The Brick Lane MC4 from Cranborne Audio is a 4-channel Modal PWM dynamics processor housed in a 2U 19” rackmount unit. It offers analogue signal processing with digitally managed control, making it suitable for mono, stereo, mid/side, series, dual-band, and de-essing workflows.
At its core is the Modal PWM architecture, which provides six distinct compression styles: Velvet, Float, Smash, Tame, Glue, and Polish. Each mode is paired with its own harmonic saturation profile through the Stress control, allowing tonal shaping to evolve dynamically with the signal.
Series Mode allows two channels to be routed in sequence for layered dynamics processing. Dual-Band Mode splits audio into low and high frequencies for more targeted compression, with minimal phase interaction. De-Esser Mode uses analogue lookahead to reduce sibilance precisely without affecting transient detail. Mid/Side Processing provides control over the center and side components of a stereo image, making it possible to fine-tune vocal presence or stereo width without altering mono compatibility. Each channel also includes a TRS insert point, so external analogue gear can be routed into the chain before or after dynamics processing, with additional flexibility in Mid/Side mode.
The MC4 offers external sidechain inputs and internal routing options on a per-channel basis. Compressors can respond to their own input, another channel’s input or sidechain, or any of the four external sidechain inputs. Remote control is available via USB and Ethernet, allowing for real-time operation and preset recall through a DAW plugin. A 5” full-color TFT screen and LED-ringed encoders provide visual feedback for all controls, ensuring the front panel always reflects remote changes.
The unit supports input levels up to +24 dBu and output up to +26.5 dBu, with a wide 2 Hz to 80 kHz frequency range and a dynamic range exceeding 118 dB. The analogue signal path is maintained throughout, with Modal PWM compression offering extremely fast response times down to 6 nanoseconds. Additional features include selectable high-pass filters on the sidechain, digitally controlled gain, and deep compressor customization through the Enigma section, which allows fine-tuning of knee shape, attack/release behavior, and frequency emphasis.
The Brick Lane MC4 provides a blend of digitally controlled precision and fully analogue audio performance. It is designed to integrate easily into modern studio workflows, whether for tracking, mixing, or mastering.
Cranborne Audio will be exhibiting at NAMM 2026 in booth 16111.