Cranborne Audio Camden EC1 Microphone Preamp & Headphone Mixer

4.8 (6)

$499.00

5.0 (3)

$499.00 12 available New

$350.00 5 available Used

$499.00

4.7 (12)

$579.00 $555.00 $24.00 · All time low

$499.00

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Cranborne Audio Camden EC1 Microphone Preamp & Headphone Mixer". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

Step into a world of sonic excellence with the Cranborne Audio Camden EC1 Microphone Preamp & Headphone Mixer. This compact powerhouse is more than just a microphone preamp—it's your gateway to pristine audio fidelity and creative sound shaping. At its core, the Camden EC1 features a universally acclaimed preamp topology known for its ultra-clean, transparent performance, delivering every note and nuance with clarity. But when you're ready to add some character, the Mojo analog saturation circuit is your secret weapon. Choose between 'Thump' for a punchy transformer emulation, or 'Cream' for a lush tube-like warmth, adding that vintage British tonal character at the twist of a knob.

Designed for versatility, the Camden EC1 is equipped with a high-power headphone amplifier and a discrete mixer for crafting independent mixes. Whether you're in the studio or on stage, its innovative C.A.S.T. interface simplifies connectivity, reducing cable clutter while maintaining high-quality signal transmission. With features like a Hi-Z input for instruments and selectable 48V phantom power, this preamp is perfect for any recording scenario.

Key Features:

Discrete, ultra-clean Mic/Line/hi-Z preamp with acclaimed Camden topology
Mojo saturation circuit with Thump/Cream analog saturation types
High-power, reference-grade headphone amplifier with independent mixes
C.A.S.T. interface for simplified connectivity
Linear frequency response: ±0.7dB from <1Hz to >1000kHz at 35dB gain
Phase deviation: <2.75° (20Hz to 20kHz, 40dB gain)
THD + N: <0.00025% (1kHz, 35dB gain, +24dB output)
Selectable 48V phantom power
Balanced XLR output plus impedance-balanced ¼-inch output

Product specs

Preamp Type	Solid State
Phantom Power	Yes
Pads	-10dB
Polarity Switch	Yes
EQ	High Pass Filter Switch (80Hz, -3dB, 12dB per octave)
Analog Inputs	1 x XLR, 4 x 1/4" (Line/Hi-z, External Line, L/M Aux, R Aux)
Analog Outputs	1 x XLR, 2 x 1/4", 1 x Cat 5 Ethernet (C.A.S.T.)
Headphones	1 x 1/4"
Frequency Response	1Hz-1000kHz (±0.7dB)
Rack Spaces	1U
Power Source	24V DC power supply (included)
Height	1.75"
Depth	9.44"
Width	8.66"
Weight	3.96 lbs.

FAQs

What makes the Cranborne Audio Camden EC1 preamp unique?: The Camden EC1 features Cranborne Audio's acclaimed Camden preamp with a Mojo analog saturation circuit, providing versatile tonal shaping, and a reference-grade headphone amplifier for precise monitoring.
Does the Cranborne Audio Camden EC1 support phantom power?: Yes, the Camden EC1 provides phantom power, making it suitable for use with condenser microphones that require external power.
Can the Camden EC1 be used for both mic and instrument inputs?: Absolutely, the Camden EC1 is designed to handle mic, line, and instrument inputs, offering flexibility for various recording scenarios.
What is the frequency response of the Camden EC1 preamp?: The Camden EC1 boasts an impressive frequency response of 1Hz to 1000kHz (±0.7dB), ensuring clarity and detail across the entire audio spectrum.
How does the Mojo saturation circuit in the Camden EC1 enhance audio?: The Mojo circuit allows users to add analog saturation, providing warmth and character to recordings, which is particularly useful for achieving vintage or colored tones.

Videos

Add video

Cranborne Audio

Upgrade Your Audio Interface | Camden EC1 | Preamp, Saturation Processor, & Headphone Amp

Cranborne Audio

Cranborne Audio Camden EC1 Preamp walkthrough ( feat: Neumann U87 and Shure SM7b) | Booth Junkie

Booth Junkie

Cranborne Audio Camden EC1 & EC2 Microphone Preamp & Headphone Mixer Demo

Sweetwater

Camden EC1 | Preamp, Mojo Analogue Saturation Processor, & Headphone Amp | Product Overview

Cranborne Audio

Cranborne Audio Camden EC1 Preamp Demo

Sean Daniel

High Quality Mic Preamp | Cranborne Audio | Camden EC1 Review | 2 PREAMPS IN ONE Mic and Headphones

Lo Knows

Cranborne Audio Camden EC1 Preamp Demonstration w/ TLM103, SM7B, RE20, AKG C414 XLII & TLM102

JollyLegend

Advanced Recording With C.A.S.T. | Camden EC1 | Preamp, Saturation Processor, & Headphone Amp

Cranborne Audio

Sweetwater Gearfest 2021 | Cranborne Audio | Camden EC1 Product Overview | #gearfest2021

Cranborne Audio

Reviews

Add review

PROS

Offers clear and clean sound for vocals and instruments
"Cream" and "Thump" effects enhance recordings uniquely
Solid build quality with durable knobs and switches
Provides versatility with Mojo switch for different saturation levels
Compatible with a wide range of microphones
Adds coloration and warmth to recordings without noise
Zero latency monitoring with excellent headphone amp
Great value for its price point
Improves vocal recordings noticeably over standard interface preamps
Has a natural sound with subtle, musical compression in both Mojo modes

CONS

Main gain control lacks fine adjustment compared to some competitors

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Cranborne Audio Camden EC1 Microphone Preamp & Headphone Mixer.

