Cranborne Audio
Cranborne Audio Camden EC1 Microphone Preamp & Headphone Mixer
Best transparent preamplification for professional home studio setups.
This analog preamp and headphone mixer offers an ultra-clean signal path with ample gain for capturing natural-sounding vocals and instruments. Its unique 'Mojo' circuit provides switchable analog saturation, adding desirable vintage character to your audio. A high-quality, reference-grade headphone amplifier with dual outputs ensures excellent monitoring. Designed for studio use, it features a custom transformer-less topology for pristine audio reproduction and seamless integration with other compatible gear via its C.A.S.T. system. It's an ideal tool for imparting warmth and professional polish to any sound source.
$499.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
24
/ 1141
#24 in Audio Mixers
Price vs Category Average
-48%
Below average
Preamp Type
Mic/Line/Instrument
/ Mic/Line/Instrument
Who it's for
- Recording engineers prioritizing uncolored, high-resolution audio capture.
- Producers seeking versatile tonal shaping and classic analogue warmth.
- Musicians needing direct, low-latency monitoring during tracking sessions.
Who should skip it
- Home studio owners needing multiple inputs for band recording.
- Users preferring integrated power solutions for a tidier workspace.
- Budget-conscious creators needing several high-quality preamps simultaneously.
Performance breakdown
Preamplifier Transparency
Ultra-clean signal path delivers pristine, uncolored audio reproduction for any source.
Saturation Versatility
Mojo circuit adds authentic vintage warmth with switchable Thump and Cream modes.
Monitoring Fidelity
Reference-grade headphone amplifier provides exceptional clarity for critical studio listening sessions.
Gain Headroom
Ample 68.5dB of gain handles demanding microphones with impressive dynamic range.
Connectivity Integration
C.A.S.T. system simplifies complex studio setups using standard Cat 5 cabling.
Build Integrity
Robust half-rack design feels built to withstand years of daily studio.
Key Specs
Preamp Type
Mic/Line/Instrument
Gain
68.5dB
Frequency Response
±0.7dB from 1Hz–1000kHz at 35dB gain
Phase Linearity
Less than 4 degrees (20Hz–20kHz, 63dB gain)
Input Headroom
+26.5dBu
Saturation Circuit
Mojo (Thump/Cream)
Headphone Amplifier
Reference-grade
Outputs
Balanced XLR, Impedance-balanced 1/4-inch, Headphone (2x)
Know before you buy
The Mojo circuit introduces switchable analog saturation that mimics vintage gear. You can choose between 'Thump' for low-end harmonic enhancement or 'Cream' for a smoother, mid-range focused saturation, allowing you to add character to clean digital recordings.
Yes, the unit features a high-quality, reference-grade headphone amplifier with two outputs. It is designed to provide clean, accurate monitoring, making it an excellent solution for both tracking and critical listening.
C.A.S.T. allows you to transmit high-quality analog audio over standard Cat 5, 5e, or 6 cables to other compatible Cranborne Audio hardware. It is a convenient way to simplify your studio cabling, though it is entirely optional if you prefer using standard XLR or TRS connections.
With 68.5dB of gain and a very clean signal path, the Camden EC1 provides plenty of headroom and low-noise performance for most ribbon and dynamic microphones. It is designed to capture natural detail without introducing unwanted hiss.
Yes, the Camden EC1 is built with a half-rack width chassis. You can mount it in a standard 19-inch rack using an optional rack-mount kit, making it easy to integrate into a professional studio furniture setup.
Yes, the unit includes switchable 48V phantom power, which is standard for powering condenser microphones and active DI boxes.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.