Cranborne Audio Camden EC1 | Preamp & Headphone Amplifier

The Camden EC1 is a high performance mic/line/hi-Z preamp that utilizes the innovative ‘Camden’ topology already found in the popular Camden 500 preamp and signal processor for 500 Series modules. The EC1 delivers near theoretical performance in terms of low noise, zero distortion and phase/frequency linearity at all gain settings. This makes it one of the cleanest and most transparent preamps on the market. With additional features such as the Mojo analog saturation circuits and a reference headphone amplifier, the Camden EC1 offers an extremely versatile and powerful solution for musicians, sound engineers, podcasters and speakers.

The Preamplifier

The Camden EC1 is based on the same preamp architecture as the award-winning Camden 500 and offers up to 68.5 dB of gain, making it ideal for low-gain microphones such as ribbon microphones or dynamic microphones (e.g., the Shure SM7B or EV RE20). This preamp delivers crystal-clear, uncolored amplification with incredibly low distortion and noise levels. With these values, the Camden EC1 is one of the most transparent and low-noise preamps currently available. It is perfect for studio recordings where the smallest details are important.

Mojo analog saturation circuits for vintage warmth

The Camden EC1 offers two different saturation modes that can be continuously adjusted using the Mojo control. This allows you to shape the preamp’s sound from absolutely transparent clarity to warm vintage tones:

Thump: This mode emphasizes the lower harmonics, resulting in a rich and warm low-end. Thump is ideal for boosting the low-frequency range in instruments such as bass guitars, kick drums, or deep vocals.

Cream: This setting brings out the characteristic saturation of vintage tube preamps and transformers by boosting odd and even harmonics while reducing the amplitude of the fundamental frequencies. The result is a soft, warm tone that works particularly well with vocals and guitars.

Both modes offer analog saturation that is integrated directly into the signal path, enriching the sound without any additional digital processing.

Powerful headphone amplifier for precise monitoring

The Camden EC1’s reference headphone amplifier is just as noteworthy as the preamp itself and offers an integrated mix function. This makes it possible to mix the direct signal from the preamp with the playback from the DAW during recording to ensure latency-free playback.

The headphone amplifier delivers enough power to drive even power-hungry headphones with ease and offers dynamic and detailed sound reproduction.

Versatile connection options

The Camden EC1 offers numerous connections that make it extremely versatile:

Balanced XLR and 1/4″ outputs: These enable connection to audio interfaces or other studio and live equipment. There is also a -10dB PAD that reduces the output level to avoid clipping on low-headroom interfaces.

Link output: This 1/4″ output can be used as an instrument DI, perfect for playing guitars or other instruments directly into the mixing console.

C.A.S.T. connector: A special connector for direct connection to the 500R8 or 500ADAT audio interface, allowing a complete recording setup to be controlled with just one Cat5e, Cat6 or Cat7 cable.

Further features

Intelligent 48V phantom power LED:
Orange: Indicates that the voltage is being charged or discharged – this protects sensitive ribbon microphones from sudden voltage spikes.
Red: The phantom power is fully charged and ready for use.

This sophisticated function prevents damage to microphones and ensures that the phantom power is optimally utilized.

Robust design and high portability:
The Camden EC1 is housed in a half-rack format housing that is easy to transport. Weighing just 1.8 kg, it is ideal for use in the studio, on live stages or for mobile productions. Thanks to its analog technology, which requires no software updates or USB standards, the Camden EC1 will remain a reliable workhorse in the future, even when other studio equipment is upgraded.