AudioFu

Best 500 Series Components for Intermediate 2026

Perfect 500 series components for intermediate - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: January 28, 2026 • Next update: February 4, 2026

PRICE RANGES: Under $50 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000
SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced
GENRES & STYLES: For Professional Studio For Modular Processing For High-End Recording For Flexible Workflows
BRANDS: Fredenstein API Audio IGS Audio Lindell Audio WES Audio Heritage Audio Rupert Neve Designs Elysia SSL Chandler Limited Midas Rodec Cranborne Audio Harrison Audio
Cranborne Audio Carnaby 500 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Cranborne Audio Carnaby 500

by Cranborne Audio
Modular Processing High-End Recording Flexible Workflows
Key Feature:
• Modular system flexibility
✓ PROS
  • • Modular system flexibility
  • • Professional studio standard
✗ CONS
  • • High learning curve
  • • Limited to professional applications

Cranborne Audio Carnaby 500Parametric 3-band harmonic EQ in 500 module formatAnalogue EQ circuit that uses harmonic...

⭐ 4.9/5 (13 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 564060
$659
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harrison Audio Comp - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Harrison Audio Comp

by Harrison Audio
High-End Recording Modular Processing Professional Studio
Key Feature:
• Modular system flexibility
✓ PROS
  • • Professional studio standard
  • • Expandable rack system
✗ CONS
  • • High learning curve
  • • Complex setup and routing

Harrison Audio Comp1-Channel compressor in 500 module formatProgramme-dependent attack timeControls for ratiothreshold...

⭐ 4.8/5 (16 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 585295
$472
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harrison Audio D510r Mixer Module - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Harrison Audio D510r Mixer Module

by Harrison Audio
High-End Recording Flexible Workflows Professional Studio
Key Feature:
• Modular system flexibility
✓ PROS
  • • Modular system flexibility
  • • High-quality analog processing
✗ CONS
  • • Requires 500-series rack chassis
  • • Limited to professional applications

Harrison Audio D510r Mixer ModuleMixer ModuleExpands the Harrison Audio D510r empty chassis with a sum mixer for stereo...

⭐ 4.6/5 (22 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 617764
$824
Buy at Thomann View Details
Rupert Neve Designs 545 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Rupert Neve Designs 545

by Rupert Neve Designs
Modular Processing Professional Studio High-End Recording
Key Feature:
• Modular system flexibility
✓ PROS
  • • Mix and match different manufacturers
  • • Modular system flexibility
✗ CONS
  • • High learning curve
  • • Very expensive professional gear

Rupert Neve Designs 5451-Channel Feedback ControllerReduces feedback without filtering the signalIncreases the level of...

⭐ 4.6/5 (45 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 596802
$967
Buy at Thomann View Details
Heritage Audio LANG 312L - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Heritage Audio LANG 312L

by Heritage Audio
Professional Studio High-End Recording Modular Processing
Key Feature:
• Mix and match different manufacturers
✓ PROS
  • • Professional studio standard
  • • Expandable rack system
✗ CONS
  • • 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...

⭐ 4.7/5 (50 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 599283
$439
Buy at Thomann View Details
WES Audio Calypso - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

WES Audio Calypso

by WES Audio
Flexible Workflows High-End Recording Professional Studio
Key Feature:
• Modular system flexibility
✓ PROS
  • • Mix and match different manufacturers
  • • Modular system flexibility
✗ CONS
  • • Requires 500-series rack chassis
  • • High learning curve

WES Audio Calypso500 Series Module Audio Interface24-Bit AD/DA converterSupported sample rates: 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 (SMUX)...

⭐ 4.9/5 (16 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 580929
$1,044
Buy at Thomann View Details
API Audio Select SV14 4-Band EQ - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

API Audio Select SV14 4-Band EQ

by API Audio
Modular Processing Professional Studio Flexible Workflows
Key Feature:
• High-quality analog processing
✓ PROS
  • • Mix and match different manufacturers
  • • Modular system flexibility
✗ CONS
  • • 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...

