Camden EC2 Two Channel Preamp, Signal Processor, and Dual Headphone Mixer
  • Two discrete mic/line/hi-z preamps featuring the award-winning ‘Camden’ topology from the Camden 500 Preamp and Signal Processor for 500 series
  • Audio performance at the near-theoretical limits of noise, distortion, and phase/frequency linearity at all gain settings
    • EIN: <-129.5dBu, 150 Ohm source, unweighted, <-135.5dBu, Inputs common, unweighted
    • THD+N: <0.00025% (1kHz, 35dB gain, +24dBu out)
    • Intermodulation Distortion: <0.0006% (50Hz and 7kHz, 35dB gain, +20dBu out),
    • Phase Shift: <2.75° (20Hz to 20kHz, 40dB gain), <6° (20Hz to 20kHz, max gain)
    • Freq. Response: ±0.7dB (<1 Hz to >1000 kHz, 35dB gain), ±1dB (<5 Hz to >200 kHz, max gain)

 

  • Unique 48v status LED
    • 48v LED Lights Orange to indicate voltage charging or dissipating to prevent damage to ribbon microphones and to ensure voltage is fully charged before use
    • 48v LED lights RED when voltage is fully charged and ready to use

 

  • Two instances of ‘Mojo’ analogue saturation circuits with variable control, true bypass, and 2 discrete styles - Thump and Cream
    • Thump excites low-end content by boosting lower odd/even harmonics from a range of 160Hz to 20Hz and below
    • Cream boosts odd/even harmonics whilst also reducing the amplitude of the fundamental frequencies and applying typical transformer-style transient taming

 

  • Two discrete headphone mixers with independant CH 1, CH 2, and Aux Input level controls
    • Monitor the Camden preamps directly with headphones during mic placement to find the sweet spot of the instrument/source
    • Create zero-latency artist mixes by combining the Camden preamps with external playback from Aux Input 14/” jacks on Camden EC2’s rear panel
    • Use the reference grade headphone amps for critical listening by sending stereo mixes from the interface into the Aux input and monitoring directly using Camden EC2’s headphone outputs
    • 'Stereo’ switch to pan CH1 & CH2 left and right in each headphone mix for true stereo monitoring

 

  • Two reference-quality, high-powered headphone amplifiers
    • Freq. Response: <±1dB, <1 Hz to >100 kHz
    • Output Impedance: 0.33 Ohms
    • THD: 0.0003%, 1kHz
    • Output Wattage: 2x250mW @ 600 Ohm, 2x450mW @ 220 Ohm, 2x250mW @ 100 Ohm

 

  • Balanced XLR outputs and impedance balanced ¼” jack outputs for maximum connectivity into audio interfaces and other downstream equipment

 

  • Dedicated Impedance balanced 1/4" Jack Link outputs for true instrument DI functionality and splitting instrument inputs to balanced or unbalanced amplifiers and effects

 

  • C.A.S.T. OUT port for connecting Camden EC2 into 500R8/500ADAT
    • Transmit Camden EC2’s preamps directly into 500R8 and 500ADAT’s 500 series modules inputs for recording/processing
    • Receive a stereo mix generated from 500R8/500ADAT and monitor using Camden EC2’s headphone mixers
    • All managed and distributed via a single shielded Cat 5e, Cat 6, or Cat 7 cable

 

  • C.A.S.T. IN port for connecting N22/N22H Cat 5 snakes to relocate Camden EC2 I/O elsewhere in the studio
    • Receive 2 mic/line signals from N22/N22H directly into the preamp inputs of Camden EC2
    • Transmit Camden EC2’s Aux 1 headphone mix into N22/N22H for direct monitoring by the musician
    • All managed and distributed via a single shielded Cat 5e, Cat 6, or cat 7 cable

 

  • External high-current 24v, 1.25a power supply with latching connector

 

All specifications are typical performance unless otherwise noted. All specifications are subject to change at any time. Tested with Audio Precision APx555.

