Cranborne Audio Camden EC1

Full Description

Preamp, audio processor and studio-grade headphone amp

The trifecta every studio/stage needs. The Camden EC1 combines award-winning topology (taken from the Camden 500 Preamp and Signal Processor for 500 series) and combines it with a desktop-friendly headphone amp and audio processor. The preamp itself provides exceptional transparency, resulting in a clean and natural sound that can be used for a variety of applications.

Compared to conventional preamps, the EC1 is one of the most transparent units on the market. This is the result of the ultra-low noise and distortion combined with frequency and phase linearity at any gain setting. From microphones to instruments, the EC1 can handle it all. It features a Hi-Z, mic and line connectivity so you can connect all your favourite gear. Do it all and recall with the 12-way rotary gain switch providing a quick and easy way to remember your gain settings without having to fiddle about with controls.

Add some vintage Mojo to the mix

Get your Mojo back with the built-in vintage analog saturation circuits. With two settings to choose from – ‘Thump’ and ‘Cream’ the vintage saturation can help you capture the essence of classic preamps. The two discrete circuits allow you to imitate both valve and tube preamp circuits, harking back to legendary audio gear from the late ‘70s and ‘80s.

The selectable circuits are completely variable, meaning you can dial in the right amount of saturation for you. For instance, dialling the circuit between three and four will make the preamp provide classic saturation but when cranking it to the max, the result is extreme. You can experiment with this variable circuit to achieve new and interesting results.

C.A.S.T System for expansive connectivity

This unique breakout box system utilises Cranborne Audio's custom C.A.S.T. system. The C.A.S.T system (Cat 5 Analog Signal Transport) is designed to repurpose internal copping wiring of a shielded cat 5 cable. It then distributes it by transmitting four channels of balanced analog audio.

The C.A.S.T system was developed to provide a unique way to distribute audio, helping to improve sonic performance, reduce cost and expand the flexibility of any audio equipment. The result is less clutter and a tidier system overall.

Features

• Desktop-friendly preamp/headphone amplifier and signal processor
• Ultra low-noise, low distortion with phase/frequency linearity on all gain settings
• Get the sound of vintage tube and valve preamps using the ‘Mojo’ saturation circuits
• Two saturation circuit settings – ‘Thump’ and ‘Cream’
• Discrete headphone mixers with independent CH1, Ext input and Aux input level controls
• Reference-grade headphone amplifier
• Balanced XLR output and impedance balanced 1/4-inch jack outputs for maximum connectivity into audio interfaces and other downstream gear
• C.A.S.T out port connecting into 500R8/500ADAT
• Can be mounted into a studio rack using the half-rack kit (sold separately)

Specifications

• 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 percent THD), Line = +26.5dBu (< 0.02 percent THD), Hi-Z = +24dBu (< 0.02 percent 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) HD+N <0.00025 percent (1kHz, 35dB Gain, +24dBu out)
• Intermodulation Distortion: <0.0006 percent (50Hz and 7kHz, 35dB gain, +20dBu out), < 0.0005 percent (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 percent THD, 30dB Gain), Impedance Balanced ¼” Jack = +21.5dBu (< 0.002 percent 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 percent THD)
• Link Output Impedance: Impedance Balanced 1/4” Jack = 75 Ohm Unbalanced, 150 Ohm Balanced (Buffered Output)

• Test Signal Path: APx555 (Line Out) - AUX Input - Headphone Output - APx555 (Line In)
• Frequency Response: -1dB, <1Hz to >70kHz
• THD: <0.0006 percent (-104.4dB) @ +20dBu, 1kHz, A-weighted, 300 Ohm load
• THD+N: <0.00085 percent (-101.4dB) @ +20dBu, 1kHz, A-weighted, 300 Ohm load
• Output Impedance: 0.33 Ohms, Output Wattage
• Dynamic Range: 114.5dB A-weighted, AES17 method, 20Hz - 20kHz, 300 Ohm load
• Noise Floor: -93.5dBu A-weighted, 20Hz - 20kHz, 300 Ohm load

• AC Requirements: 100V – 240V AC, 50 – 60 Hz
• Total Power Consumption: 24v, 1.25A DC, 30W

• Operating Temperature: +1 to 35 degrees Celsius
• Storage Conditions: -20 to 50 degrees Celsius

• Dimensions (WxHxD): 220mm (8.6”) x 44.45mm (1.75") x 240mm (9.5")
• Weight: 1.8kg (3.9lb)
• Product Code: CRA0008