Cranborne Audio Camden 500

5.0 (5)

$349.00

5.0 (7)

$349.00 14 available New

$289.00 6 available Used

$349.00

4.6 (26)

$385.00

5.0 (17)

$349.00

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Cranborne Audio Camden 500". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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The Cranborne Audio Camden 500 is a versatile, high-performance preamplifier housed in a 500 Series module that delivers pristine audio quality with a twist of analog warmth. Whether you're working with microphones, instruments, or line sources, this preamp covers it all with its custom transformerless topology, ensuring ultra-low noise and distortion. The Camden 500 stands out with its Mojo circuit, allowing you to infuse your tracks with vintage British tonal character. Select between 'Thump' for a full-bodied low-end or 'Cream' for that classic valve-like presence, all adjustable to your taste.

Beyond its distinctive sound-shaping capabilities, the Camden 500 excels in technical performance. It maintains frequency and phase linearity at all gain settings, resulting in recordings that are natural and true to the source. With a 3-way input selector, you can effortlessly switch between mic, line, and instrument inputs, each optimized for maximum headroom and clarity. Its DI input, utilizing a BJT design, ensures vibrant recordings from your instruments. This preamp is designed to be both a transparent canvas and a vibrant colorist, giving you the freedom to craft the perfect sound.

Key Features:

Linear, transparent microphone preamplifier
Custom Mojo circuit with Thump and Cream analog saturation types
68.5 dB gain across all 12 gain steps
3-way input selector switch for Mic, Line, and Instrument
+26.5 dBu input headroom for line recordings
Frequency response ±0.7 dB from 5 Hz to 200 kHz
Requires a 500 slot for operation

Product specs

Preamp Type	500 Series Solid State Preamp
Number of Channels	1
Frequency Response	5Hz-200kHz (±0.25dB)
Phantom Power	Yes
Polarity Switch	Yes
EQ	Highpass Filter (80Hz, -3dB, 12dB/oct)
Analog Inputs	1 x 1/4" (Hi-Z/Line/Mic)
Module Slot Size	Single
Power Usage	±140mA (typical use)
Depth	6.69"
Weight	0.66 lbs.

FAQs

What makes the Cranborne Audio Camden 500 preamp unique compared to other 500 Series preamps?: The Cranborne Audio Camden 500 is renowned for its ultra-low noise and distortion levels, offering a clean and transparent sound. Its unique "Mojo" control allows users to add analog saturation for creative tonal shaping, making it versatile for various recording applications.
Does the Cranborne Audio Camden 500 provide phantom power for condenser microphones?: Yes, the Camden 500 preamp includes phantom power, enabling the use of condenser microphones and other devices that require it.
What is the frequency response range of the Cranborne Audio Camden 500?: The Camden 500 boasts an impressive frequency response range of 5Hz to 200kHz (±0.25dB), ensuring accurate and detailed audio reproduction.
Can the Cranborne Audio Camden 500 be used for instruments as well as microphones?: Yes, the Camden 500 features a 1/4" Hi-Z/Line/Mic input, allowing it to accommodate both microphones and instruments, making it a versatile choice for various recording setups.
How does the "Mojo" control on the Camden 500 affect the sound?: The "Mojo" control on the Camden 500 adds analog saturation, enabling users to introduce harmonic distortion for a warmer, more vintage sound, offering creative flexibility in shaping audio tones.

Videos

Add video

Cranborne Audio

The Cleanest & Most Transparent Mic Preamp On The Market | Camden 500

Cranborne Audio

Recording a Song w/ Cranborne Audio (500ADAT Rack & Camden 500 Mic Pres)

SonicScoop

Ultimate Mic Pre Shootout!

Third Island Productions

Camden 500 review

Czar

Quick Hits: Cranborne Audio Camden 500 Microphone Preamp

Vintage King

Camden 500 - With Acoustic Guitar

Cranborne Audio

Mojo EQ? Cranborne Audio Camden 500 Series Preamp

Soundcast Studios

Camden 500 - With Drum Overheads

Cranborne Audio

Reviews

Add review

PROS

Incredible sound quality, surpassing expectations
Low noise floor enhances clarity
Thump feature adds significant quality to sound
Excellent for voiceovers, even without a lifter
Versatile, works well with various microphones and setups
Offers clean wire with gain, unmatched in its category
Mojo switch provides transformative tonal options
Can emulate tube and transformer saturation effectively
Promotes creativity by allowing precise sound tailoring at the source
High-quality components sourced affordably, offering great value

CONS

High output may clip some interfaces if not carefully managed
Noise noticeable at extreme gain settings

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

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Camden 500 preamps are noted for being cleaner than the BabyFace Pro and have a distinct tonal character compared to the RME UFX+ preamps, which are described as bright and zingy.
Source
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The Camden 500 is highlighted as one of the most versatile preamps, essentially offering three unique preamp sounds within one unit due to its Mojo modes.
Source

