AudioFu

Best 500 Series Components Under $300 2025

Affordable 500 series components under $300 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: October 15, 2025 • Next update: October 22, 2025

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 WES Audio Lindell Audio IGS Audio Heritage Audio Rupert Neve Designs SSL Elysia Rodec Midas Chandler Limited Harrison Audio Cranborne Audio
Heritage Audio BT-500 V2.0 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Heritage Audio BT-500 V2.0

by Heritage Audio
High-End Recording Flexible Workflows Professional Studio
Key Feature:
• Expandable rack system
✓ PROS
  • • Mix and match different manufacturers
  • • Modular system flexibility
✗ CONS
  • • Requires 500-series rack chassis
  • • Very expensive professional gear

Heritage Audio BT-500 V2.0Audio Streaming Bluetooth Module in 500 FormatStreams audio signals from a mobile iOS or...

⭐ 5.0/5 (10 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 543436
$274
Buy at Thomann View Details
Black Lion Audio Auteur MKII 500 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Black Lion Audio Auteur MKII 500

by Black Lion Audio
Modular Processing Professional Studio Flexible Workflows
Key Feature:
• High-quality analog processing
✓ PROS
  • • Modular system flexibility
  • • Professional studio standard
✗ CONS
  • • Requires 500-series rack chassis
  • • High learning curve

Black Lion Audio Auteur MKII 5001-Channel PreamplifierAll-rounder for detailed picturese.g. VocalsdrumsguitarThe sound...

⭐ 4.4/5 (7 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 409607
$241
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fredenstein Artistic EQ - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Fredenstein Artistic EQ

by Fredenstein
Modular Processing Flexible Workflows Professional Studio
Key Feature:
• Expandable rack system
✓ PROS
  • • Expandable rack system
  • • Modular system flexibility
✗ CONS
  • • Requires 500-series rack chassis
  • • High learning curve

Fredenstein Artistic EQ3-Band Equaliser 500 Series ModuleWith Colour function for tube-like soundDiscrete operational...

⭐ 4.7/5 (49 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 484867
$274
Buy at Thomann View Details
Rodec M 101 Phono - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Rodec M 101 Phono

by Rodec
Modular Processing Professional Studio Flexible Workflows
Key Feature:
• Professional studio standard
✓ PROS
  • • Professional studio standard
  • • Expandable rack system
✗ CONS
  • • Very expensive professional gear
  • • Complex setup and routing

Rodec M 101 PhonoLine-Phono PreampFor Rodec MX Modular mixers2 Switchable phono MM stages: Original MX-180 phono stage...

⭐ 4.7/5 (37 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 611573
$296
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fredenstein Artistic Mic Pre Plus - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Fredenstein Artistic Mic Pre Plus

by Fredenstein
High-End Recording Modular Processing Flexible Workflows
Key Feature:
• Professional studio standard
✓ PROS
  • • Modular system flexibility
  • • Mix and match different manufacturers
✗ CONS
  • • Complex setup and routing
  • • Limited to professional applications

Fredenstein Artistic Mic Pre PlusMicrophone Preamplifier500 Series moduleDiscrete operational amplifier OPA2High...

⭐ 4.5/5 (43 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 484939
$241
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fredenstein Bento 2 Pure Analog Extension - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Fredenstein Bento 2 Pure Analog Extension

by Fredenstein
High-End Recording Modular Processing Professional Studio
Key Feature:
• High-quality analog processing
✓ PROS
  • • Expandable rack system
  • • Modular system flexibility
✗ CONS
  • • High learning curve
  • • Very expensive professional gear

Fredenstein Bento 2 Pure Analog Extension2-Slot Extension for Bento 2 Pure Analogue2-Slot rack for modules of the API...

⭐ 4.9/5 (43 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 566212
$215
Buy at Thomann View Details
Behringer 73 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Behringer 73

by Behringer
Modular Processing High-End Recording Professional Studio
Key Feature:
• High-quality analog processing
✓ PROS
  • • Expandable rack system
  • • High-quality analog processing
✗ CONS
  • • Limited to professional applications
  • • Requires 500-series rack chassis

Behringer 73500 Series ModuleMicrophone / Line preamplifierWith Midas input and output transformersBased on the classic...

⭐ 4.7/5 (53 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 613409
$252
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fredenstein Artistic Comp Plus - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Fredenstein Artistic Comp Plus

by Fredenstein
Professional Studio Modular Processing Flexible Workflows
Key Feature:
• Expandable rack system
✓ PROS
  • • Expandable rack system
  • • High-quality analog processing
✗ CONS
  • • Very expensive professional gear
  • • Complex setup and routing

Fredenstein Artistic Comp Plus500 Series FET Compressor ModuleFully discrete built-in OPA2 operational...

⭐ 4.5/5 (31 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 449310
$252
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fredenstein Bento 2 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Fredenstein Bento 2

by Fredenstein
High-End Recording Modular Processing Flexible Workflows
Key Feature:
• High-quality analog processing
✓ PROS
  • • High-quality analog processing
  • • Modular system flexibility
✗ CONS
  • • Complex setup and routing
  • • Very expensive professional gear

Fredenstein Bento 22-Slot Rack for 500 ModuleAudio routing and link function can be set on the back panelBalanced XLR...

⭐ 4.6/5 (14 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 331738
$270
Buy at Thomann View Details
Midas Legend L6 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Midas Legend L6

by Midas
High-End Recording Modular Processing Professional Studio
Key Feature:
• High-quality analog processing
✓ PROS
  • • Professional studio standard
  • • Mix and match different manufacturers
✗ CONS
  • • High learning curve
  • • Requires 500-series rack chassis

Midas Legend L6, 6-Slot Rack Frame for 500 modules, Low noise power supply with 3.2 A @ ± 16 V and 300 mA @ +48 V,...

⭐ 4.6/5 (24 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 415196
$220
Buy at Thomann View Details
Midas Parametric Equaliser 512 V2 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Midas Parametric Equaliser 512 V2

by Midas
Modular Processing Professional Studio High-End Recording
Key Feature:
• Expandable rack system
✓ PROS
  • • Mix and match different manufacturers
  • • Expandable rack system
✗ CONS
  • • Complex setup and routing
  • • High learning curve

Midas Parametric Equaliser 512 V2, Parametric EQ Module, Based on the Midas Heritage 3000 4-band fully parametric EQ,...

⭐ 5.0/5 (8 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 484447
$209
Buy at Thomann View Details
Midas Compressor Limiter 522 V2 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Midas Compressor Limiter 522 V2

by Midas
Professional Studio High-End Recording Modular Processing
Key Feature:
• High-quality analog processing
✓ PROS
  • • High-quality analog processing
  • • Expandable rack system
✗ CONS
  • • Requires 500-series rack chassis
  • • Complex setup and routing

Midas Compressor Limiter 522 V2Compressor / Limiter500 Series compressor / limiter moduleControls for...

⭐ 4.7/5 (48 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 494567
$208
Buy at Thomann View Details
Midas Legend L10 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Midas Legend L10

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

Midas Legend L1010-Slot Rack Frame for 500 Series ModuleLow noise power supply with 3.2 A @ ±16 V and 300 mA @ +48...

⭐ 4.7/5 (44 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 415199
$295
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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