The Cranborne Audio Camden EC2 is a 1U dual-channel studio front end that combines two ultra-transparent Mic/Line/Hi-Z preamps with independently variable Mojo analogue saturation, two reference-quality headphone amplifiers, a zero-latency line mixer and C.A.S.T. connectivity. It can capture sources with exceptional clarity—or add controlled transformer-style Thump and tube-style Cream character before recording.
The Cranborne Audio Camden EC2 combines two high-performance Camden preamps, two analogue saturation circuits and a flexible headphone-monitoring section in a compact 1U rackmount unit. It is designed as a complete tracking front end for producers, engineers and studios that need transparent microphone amplification, direct instrument recording, artist cue monitoring and optional analogue tone shaping without assembling several separate devices.
At its core are two independent transformerless Camden preamps. Their design prioritizes low noise, low distortion, broad bandwidth, high headroom and minimal phase shift. With Mojo disengaged, Camden EC2 operates as a highly linear and transparent two-channel preamp, suitable for capturing vocals, acoustic instruments, piano, strings, percussion, drum overheads and detailed line-level sources without imposing a strong sonic identity. Cranborne specifies THD+N below 0.00025% at 1 kHz, 35 dB gain and +24 dBu output, together with a frequency response extending from below 1 Hz to above 1 MHz at 35 dB gain.
Each channel accepts microphones, line-level signals and high-impedance instruments. The rear XLR microphone inputs support +48 V phantom power for condenser microphones and active DI sources. Front-panel Hi-Z instrument inputs support guitars, basses, piezo pickups and other high-impedance sources directly—without an external DI box. Mic gain extends from 8 dB to 68 dB, line gain from 0 dB to 60 dB and Hi-Z gain from 3 dB to 63 dB, making the EC2 appropriate for everything from high-output condensers to low-output dynamic and ribbon microphones.
Each preamp channel includes a polarity-reverse switch and an 80 Hz high-pass filter with a 12 dB-per-octave slope. These tools help solve recording issues before conversion: use polarity reversal when combining multiple microphones or DI and amp signals, and engage the filter to reduce rumble, stand vibration, air-conditioning noise, proximity buildup or unnecessary sub-bass that could overload later processing.
The key creative feature is Cranborne’s Mojo analogue saturation system. Each channel has its own variable Mojo control, allowing its amount to be set independently or bypassed completely. Thump adds transformer-style saturation and reinforces low-frequency harmonics, making it useful for kick drum, bass, toms, drum machines, guitars and sources that need more punch or apparent weight. Cream produces a tube-style saturation response with a richer harmonic profile and gentle transient softening—particularly useful for vocals, bass, guitars, keys and sources that need density, cohesion or a more vintage-inspired finish.
Camden EC2 is also built for efficient sessions with performers. Its two discrete reference-quality headphone amplifiers are fed by an integrated zero-latency line mixer. The system allows the engineer and artist to blend the direct input signal with an external stereo playback feed, creating a practical cue mix without relying on DAW buffer settings. Separate headphone outputs and controls make it ideal for vocal recording, overdubs, writing rooms and compact control-room setups.
The rear panel provides balanced XLR and impedance-balanced ¼-inch main outputs for each channel, plus dedicated Link outputs for splitting a DI instrument signal to amplifiers, pedals or additional processors. A stereo auxiliary input feeds the headphone-mixer path, while C.A.S.T. connectivity carries four balanced analogue channels over shielded Cat5 cable to compatible Cranborne devices such as the 500R8, 500ADAT and N22/N22H breakout systems. This can substantially simplify remote tracking and headphone cabling in larger rooms.perfectcircuit+2
For studios that want a minimal but professional recording chain, the Camden EC2 effectively combines two premium preamps, two DIs, two saturators, a headphone distribution system and a monitor/cue mixer in a single 1U device. Its defining advantage is choice: record transparently when the source already sounds right, or use Mojo deliberately to create character before the signal reaches the converter.
Key features
Dual-channel Mic/Line/Hi-Z microphone preamplifier
Two independent ultra-clean transformerless Camden preamp circuits
Two variable Mojo analogue saturation circuits
Thump mode for transformer-style weight, punch and low-frequency harmonics
Cream mode for tube-style harmonic density and gentle transient shaping
Mojo processing independently adjustable and bypassable per channel
Microphone gain: 8 dB–68 dB
Line gain: 0 dB–60 dB
Hi-Z gain: 3 dB–63 dB
+48 V phantom power per channel
Polarity reverse per channel
80 Hz high-pass filter per channel, 12 dB per octave
Front-panel Hi-Z instrument inputs
Two reference-quality headphone amplifiers
Integrated zero-latency line mixer for direct-monitor and playback blending
Dedicated stereo auxiliary input for cue playback
Balanced XLR and impedance-balanced ¼-inch main outputs
Dedicated Link outputs for splitting instrument DI signals
C.A.S.T. output: four balanced analogue audio channels over a shielded Cat5 cable
High headroom up to +27.5 dBu output
Ultra-low noise and low distortion
19-inch, 1U rackmount chassis
External universal PSU with locking connector included
Applications
Recording two microphones with transparent, high-gain analogue preamplification
Tracking vocals, acoustic guitar, piano, strings and percussion
Recording dynamic and ribbon microphones with up to 68 dB gain
Direct recording of guitar, bass and high-impedance instruments
Adding transformer-style weight to kick, bass, drums and synths with Thump
Adding tube-style density to vocals, guitars, keys and DI bass with Cream
Creating direct-monitor cue mixes without DAW latency
Providing independent headphones for engineer and artist
Splitting DI signals to amplifiers, pedals or external processing via Link outputs
Connecting remote Cranborne equipment with C.A.S.T.
Building a compact high-end studio front end in a single rack space