Features and functionality

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The Camden 500 preamps offer a "mojo" setting, which can be turned off for a more transparent sound.
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The Camden 500 is praised for its clean sound quality, considered one of the best preamps released in recent years.
Source
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The Camden 500's headphone amp, noted for its exceptional power, allows zero latency analog monitoring, blending aux input with the main input effectively.
Source
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The two Mojo modes, Thump and Cream, provide distinct tonal enhancements—Thump enhances low end, while Cream adds sparkle or full-on distortion depending on the setting.
Source
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The 500R8 offers a summing mixer and optical I/O, enhancing its functionality as an all-in-one studio solution.
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The 500R8 can serve as an interface, monitor controller, and talkback device, providing a multi-functional solution in one unit.
Source

Setup and maintenance

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Owners suggest checking the interaction between microphone output transformers and preamp input impedance, especially with dynamic mics, to ensure optimal performance.
Source

User experience

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Users find that the Cloudlifter is unnecessary with the Camden 500 due to its high gain and clean output, potentially reducing noise floor issues.
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Owners report using the Camden 500 for mastering by running the master bus through it, leveraging the Mojo settings for added character.
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Owners enjoy the hands-on workflow of the 500R8, frequently swapping modules and using insert points and reamp features for versatile setups.
Source

Build quality

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Users praise Cranborne Audio's top-tier support, with quick replacement for faulty units, indicating strong customer service commitment.
Source

Value and pricing

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While initial 500 series gear may seem cheaper than 19" gear, users warn it can become a significant financial investment as more modules are added.
Source

Use cases and applications

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The 500R8 is valued for its ability to integrate with mobile tracking setups due to its summing and Cat5 connectivity, making it suitable for low channel count mobile recording.
Source

Critic Reviews

Cranborne Audio Camden 500

soundonsound.com

The Cranborne Audio Camden 500 is a standout preamp that marries precision with character, offering an impressive clean sound alongside its innovative Mojo saturation system. Its design is user-friendly, boasting a switched gain knob for accurate control without any annoying gain-bunching. However, it requires a good amount of drive to fully unleash its tonal versatility. While it holds its own against high-end competitors, the need for aggressive input levels to access its full range of effects may not appeal to every musician. Overall, it’s a well-crafted and versatile tool that promises to impress in various recording situations.

positive

Full Review

Cranborne Audio: Camden 500 Preamp | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

The Camden 500 shines as a versatile preamp at an unbeatable price, delivering a clean, transparent sound with the ability to add harmonic richness when desired. Its Mojo and Cream controls offer a unique approach to shaping tones for various instruments, excelling particularly with low frequencies. However, some may find its high-end response a bit restrained, lacking the hype that certain applications might call for. Still, for those on a budget seeking quality and flexibility in their recordings, the Camden 500 is a commendable choice, albeit not a replacement for dedicated vintage units.

positive

Full Review

Cranborne Audio Camden 500 Mic Amp - A Real-World Review - Mixonline

mixonline.com

The Cranborne Audio Camden 500 Mic Amp is hailed as a versatile game-changer, combining pristine clarity with the ability to add character through its unique Mojo circuits. It excels in delivering an open, linear response across various sources, making it suitable for everything from vocals to instruments. However, it’s not without quirks; users may find the lack of detailed metering and the noticeable clicks from switches a bit distracting. Still, for its price point, the Camden 500 offers impressive performance, challenging traditional notions of transformer-based preamps and proving to be a valuable tool in any recording setup.

positive

Full Review

Cranborne Audio Camden 500 Preamp Review

musictech.com

Cranborne Audio's Camden 500 is a game-changer in the mic preamp arena, offering a transparent sound with the added flair of its unique Mojo controls for saturation. It excels at delivering clean, natural recordings while enhancing character with options like Thump and Cream. However, those seeking the classic warmth of transformer-based preamps might miss that vintage vibe, as the Camden's transformerless design prioritizes clarity over color. Still, for its price, it's a steal, delivering impressive versatility and performance that could easily justify a higher cost. A must-have for serious recording enthusiasts!

positive

Full Review

Add review

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

charlie_hurst

618

almost 5 years ago

Clean but with mojo

Recently picked one of these up second hand and am super pleased with it. Lots of nice clean gain. Gets a little noisy right up at the top end, but more than usable for 99% of sources.

What I love is the Mojo and the two flavours (thump and cream) that you can dial in. A little bit of mojo can just lift a source from nice to interesting and way beyond into frequency based clipping.

From my quick tests the other day the vibes are similar to transformer and valve saturation emulation. They’re good, and work on a variety of sources.

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Audio Engineer

Genres:

Electronic Rock Alternative rock

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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