Cranborne Audio Brick Lane MC4

The Cranborne Brick Lane MC4 is an advanced 4-channel Modal PWM dynamics processor from Cranborne Audio and is the further development of the Brick Lane 500 Compressor. This 19-inch rack unit in 2HE uses the same innovative Modal PWM compression concept and extends it to a powerful four-channel platform. With it you control dynamics during recording, enriching individual sources, stems and complete mixes, or as the final link within an analog mastering chain. All with the familiar controls and musical response reminiscent of classic analog compressors.

Employable for mono, stereo and Mid/Side processing, the Brick Lane MC4 also offers Series, Dual-Band and De-esser modes. In total, the unit features four fully independent dynamic channels. Each channel features an expanded Noise Gate with Analogue Lookahead technology and a Brick Lane Modal PWM compressor with six analogue enriched saturation styles for additional harmonic color.

Full DAW integration and network control
All functions of the MC4 are digitally controllable and remotely operable via USB or an Ethernet network. The accompanying control plug-in integrates seamlessly with the Brick Lane MC4 hardware via the USB or NET ports and allows real-time control and full recall from the DAW. Presets can be stored and loaded independently in both hardware and software, ensuring a reproducible and efficient workflow.

Flexible channel configuration: mono, stereo and Mid/Side
Each of the four dynamic channels can be set up for independent mono processing, linked stereo operation or Mid/Side processing. In stereo linking, gain reduction is applied coherently across both channels, maintaining stereo balance. Mid/Side mode allows focused control over the middle and sides of a mix, ideal for precise processing of vocals, bass, ambience and stereo width without compromising mono compatibility.

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Series and Dual-Band Processing for Controlled Dynamics
In Series mode, two dynamic channels can be internally connected in series within a single signal path, without external patching. Both stages operate completely independently, with their own dynamics settings and Modal PWM saturation characteristics. Distributing gain reduction across two stages produces more manageable and predictable results than with a single aggressively set processor. In Dual-Band mode, the signal is split into low and high frequency bands. Each band is processed separately by its own Modal PWM dynamics channel and then reassembled. This architecture is optimized to reduce unwanted artifacts and phase interaction while maintaining the original signal integrity and coherence.

Extensive insert and sidechain capabilities
The Brick Lane MC4 features bypassable 6.35 mm TRS insert points on all four dynamic channels. Each insert point is freely positionable within the signal chain, allowing external equalizers, saturation units or other analog processors to be placed before or after the dynamics section. In Mid/Side configuration, inserts can be deployed between M/S encoding and decoding, allowing external hardware to operate separately on the Mid or Side signal. In addition, there are four assignable external sidechain inputs and a flexible internal sidechain routing system. Each channel can independently determine which source is used as the control signal, allowing the dynamic response to be completely decoupled from the audio signal itself.

Six characterful compression modes

VELVET - vintage Vari-Mu-inspired compression with tube-like harmonic enrichment
FLOAT - opto-like dynamics with transparent character and soft compression
SMASH - FET-style compression with powerful transient control and pronounced punch
TAME - extremely fast and precise transient control with tight results
GLUE - subtle bus compression for consistency within mix and master buses
POLISH - mastering-oriented limiting with very fast analog limiter and Analogue Lookahead

Cranborne Brick Lane MC4 features:

• 4-channel Modal PWM dynamics processor with full analog signal path
• suitable for mono, stereo, Mid/Side, Series, Dual-Band and De-esser configurations
• digitally controlled analog compression with six compression modes
• Noise Gate per channel with Analogue Lookahead technology
• ENIGMA advanced compression control for in-depth tuning of compression behavior
• Stress control with mode-specific analog harmonic saturation
• bypassable 6.35 mm TRS insertion points on all four channels
• four external sidechain inputs with flexible internal sidechain routing system
• full DAW integration via USB and Ethernet with real-time control and recall
• 5-inch full-colour TFT display with LED rings and digital encoders
• 19-inch rackmount design in 2HE

Cranborne Brick Lane MC4 specifications:

• maximum input level: +24 dBu
• maximum output level: +26.5 dBu
• frequency response: ±0.5 dB from 2 Hz to 80 kHz
• noise floor: < -100 dBu (unweighted)
• dynamic range: >118 dB
• input impedance: 43 kOhm
• output impedance: 150 ohms
• compression element: Pulse Width Modulation
• minimum attack time: 6 nanoseconds
• selectable sidechain HPF: off, 60 Hz, 100 Hz, 200 Hz
• power supply: internal power supply
• rack size: 19 inch
• height: 2HE
• width: 48.3 cm