, high-quality audio across every channel. Four dedicated C.A.S.T. ports allow up to four Cranborne Audio breakout boxes to be connected simultaneously, supporting 16 channels of bidirectional audio routing with any audio interface, mixer, or audio installation. In addition, each C.A.S.T. port is bidirectional — carrying two inputs and two outputs per cable — enabling simultaneous recording and monitoring feeds from a single Cat 5 run. OneStopMusic South Africa stocks the Cranborne Audio C.A.S.T. N8 distribution hub for studios across South Africa looking to simplify and modernise their cabling infrastructure.

Simple, Scalable Audio Distribution From the Cranborne Audio C.A.S.T. N8 Distribution Hub and Audio Over Cat 5 System

Whether you're routing audio between a live room and control room, distributing headphone mixes across a stage, or building a flexible multiroom studio setup, the Cranborne Audio C.A.S.T. N8 distribution hub and audio over Cat 5 system scales to fit the requirement. DB25 connectors handle the analog I/O side, making integration with standard studio patch bays and interfaces straightforward, while 48V phantom power support means condenser microphones can be powered through connected breakout boxes. However, what makes the N8 particularly compelling is its completely passive operation — no power supply, no latency, no conversion — just a direct, transparent audio path through an affordable network cable. For improved crosstalk performance, Cat 6 or Cat 7 cable is recommended. OneStopMusic South Africa recommends the Cranborne Audio C.A.S.T. N8 distribution hub to South African studios and install engineers who want a cost-effective, scalable alternative to traditional analog multicore cabling.

Tech Specs

• Type: Passive audio distribution hub, C.A.S.T. over Cat 5/6/7

• Analog I/O: 8 inputs / 8 outputs via DB25 connectors

• C.A.S.T. Ports: 4 x bidirectional (2 in / 2 out per port)

• Total Channels: Up to 16 channels bidirectional with 4 breakout boxes connected

• Cable Compatibility: Shielded Cat 5e, Cat 6, or Cat 7 (Cat 6/7 recommended for best crosstalk performance)

• Maximum Cable Length: 100m / 330ft

• Phantom Power: 48V supported

• Operation: Fully passive (no power supply required)

• Enclosure: Rugged metal

Cranborne Audio

Founded in the UK in 2017 and launched at the 2018 NAMM Show, Cranborne Audio set out to bring a "modern approach to vintage sound" to project, large-format, and home studios. The name nods to Cranborne House, the former Soundcraft headquarters where the founders first worked together — and that pro-console heritage shows up throughout the range. Cranborne's products pair transparent, high-headroom analog signal paths with switchable Mojo saturation circuits, letting engineers dial in vintage colour on demand rather than being stuck with it.

Learn more about Cranborne Audio

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