Preamp

Test Signal Path

APx555 (Line Out) - Input 1 - Line Output - APx555 (Line In)

Input Impedance

Mic= 8.9 kOhms 48v Off, 5.4 kOhms 48v ON,

Line = 24.3 kOhms,

Hi-Z= 1.5 MOhm Unbalanced, 3 MOhm Balanced

Max Input Level

Mic = +17.6dBu (<0.003% THD),

Line = +26.5dBu (<0.02% THD),

Hi-Z = +24dBu (<0.02% THD)

Minimum Gain

Mic= 8dB, Line = 0dB, Hi-Z = 3dB

Maximum Gain

Mic = 68dB, Line = 60dB, Hi-Z = 63dB

Equivalent Input Noise (EIN)

<-129.5dBu (150 Ohm source, unweighted), 

<-131dBu (150 Ohm source, A-weighted), 

<-135.5dBu (Inputs common, unweighted)

Frequency Response

±0.7dB (<1 Hz to >1000 kHz, Min Gain),

±0.7dB (<1 Hz to >1000 kHz, 35dB Gain),

±1dB (<1.5 Hz to 900 kHz, 63dB Gain),

±1dB (<5 Hz to >200 kHz, Max Gain)

Phase Shift

<2.75° (20Hz to 20kHz, 40dB Gain),

<4° (20Hz to 20kHz, 63dB Gain),

<6° (20Hz to 20kHz, Max Gain)

THD+N

<0.00025% (1kHz, 35dB Gain, +24dBu out)

Intermodulation Distortion

<0.0006% (50Hz and 7kHz, 35dB gain, +20dBu out),

<0.0005% (50Hz and 7kHz, 35dB gain, +15dBu out)

Hi-Pass Filter (HPF)

80Hz, -3dB, 12dB/Oct

CMRR

>70dB, typ >85dB, 35dB gain, 10-20kHz, 100mV Common mode

Slew Rate

20V/uS, 35dB gain, +25dBu out

48v LED Thresholds

Off = 48v Off, voltage fully discharged

Amber = 48v voltage charging/discharging

Red = 48v fully charged

Signal LED Meter Thresholds

Blue = -20dBu

Green = -12dBu

Amber = +21dBu

Red = +24dBu

Max Output Level

Balanced XLR = +27.5dBu (<0.002% THD, 30dB Gain) 

Impedance Balanced ¼” Jack = +21.5dBu (<0.002% THD, 30dB Gain)

Output Impedance

Balanced XLR = 150 Ohm

Impedance Balanced 1/4” Jack = 150Ohm Balanced, 75 Ohm Unbalanced

Link Max Output Level

Impedance Balanced 1/4” Jack = +21.8dBu (<0.006% THD)

Link Output Impedance

Impedance Balanced 1/4” Jack = 75 Ohm Unbalanced, 150 Ohm Balanced (Buffered Output)

Headphone Amplifier

Test Signal Path

APx555 (Line Out) - AUX Input - Headphone Output - APx555 (Line In)

Frequency Response

-1dB, <1Hz to >70kHz

THD

<0.0006% (-104.4dB) @ +20dBu, 1kHz, A-weighted, 300 Ohm load

THD+N

<0.00085% (-101.4dB) @ +20dBu, 1kHz, A-weighted, 300 Ohm load

Output Impedance

0.33 Ohms

Output Wattage

250mW x 2 @ 600 Ohms, 1kHz

 

650mW x 2 @ 220 Ohms, 1kHz

 

1.21W x 2 @ 100 Ohms, 1kHz

 

500mW x 2 @ 32 Ohms, 1kHz

Dynamic Range

114.5dB A-weighted, AES17 method, 20Hz - 20kHz, 300 Ohm load

Noise Floor

-93.5dBu A-weighted, 20Hz - 20kHz, 300 Ohm load

Power

 

AC Requirements

100V – 240V AC, 50 – 60 Hz

Total Power Consumption

24v, 1.25A DC, 30W

Environmental

Operating Temperature

+1 to 35 degrees Celsius

Storage Conditions

-20 to 50 degrees Celsius

Dims/Weights

Unit

 

Width

481mm (19") (Rackmount)

Height

44.45mm (1.75") (1u)

Depth

240mm (9.5")

Unit Weight

2.8kg (6.2lb)

Shipping Carton

 

Width

600mm (23.6")

Height

120mm (4.7")

Depth

350mm (13.8")

Carton Weight

4.1kg (9lb)

A Complete Studio Front End

Camden Ec2 is a Two channel 19", 1u preamp featuring award-winning Camden preamps, Mojo analogue saturation circuits, and dual reference-quality headphone amplifiers with discrete line mixers.

