NAMM 26: The World's Most Advanced Analogue Dynamics Processor?

Cranborne Audio has announced Brick Lane MC4, a 4-channel, 19-inch rackmount Modal PWM Dynamics Processor that they say represents the most powerful and flexible evolution of analogue dynamics processing to date. They tell us that, building on the revolutionary Modal PWM Compression architecture introduced in Brick Lane 500, Brick Lane MC4 expands the concept into a fully featured, digitally controlled analogue dynamics system for tracking, mixing, and mastering applications.

Cranborne Audio MD, Sean Karpowicz told us, "Brick Lane MC4 is something we're genuinely proud of. It's the result of years of obsessing over what analogue dynamics could be if you stop accepting the usual limitations. Discovering Analogue Lookahead was thrilling in itself, then applying it to compression, and then realising that the same technology could create what is quite possibly the best analogue noise gate and expander ever made - that's the kind of invention we live for. Brick Lane MC4 isn't just more channels or more features; it's the most advanced analogue dynamics processor we've ever built, and one of the most advanced ever made."

Here's more details direct from the company...

Brick Lane MC4 delivers four channels of fully analogue PWM compression and gating, each capable of operating independently or as part of advanced routing configurations including Stereo, Mid/Side, Series, Dual-Band, and De-Esser modes. With remote control and recall via USB or Ethernet, Brick Lane MC4 bridges classic analogue signal integrity with modern workflow precision.
 

Key Features

• Ultimate Dynamics Processing: 4-channels of PWM dynamics processing (Compression + Gate) meticulously developed by the Cranborne Audio team in the UK
• Versatile Operation: allows for combinations of mono, stereo, mid/side, dual-band, series, and De-Essing with flexible routing configurations
•  Intuitive Interface: Equipped with a 5" full-colour TFT screen and LED rings and digital encoders, the Brick Lane MC4 provides detailed visual feedback on all dynamics processing and parameters and ensures a user-friendly and visually intuitive experience that ensures any remote control operation is reflected on the Brick Lane MC4's front panel
• Remote Control & Recall: Utilise USB and Network control and recall via the included plugin to seamlessly retrieve your preferred settings, recall previous settings, and control your Brick Lane MC4 remotely right from your DAW providing  a streamlined workflow in various studio environment
• Custom PWM compression circuit and unique 'Stress' control for Harmonically-enriched compression effects
• "Analogue Lookahead" technology for true zero-attack compression and gating
• 6 Compression modes - Velvet, Float, Smash, Tame, Glue, and Polish set compression ratio, knee, compression style, and compression rate of change
• Threshold control and variable-range Attack and Release controls (altered per mode)
• 4 selectable sidechain HPF modes - OFF, 60Hz, 100Hz, 200Hz
• ±20dB Input and Output/Make-up Gain Level to tailor the compression and saturation character to the source
• ENIGMA compression parameters to further tune compression and saturation behaviour

Pricing and Availability:
See website.

More information:

• Brick Lane MC4

• Superbooth 2026: Cranborne Audio Brick Lane MC4 11-May-26
• The World's First Modal Compressor 22-Jan-25
• NAMM 2024: Cranborne Audio - Carnaby HE2 27-Jan-24
• Cranborne Audio Introduces Carnaby HE2 25-Jan-24
• Gearfest UK 2023: Cranborne Audio Carnaby Harmonic EQ 19-Jul-23