The 500 series Lunchbox: Ideal Analogue Studio Gear

While working with analogue gear is great and rewarding, it can also be complicated and costly — but it doesn’t have to be! The 500 series format, also known as the Lunchbox system, is known for keeping things simple, affordable and overseeable for smaller studios that are looking to build a serious collection of synth and FX hardware.

The Origin of 500 Series Modules

Since the 1960s, API has been offering up mixing consoles based on individual modules, which means you can easily replace parts like the preamp, EQ or compressor when they start acting up. It didn’t take long for studio techs to combine API’s modules into self-built units the size of a large lunchbox, allowing them to use the modules without the need for a complete API console. A manufacturer named Datatronix soon saw the potential and started working with API to make 500 series Lunchbox racks. Fast-forward to today and there are various manufacturers who’ve embraced the concept, meaning you can now pick up Lunchbox modules from brands like SSL and BEA.

Ease of Use

A 500 series Lunchbox system is made up of modules mounted in a matching frame or rack. Lunchbox racks feature a built-in power supply and give you an input and output for each module, which has a circuit board with fifteen contacts. Installing modules is as simple as slotting them in and tightening a screw to secure the front plate. The only thing you need to do before you install or swap out modules is pull the power plug out of your mains power outlet.

The First Perk: The Price

The biggest advantage of 500 series modules is that they’re significantly more affordable than regular 19” rack equipment, which has to do with the fact that not every module needs its own power supply since this comes built into the rack, which also houses all of the inputs and outputs. While you will need to pick up your Lunchbox rack separately, you’re still saving money in the end. Also, you only need a single power cable to power all of your modules and that keeps the set-up nice-and-clean.

The Second Perk: Size and Portability

The most common 500 series chassis is 3U high and 19” wide. This means it offers room for up to eleven modules and can be installed in a 19” rack or flight case. Now imagine a rack with eleven 1176-style compressors. Normally, you’d need a fridge-size rack to house those, but with a 500 series Lunchbox, you get away with a way, way, way more manageable flight case.

The Third Perk: Extra Functions

Over the years, a host of manufacturers have iterated on the 500 series concept. As a result, many modern racks give users the option to link two slots, which is great when you want to run two compressors in stereo. Another modern feature is cascading: routing a signal from one module to its neighbouring module on the right — a neat way to build a channelstrip without faffing with patch cables. Some racks even have a built-in mixer, allowing you to cram a bunch of high-end preamps into one to create a supreme summing mixer. Last but not least, you can get a rack equipped with ADAT outputs, which is perfect for expanding a basic audio interface with first-class preamps.

A Couple of Possible Set-Ups

Already thinking about picking up your first 500 series modules? Then it’s important that you first figure out what you want to do with them. If you’re only recording one or two sources at the same time, then modules are perfect for building a bespoke channelstrip. Take a BEA preamp and combine it with an SPL de-esser, a Rupert Neve Design compressor and an SSL equaliser and you’ve got a high-end set-up. Mainly need an army of inputs? Then you might stack a rack full of character-packed preamps. Compared to a 19” rack preamp loaded with eight of the same preamps, you now get to hand-select eight different preamps, giving you more sonic flavours to choose from.

See Also

» 500 Series Modules
» 500 Series Lunchbox Racks
» All Modular Systems
» All Studio Peripheral Gear
» All Studio & Recording Gear

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