Two Channel Preamp

Based on the award-winning Camden 500 Preamp and Signal Processor for the 500 series lunchbox format, Camden EC2 combines the sonic capabilities of one of the markets cleanest and most transparent preamps with the flexibility of a standalone, 1u, 19” chassis that can integrate into any recording setup with or without 500 series connectivity.
Dual Headphone Mixer
More than two preamps in a metal box, Camden EC2 features Two reference-quality headphone amplifiers with independant line mixers that allow for direct monitoring of both Camden preamps using headphones connected directly to Camden EC2’s front panel.

Reviews

“Overall, I have to say that the EC2 is one of the most desirable, capable, versatile and practical preamps I've used in a very long time.”
 
“Given its phenomenal audio quality and flexibility, with two excellent preamps, two headphone amps, and the CAST interfacing options, it represents exceptional value for money”
 
“If you're in the market for a serious new preamp, you'd be mad not to put this at the top of your shortlist”
 
“Not many two-channel mic preamps include headphone amps, but it makes a lot of sense for modern project-studio workflows and practices.”
 
“I was hugely impressed with the sound quality, technical performance and versatility of the Camden 500 preamp, and the EC2 version is every bit as good; it remains one of my all-time favourite preamps.”
 
“It boasts not only superbly clean, quiet and dynamic performance as a straight preamp, but also an extraordinary ability, courtesy of the Mojo circuit, to become the most versatile, characterful preamp I know."
 
Read More
Sound On Sound
“Cranborne Audio has done a stellar job in packing a lot of functionality, coupled with high-quality sound, into a small, attractive box.” 
 
“The EC2 mic preamp sounds uncolored, yet without feeling sterile. It has excellent headroom, and seemed sonically linear at different gain settings.”
 
“...I plugged a Fender P bass into the EC2’s DI, and it immediately sounded fantastic. The low end was deep with a crystal-like clarity at the top.... Thump sounded wonderful on bass – bringing out a harmonic distortion that expands the low end in a very musical manner.” 
 
“The Camden EC2 is a comprehensive studio tool for engineers; not only does it have two quality mic pre/DI channels with variable harmonic distortion, but it also has two high fidelity headphone amps that allow for easy, accurate, inspiring monitor mixes while tracking.” 
 
“All this flexibility makes it a must-try for studios and engineers with needs in these areas.”
 
Read More
Tape Op
“The Cranborne Audio Camden EC2 preamp is one of the best products I've used or reviewed. Pure class." 
 
“I have a coloured Neve-style BAE preamp here, and cleaner Sound Devices pre's (plus a variety of others); the EC2 with the Mojo on, covered a range of sounds whereas many preamps are more limited in sonic style or fainter. Clean to dirty, the EC2 is a multi-trick pony.” 
 
“I started with bass guitar into the DI and immediately had a great sound... Adding Mojo gave me a range of additional tonal options from smooth bright unharsh presence to gritty weight and heft with a pleasing distortion. James Jamerson to funk slap; Thump to Cream.” 
 
“Prior to the review I'd always been a bit sceptical about preamps with additional auxes or headphone amps...but I was wrong... the extra monitor/split/mini-mix utilities are of obvious benefit – especially the ability to operate the unit close to the source via the CAST network” 
 
“A beautiful-sounding, dual-channel preamp with a solid build and solid tech specs supporting the signal path. Thoroughly recommended for a range of studio uses.”
 
Read More
Gearspace
Camden 500 Camden EC2

Award-Winning 'Camden' Preamp Topology

Featuring two discrete instances of Cranborne Audio’s ‘Camden’ preamp topology, Camden EC2 achieves unprecedented low-noise and low-distortion performance as well as frequency and phase linearity at all gain settings.

