Elysia Karacter 500

$745.00 to $1,129.00 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (2)

1 Critic Review

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Page last updated Jun 22, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated June 22, 2026.

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Price

5.0 (2)

$1,129.00 $999.00 $130.00 · All time low

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$999.00

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5.0 (2)

$999.00 6 available New

$639.00 7 available Used

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$1,129.00

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4.9 (23)

$749.00 $745.00 $4.00 · All time low

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$999.00

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Average Price: $930

High-end/Boutique

$100

$501+

Price Tier

In the Effects Processors category, Elysia Karacter 500 is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Elysia Karacter 500". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Unleash the full potential of your music mixes with the Elysia Karacter 500. This discrete Class A 500 Series distortion module brings a vibrant range of sonic possibilities, from subtle warmth to aggressive distortion. Whether you're aiming for mastering-grade saturation or tube-like drive, the Karacter 500 has you covered. With its dual-channel capability, you can operate in dual mono, linked stereo, or utilize the mid/side configuration for enhanced versatility in any studio or live setting. The integrated M/S matrix empowers you to craft your stereo image with precision, processing the mid and side signals separately to add depth and dimension to your tracks.

The Karacter 500 is more than just a saturation tool—it's a creative instrument. The FET Shred mode and Turbo Boost button allow you to crank up the distortion for unique sonic textures, while the Color Filter network offers tonal variation by adjusting harmonics. Its stepped potentiometers ensure your settings are easily recalled, making it perfect for consistent results in professional environments. Designed and crafted in Germany, this module is built to last, with top-tier components and a robust aluminum front panel that exudes quality.

Whether you're striving for a subtle, transparent enhancement or radical sound manipulation, the Elysia Karacter 500 is a must-have for any serious audio engineer or musician looking to add character to their sound.

Key Features:

Discrete Class A topology for pristine audio quality
Dual mono, stereo link, and mid/side operation modes
Mastering-grade saturation with symmetrical and asymmetrical clipping
FET Shred mode and Turbo Boost for enhanced distortion
Integrated M/S matrix for precise stereo image processing
Stepped potentiometers for precise setting recall
Designed and built in Germany with high-quality components

Owner's manual

Elysia Karacter 500 User Manual

Product specs

Type	Tonal Color Generator 500 Series
Processor Type	Harmonic, Saturation
Number of Channels	2 (stereo, dual mono, m/s)
Controls	Drive, Color, Gain, Mix
Module Slot Size	Double
Power Usage	±16V DC

FAQs

What kind of tonal effects can the Elysia Karacter 500 achieve?: The Elysia Karacter 500 offers a range of tonal effects from subtle harmonic enhancement to full-on distortion, making it versatile for adding character to your audio tracks.
Is the Elysia Karacter 500 suitable for both stereo and mono applications?: Yes, the Elysia Karacter 500 supports stereo, dual mono, and mid/side processing, providing flexibility for various recording and mixing scenarios.
What types of controls are available on the Elysia Karacter 500?: The Elysia Karacter 500 features Drive, Color, Gain, and Mix controls, allowing precise adjustment of saturation and harmonic distortion effects.
Does the Elysia Karacter 500 fit in a standard 500 Series rack?: The Elysia Karacter 500 requires a double module slot in a 500 Series rack, so ensure your rack has adequate space before purchasing.
What power requirements does the Elysia Karacter 500 have?: The Elysia Karacter 500 operates on ±16V DC, which is standard for 500 Series modules. Ensure your rack provides this power specification.

Videos

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Sound On Sound magazine

Elysia Karacter 500

Sound On Sound magazine

Elysia Karacter 500 Stereo Saturator | Sound Demo

Mixing Music Analog

Elysia Karacter || 500 series

N E M A T O

Punchy Kick Drums for Modern Techno & Deep House with Analog Distortion | elysia karacter 500

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Elysia Karacter 500 Color Box in 500-Series

soundpurestudios

Reviews

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PROS

Offers a wide range of colorful tonal options
Can be effectively used at any point in the signal chain
Provides organic texture and depth to mixes
Precise parameter selection with audible differences at every step
Versatile for various genres, especially effective for electronic music and drums
Warm tone with low to high saturation levels, without overdoing it
Features like M/S, mono, or stereo options enhance mix punch and space
Superior to many saturation/distortion plugins and some hardware
Excellent build and design quality from a reputable company
Adds a unique character to both low and high frequencies

CONS

Loss of dynamics with heavy saturation, particularly in the low end
May not be universally useful across all music genres
Requires careful adjustment to avoid overly saturating the signal

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Elysia Karacter 500.

Use cases and applications

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The Elysia Karacter 500 is favored for adding saturation and body to drum tracks, especially when utilizing the FET switch and adjusting the gain.
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For those focused on mix bus applications, preamps are considered less valuable than EQ and compression, which are easier to replicate with plugins.
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For optimal performance, line-level devices should be positioned away from units with large power transformers in the chassis to minimize noise.
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Features and functionality

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The M/S feature is highlighted for providing tracks with enhanced spatial characteristics, making it a versatile tool for mixing.
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The Elysia Karacter 500 is noted for its versatility, but some users find its noise floor too high for setups requiring low noise, such as with an SM7B microphone.
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The Cranborne Audio ADAT500 chassis offers a linking feature for adjacent module chaining, enhancing flexibility without additional patching.
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User experience

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Some users note the Karacter can be too harsh for the 2Bus, suggesting it may not always deliver a clean enough signal for that application.
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Comparisons

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When mixing on the 2Bus, some owners prefer Looptrotter Sa2rate for subtle drive and increased RMS levels, implying a preference over the Karacter for this specific use.
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Owners have compared the Karacter 500 to the RND MBP, which some prefer due to its silk circuit for saturation, indicating a preference for smoother coloration.
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The Burl B1D preamp is likened to API preamps but with more low-end extension and less midrange, providing a distinct tonal option.
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Build quality

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Elysia Karacter 500 requires two slots in a chassis due to its design, affecting module linking options.
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Setup and maintenance

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Modules without full PCB enclosures may experience noise issues in chassis with switch mode power supplies, suggesting careful placement.
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Critic Reviews

Elysia Karacter 500

soundonsound.com

The Elysia Karacter 500 is a stellar addition to the realm of analogue saturation processors, offering remarkable control and versatility. Its stylish design and intuitive layout make it easy to use, whether for subtle enhancements or extreme sonic transformations. Particularly effective on drums and vocals, its Mix control and FET Shred feature inject real attitude, providing a wide range of sonic options. However, aggressive distortion can thin out low-end frequencies, necessitating careful blending. While it lacks some features found in pricier units, its mastering-grade quality and fun factor make it a standout choice for creative sound design.

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