⭐ 4.6/5 (41 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 553230
$824
Buy at Thomann View Details
Drawmer MQ-1 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Drawmer MQ-1

by Drawmer
Modular Processing High-End Recording Professional Studio
Key Feature:
• Mix and match different manufacturers
✓ PROS
  • • Modular system flexibility
  • • High-quality analog processing
✗ CONS
  • • 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...

⭐ 4.8/5 (5 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 620138
$384
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harrison Audio 32Cpre+ - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Harrison Audio 32Cpre+

by Harrison Audio
High-End Recording Flexible Workflows Professional Studio
Key Feature:
• Mix and match different manufacturers
✓ PROS
  • • Mix and match different manufacturers
  • • Professional studio standard
✗ CONS
  • • Limited to professional applications
  • • High learning curve

Harrison Audio 32Cpre+1-Channel Microphone Preamplifier with DI Input in 500 Module FormatJensen JT-MB-CPCA...

⭐ 4.5/5 (47 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 585292
$802
Buy at Thomann View Details
IGS Audio IQ505 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

IGS Audio IQ505

by IGS Audio
Modular Processing High-End Recording Professional Studio
Key Feature:
• Mix and match different manufacturers
✓ PROS
  • • Professional studio standard
  • • Modular system flexibility
✗ CONS
  • • Limited to professional applications
  • • High learning curve

IGS Audio IQ505Fully Parametric 5-Band EqualiserIn Sontec MEP-250A style500 ModuleOverlapping bands12 dB boost or cutQ...

⭐ 4.9/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 560035
$692
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harrison Audio MR3eq - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Harrison Audio MR3eq

by Harrison Audio
High-End Recording Flexible Workflows Modular Processing
Key Feature:
• Mix and match different manufacturers
✓ PROS
  • • Modular system flexibility
  • • High-quality analog processing
✗ CONS
  • • 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...

⭐ 4.7/5 (50 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 585296
$472
Buy at Thomann View Details
WES Audio Pandora - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

WES Audio Pandora

by WES Audio
Professional Studio High-End Recording Flexible Workflows
Key Feature:
• Expandable rack system
✓ PROS
  • • Mix and match different manufacturers
  • • Modular system flexibility
✗ CONS
  • • Limited to professional applications
  • • Complex setup and routing

WES Audio PandoraMulti-band compressorWith digital recall and automationAnalogue design24 dBU Headroom3 Bands Low / Mid...

⭐ 4.6/5 (10 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 603518
$1,539
Buy at Thomann View Details
Drawmer MQ-2 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Drawmer MQ-2

by Drawmer
Modular Processing Flexible Workflows Professional Studio
Key Feature:
• Expandable rack system
✓ PROS
  • • Modular system flexibility
  • • Expandable rack system
✗ CONS
  • • Complex setup and routing
  • • High learning curve

Drawmer MQ-2500 Series Module7-band vintage equaliser with proportional Q-curves and programme-dependenteasy-to-use...

⭐ 4.7/5 (11 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 620143
$571
Buy at Thomann View Details
Rodec M 501 Preamp - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Rodec M 501 Preamp

by Rodec
High-End Recording Modular Processing Flexible Workflows
Key Feature:
• Professional studio standard
✓ PROS
  • • Expandable rack system
  • • Professional studio standard
✗ CONS
  • • 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:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (24 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 611571
$989
Buy at Thomann View Details
SSL 500 B-Series Dynamic Module - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

SSL 500 B-Series Dynamic Module

by SSL
Modular Processing Flexible Workflows High-End Recording
Key Feature:
• High-quality analog processing
✓ PROS
  • • Mix and match different manufacturers
  • • Expandable rack system
✗ CONS
  • • Limited to professional applications
  • • Requires 500-series rack chassis

SSL 500 B-Series Dynamic Modul1-Channel API 500 Module based on SSL 4000B ModelBased on the SSL bus...

⭐ 4.8/5 (40 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 572500
$714
Buy at Thomann View Details

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced 500 series components typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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