 

Ultra-Clean and Transparent Performance
Camden EC2’s preamps exhibit performance specifications that rival and exceed the most revered ‘transparent’ preamps on the market.

 

 

With Vintage Mojo On Tap
With two discrete Mojo styles, Camden EC2 takes on the persona of vintage transformer-based preamps using its Thump Mojo or gooey tube-based preamps using its Cream Mojo.

Capture your audio sources with complete transparency; boost low-sensitivity microphones without adding noise; and capture instant transients without phase shifts that cause summing abnormalities.

Unlike transformer or valve-based preamps, Mojo’s saturation is completely variable allowing you to dial-in the amount of saturation you need for each source. Keep it at 3-4 for authentic preamp THD or crank it up to 11 for a more exaggerated effect.

Camden EC2 By The Numbers

Put simply, Camden EC2 is one of the cleanest, most linear, and transparent preamps on the market. Our ‘Camden’ preamp topology allows us to push the boundaries of Frequency Response, Phase Shift, Noise, and THD performance; and we have all the specs to back that up.

 

Equivalent Input Noise (EIN): <-129.5dBu (150 Ohm source, unweighted)

Frequency Response: ±0.7dB (<1 Hz to >1000 kHz, 35dB Gain)

Phase Shift: <4° (20Hz to 20kHz, 63dB Gain)

THD+N: <0.00025% (1kHz, 35dB Gain, +24dBu out)

 

For a comprehensive list of technical specs, check out the Tech Specs tab at the top of the page.

 

Ec2 headphone amps

Advanced Tracking And Reamping Tool

Two reference-quality headphone amplifiers with independent line mixers allow for direct monitoring of both Camden preamps using headphones connected directly to Camden EC2’s front panel. 

Headphone Amps Built-In
Monitor the preamp signals directly using headphones during mic placement to find the sweet spot of the instrument/source or create zero-latency artist mixes by combining the preamps with external playback from the Aux Input jacks on Camden EC2’s rear panel.

Link Output For Reamping
Connect your instrument to one preamp using the hi-z input, connect the ¼” Link output of that preamp to your instrument amplifier/effects pedal, and capture that signal using the second preamp. Record both preamps simultaneously and reamp the dry DI at a later date.

Camden EC2 500R8

C.A.S.T. Enabled

Using C.A.S.T., 500R8/500ADAT users can relocate Camden EC2's preamps and headphone amps into the live room using a single Cat 5e, Cat 6, or Cat 7 cable whilst freeing-up 500 series slots in 500R8/500ADAT for more EQ and Compressor modules and extra processing before hitting 500R8/500ADAT’s converters.

EC2_R8_Cables_72dpi_JPEG
 
Signal Routing Before C.A.S.T
EC2_R8_CAST_72dpi_JPEG
 
Signal Routing Using C.A.S.T.

Send Camden EC2’s preamps directly to 500R8/500ADAT's inputs ready for further processing and recording using a single Shielded Cat 5e, Cat 6, or Cat 7 cable.

At the same time through the same cable, 500R8/500ADAT transmit their built-in monitor mix directly to Camden EC2’s headphone mixer for monitoring.

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Customer Reviews

"I think these will become a classic. This is the most versatile preamp I have ever used. I tried to beat it with plugins and just couldn't come close."
Vintage King Customer
Camden User
"Extremely transparent, low noise preamp with the option to add character via the two “Mojo” circuits “Cream” and “Thump”. I bought these to replace some more expensive ”clean” preamps and the added bonus of the mojo feels like I got an upgrade in doing so. Ended up going back for more Mojo and now I have 4 of these!"
Vintage King Customer
Camden User

"To summarize: This is the best preamp in 500 series and one of the best in the world in general, and it's from a very fair company that has fair prices and which has a true focus on high sound quality above all."

Vintage King Customer
Camden User

"I bought these to replace some more expensive ”clean” preamps and the added bonus of the mojo feels like I got an upgrade in doing so. Ended up going back for more Mojo and now I have 4 of these!"

Vintage King Customer
Camden User

"How they are doing this at this price point is straight up voodoo. Sound amazing with my solid state mics and my tube mics. Balanced across all frequencies, the clean setting is flat out amazing and punches WAY above where it should be punching.