Features and functionality

0 0

The Camden EC1 offers two Mojo modes, "Thump" for enhanced low end and "Cream" for adding sparkle or full distortion, essentially providing three preamps in one.
Source
0 0

The headphone amp is powerful with zero latency monitoring, akin to the 500R8, making it ideal for tracking.
Source
0 0

The preamp's primary role is to interface with microphones, providing stable impedance and high headroom, which is essential for hi-fidelity audio capture.
Source

User experience

0 0

Owners use the Mojo modes extensively on master bus mixes for added character, indicating high satisfaction with its versatility.
Source
0 0

Users with a background in classic preamps note the Camden EC1 offers a distinct sound quality reminiscent of well-known preamps, enhancing the recording experience.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

The UA Volt 276 isn't considered a bottleneck for the Camden EC1; even budget interfaces can adequately support its performance when set correctly.
Source

Setup and maintenance

0 0

For optimal performance, users recommend setting the UA Volt 276 to line-in mode, disabling the INST button, and turning off vintage mode and the 76 compressor.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

The Camden EC1 is praised for its ability to maintain high fidelity in capturing audio, crucial for spoken word, guitar, and vocal recordings.
Source

Critic Reviews

Cranborne Audio Camden EC1

soundonsound.com

The Cranborne Audio Camden EC1 combines versatility and sound quality, serving as a robust preamp and headphone mixer. Its clean gain and Mojo circuit offer impressive tonal options, making it a valuable tool for musicians seeking character in their recordings. However, while it excels for those with existing audio interfaces, the lack of built-in USB conversion limits its standalone functionality. Additionally, the external power supply may not appeal to all users. Overall, it’s a solid choice for enhancing audio setups, but not without its compromises.

positive

Full Review

Cranborne Audio Camden EC1 Tested | Production Expert

production-expert.com

The Cranborne Audio Camden EC1 is a versatile preamp that excels in performance, offering impressive audio quality and features that cater to both home enthusiasts and studio pros. With a clean sound and useful "MOJO" saturation options, it stands out in a crowded market. However, while it’s packed with clever functionalities, the lack of established brand heritage may deter some traditionalists. Still, overlooking this gem would be a mistake; it could easily become a favorite in any recording setup. Highly recommended for those seeking value and quality in their audio chain.

positive

Full Review

Add review

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

More Cranborne Audio Preamps

Cranborne Audio Camden 500 Preamps

$349.00 - $385.00

6 available stores

5.0 (1)

^# 62

in Preamps Rank

Cranborne Audio Camden EC2 Microphone Preamp & Headphone Mixer Preamps

$999.00 - $1,111.00

6 available stores

Avalon VT-737SP Preamps

$2,250.00 - $4,168.00

6 available stores

5.0 (27)

^# 1

in Preamps Rank

Who’s using this:

106 artists using

API 512c Preamps

$835.38 - $968.00

5 available stores

4.5 (16)

^# 2

in Preamps Rank

Who’s using this:

33 artists using

Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter CL-1 Preamps

$99.00 - $159.99

10 available stores

5.0 (24)

^# 3

in Preamps Rank

Who’s using this:

11 artists using

AMS Neve 1073 Preamps

$3,205.39 - $4,115.00

6 available stores

5.0 (16)

^# 4

in Preamps Rank

Who’s using this:

86 artists using

Focusrite ISA One Preamps

$511.00 - $699.99

9 available stores

5.0 (21)

^# 5

in Preamps Rank

Who’s using this:

10 artists using

Universal Audio 4-710D Preamps

$1,750.00 - $1,999.00

10 available stores

5.0 (17)

^# 6

in Preamps Rank

Who’s using this:

10 artists using

AMS Neve 1073LB Preamps

$933.00 - $1,285.00

5 available stores

5.0 (5)

^# 7

in Preamps Rank

Who’s using this:

14 artists using

AMS Neve 1073DPA Preamps

$1,950.56 - $2,830.00

5 available stores

5.0 (6)

^# 8

in Preamps Rank

Who’s using this:

12 artists using

Radial Tonebone PZ-Pre Preamps

$333.00 - $464.00

9 available stores

5.0 (5)

^# 9

in Preamps Rank

Who’s using this:

11 artists using

Rupert Neve Designs 511 Preamps

$769.00 - $849.00

9 available stores

5.0 (10)

