Best 500 Series Components for Intermediate 2026
Perfect 500 series components for intermediate - easy to play and learn on
Last updated: January 7, 2026 • Next update: January 14, 2026
Empirical Labs Pump
- • Expandable rack system
- • Modular system flexibility
- • Very expensive professional gear
- • Limited to professional applications
Empirical Labs PumpCompressor for 500-Series API formatAdjustable input level with clip LED8 Selectable compression...
Heritage Audio LANG 312L
- • Professional studio standard
- • Expandable rack system
- • Requires 500-series rack chassis
- • Complex setup and routing
Heritage Audio LANG 312LSystem 500 ModuleNY-style preamp for drums and guitars in 500 module designSuper-fast...
IGS Audio IQ505
- • Professional studio standard
- • Modular system flexibility
- • Limited to professional applications
- • High learning curve
IGS Audio IQ505Fully Parametric 5-Band EqualiserIn Sontec MEP-250A style500 ModuleOverlapping bands12 dB boost or cutQ...
Cranborne Audio Carnaby 500
- • Modular system flexibility
- • Professional studio standard
- • High learning curve
- • Limited to professional applications
Cranborne Audio Carnaby 500Parametric 3-band harmonic EQ in 500 module formatAnalogue EQ circuit that uses harmonic...
IGS Audio Bison 500
- • Professional studio standard
- • Expandable rack system
- • Complex setup and routing
- • High learning curve
IGS Audio Bison 500Mid/Side Processor with Dry/Wet Mixer2x Stereo 6.3 mm jack connectors (2x send and 2x return) on the...
Rupert Neve Designs 545
- • Mix and match different manufacturers
- • Modular system flexibility
- • High learning curve
- • Very expensive professional gear
Rupert Neve Designs 5451-Channel Feedback ControllerReduces feedback without filtering the signalIncreases the level of...
Harrison Audio MR3eq
- • Modular system flexibility
- • High-quality analog processing
- • High learning curve
- • Requires 500-series rack chassis
Harrison Audio MR3eq1-Channel 3-Band Parametric Equaliser in 500 Module Format+/- 10 dB boostc/ cut rangeHF 800 Hz - 15...
DOCtron IMC-500
- • Modular system flexibility
- • Mix and match different manufacturers
- • Requires 500-series rack chassis
- • Very expensive professional gear
DOCtron IMC-500Instant Mastering ChainIn 500 module formatCompact analogue stereo processor for processing sum signals...
Elysia xpressor neo 500
- • Modular system flexibility
- • Professional studio standard
- • High learning curve
- • Limited to professional applications
Elysia xpressor neo 500Stereo Class-A VCA CompressorFor recordingmixing and masteringSmooth control behaviour due to...
API Audio Select SV14 4-Band EQ
- • Mix and match different manufacturers
- • Modular system flexibility
- • Requires 500-series rack chassis
- • Very expensive professional gear
API Audio Select SV14 4-Band EQ4-Band Equaliser in 500 Rack FormatBased on the classic APSI 562 EQContinuous control of...
Harrison Audio 32Cpre+
- • Mix and match different manufacturers
- • Professional studio standard
- • Limited to professional applications
- • High learning curve
Harrison Audio 32Cpre+1-Channel Microphone Preamplifier with DI Input in 500 Module FormatJensen JT-MB-CPCA...
Harrison Audio Comp
- • Professional studio standard
- • Expandable rack system
- • High learning curve
- • Complex setup and routing
Harrison Audio Comp1-Channel compressor in 500 module formatProgramme-dependent attack timeControls for ratiothreshold...
Drawmer MQ-1
- • Modular system flexibility
- • High-quality analog processing
- • High learning curve
- • Requires 500-series rack chassis
Drawmer MQ-1500 Series Module7-band vintage equaliser with proportional Q-curvesInspired by the Motown EQ of the...
Rodec M 501 Preamp
- • Expandable rack system
- • Professional studio standard
- • Very expensive professional gear
- • Limited to professional applications
Rodec M 501 PreampMicrophone Preamplifier and EQ in API 500 FormatDesigned for use with Rodec MX Modular consolesGain:...
Heritage Audio OST-8 ADAT
- • High-quality analog processing
- • Mix and match different manufacturers
- • Requires 500-series rack chassis
- • Very expensive professional gear
Heritage Audio OST-8 ADATEmpty housingFor up to eight 500 modules8-Channel AD-converter 24-bit / 192 kHzOn Slot...
How to Choose the Best 500 Series Components
Budget Planning
- • Under $200: Entry-level
- • $200-$500: Intermediate
- • $500-$1000: Advanced
- • $1000+: Professional
Quality Check
- • Sound clarity & tone
- • Build materials & finish
- • Hardware durability
- • Overall craftsmanship
Key Features
- • Your musical style
- • Skill level match
- • Intended use case
- • Brand reputation