Pretty blown away. Would be very happy with a large lunchbox full or nothing but these."

Sweetwater Customer
Camden User

"I got one, then immediately another - I've used them to track drums. In one instance I was short 1 pre and had to use this on the extra floor tom along side the RND 511's on rack 1 and floor 1. Wow. Nothing lacking at all amongst the 3 pres. I've been also using them extensively in tracking and mixing and the mojo is infinitely useful. Zero'd out with line level material run back through- they are invisible. For a modular, hybrid, systems where it's useful to have tools with many uses ... this earns its place straight away and rivals 500 dollar price point preamps."

Sweetwater Customer
Camden User

"Have had a pair of these fabulous preamps in my rack for about a year and my Neve and UA preamps are pretty much gathering dust. Fabulous clean but not sterile sound with extremely low noise floor. I pair them with my Sphere L22 and the combination is unbeatable. Transparency coupled with ultra low noise, a very natural and warm sound."

Sweetwater Customer
Camden User
"Have only recorded violin so far but it sounds really great on this instrument when a lot of other, and expensive, preamps sound harsher. And the mojo coloration adds a nice versatility. Love the headphone amps."
Sweetwater Customer
Camden User

"Warm, smooth, rich, punchy or whatever adjectives you are grasping for trying to produce the sound from your imagination, the EC2 has versatility in spades. The cream & thump switch and the mojo knob on the interface is intuitive which makes the learning curve quick and experimentation fun.

I'm excited by the energy the Cranborne team has for their products and wish them many years of success!"

Sweetwater Customer
Camden User
"beautiful flavored pre by CA. The thump circuit is just beautiful. This is stellar on voice, and guitar/bass"
Thomann Customer
Camden User
I think these will become a classic. This is the most versatile preamp I have ever used. I tried to beat it with plugins and just couldn't come close.
Vintage King Customer
Camden User

I recently transitioned my studio from an Apogee interface to 500 series setup with the help of my excellent engineer George Deng. We arrived at the Cranborne 500r8, it was an excellent reset. I recently looked at this piece as an expansion. George asked all the appropriate questions, as I'm overlapping headphone amps at a potential unnecessary cost. That's why George is a "Deng good" rep, and I rely on him for all my gear choices.

Ultimately, I concluded that the headphone amp is both extraneous and a bonus, what I really wanted was two extra pre amps that are crisp and beautiful and expand my input sources via one cable without having to switch out my processing modules.

These Camden pres are indeed, crisp and beautiful!

They connect in behind positions 3 and 4 via CAT 7 cable behind my 500r8. Elliot at Cranborne assisted with connection inquiries and troubleshooting, he is very responsive and helpful. Cool guy! Now I can expand breakout boxes via N22's to the Portico 517's in my 500r8 and my EC2 pres. The studio just expanded to wherever a CAT cables will take me.

Bottom line: Sweetwater and Cranborne are first class organizations. This CAST system tech is next level s#!t. Check it out.

Sweetwater Customer
Camden User
I got it set up, and started testing it with simple spoken word. Even then, I could immediately hear an insane improvement in clarity, dynamics, and total transparency or coloration, when desired (shout-out to that "Mojo" knob, and the "Cream" and "Thump" settings). My in-line signal booster is no longer in my signal chain, and the SM7B is plugged directly into the EC-2, with phenomenal results. The notched gain knob is an incredible idea when it comes to stereo matching the channels too, I can't wait to try that!

I got the pair of headphone amps set up by sending a stereo AUX Out of my interface into the left and right inputs on the EC-2. When I first hit "play" in my session, I truly could not believe my ears. The stereo imaging and overall clarity are astounding, and I feel more confident than ever when doing some mixing with only headphones. 
Sweetwater Customer
Camden User

Cranborne Audio Authorised Dealers

Not based in US? Contact Us

 

Buy Cranborne Audio From Sweetwater

Buy Cranborne Audio From Vintage King

Buy Cranborne Audio at Alto Music

 

Buy Cranborne Audio at Front End Audio

 

Cranborne Audio at Zen Pro Audio

 

Cranborne Audio at Pro Audio LA

 

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