^# 10

in Preamps Rank

Who’s using this:

AMS Neve 1073 SPX Preamp / EQ Preamps

$1,645.00 - $2,095.00

7 available stores

5.0 (4)

^# 11

in Preamps Rank

Who’s using this:

9 artists using

Warm Audio WA73-EQ Preamps

$729.00 - $899.00

10 available stores

5.0 (5)

^# 12

in Preamps Rank

Who’s using this:

6 artists using

Focusrite OctoPre MkII Preamps

$214.71

1 available store

5.0 (22)

^# 13

in Preamps Rank

Who’s using this:

Focusrite ISA Two Preamps

$795.00 - $999.99

10 available stores

5.0 (11)

^# 14

in Preamps Rank

Who’s using this:

ART Pro MPA II Studio 2-Channel Tube Preamp Preamps

$492.00 - $559.99

3 available stores

4.5 (14)

^# 15

in Preamps Rank

Who’s using this:

4 artists using

Universal Audio 710 Twin-Finity Preamps

$849.00 - $999.00

10 available stores

4.5 (9)

^# 16

in Preamps Rank

Who’s using this:

ART Tube MP Preamps

$45.00 - $129.99

6 available stores

4.0 (19)

^# 17

in Preamps Rank

Who’s using this:

Audient ASP880 Preamps

$766.84 - $1,799.99

10 available stores

5.0 (4)

^# 18

in Preamps Rank

Who’s using this:

PreSonus TubePRE Microphone Preamp Preamps

$55.00

1 available store

4.5 (10)

^# 19

in Preamps Rank

Who’s using this:

Focusrite OctoPre MkII 8-Channel Microphone Preamplifier Preamps

$214.71 - $899.99

8 available stores

4.5 (2)

^# 20

in Preamps Rank

Who’s using this:

6 artists using

Great River ME-1NV MIC PREAMP Preamps

$979.00 - $1,435.00

3 available stores

5.0 (5)

^# 21

in Preamps Rank

Who’s using this:

Art Tube MP Project Series Preamps

$143.00 - $169.00

6 available stores

4.0 (14)

^# 22

in Preamps Rank

Who’s using this:

Shadow Hills Industries Mono GAMA 500 Series Mic Pre Preamps

$855.00 - $1,266.00

4 available stores

5.0 (2)

^# 23

in Preamps Rank

Who’s using this:

7 artists using

ART Pro MPA II Preamps

$492.00 - $579.00

8 available stores

4.0 (13)

^# 24

in Preamps Rank

Who’s using this:

Warm Audio WA12 Preamps

$230.00 - $449.00

9 available stores

5.0 (5)

^# 25

in Preamps Rank

Who’s using this:

Vintech Audio X73i Preamps

$1,200.00 - $1,375.00

4 available stores

5.0 (5)

^# 26

in Preamps Rank

Who’s using this:

AMS Neve 1073DPX Dual Mic Preamp / EQ Preamps

$2,999.00 - $3,655.00

5 available stores

5.0 (1)

^# 27

in Preamps Rank

Who’s using this:

4 artists using

Warm Audio TB12 Tone Beast Preamps

$549.00 - $699.00

3 available stores

5.0 (6)

^# 28

in Preamps Rank

Who’s using this:

1 artist using

BAE Audio 1073 MP Preamps

$1,370.00

4 available stores

5.0 (3)

^# 29

in Preamps Rank

Who’s using this:

12 artists using

API 3124+ Preamps

$2,507.72

1 available store

5.0 (2)

^# 30

in Preamps Rank

Who’s using this:

17 artists using

sE Electronics DM1 Dynamite Preamps

$68.40 - $109.00

9 available stores

5.0 (5)

^# 31

in Preamps Rank

Who’s using this:

1 artist using

Triton Audio FetHead Preamps

$55.99 - $79.95

6 available stores

5.0 (5)

^# 32

in Preamps Rank

Who’s using this:

1 artist using

Avalon VT-747SP Preamps

$3,866.00

1 available store

5.0 (7)

^# 33

in Preamps Rank

Who’s using this:

13 artists using

PreSonus Studio Channel Tube Channel Strip Preamps

$259.00 - $419.99

9 available stores

4.0 (14)

^# 34

in Preamps Rank

Who’s using this:

Avalon AD2022 Pure Class A Dual Mono Microphone Preamplifier Preamps

$1,618.00 - $5,390.00

4 available stores

5.0 (5)

^# 35

in Preamps Rank

Who’s using this:

10 artists using

ART Voice Channel Preamps

$440.74 - $689.99

7 available stores

4.5 (3)

^# 36

in Preamps Rank

Who’s using this:

BAE Audio 1084 Preamps

$1,200.00 - $3,945.00

5 available stores

5.0 (1)

^# 37

in Preamps Rank

Who’s using this:

7 artists using

Warm Audio WA12 MKII Preamps

$349.00 - $449.00

9 available stores

5.0 (1)

^# 39

in Preamps Rank

Who’s using this: