Cranborne Camden EC1

[Ramirez]

Hello there,

 

This doesn't really fit in the 'Effects' category, but neither does it fit in the 'Amps & Cabs' section, but there we go...!

 

This seems to be flying under the radar a bit for bass players etc seeing as it's being marketed more as a studio mic preamp, but it ticks so many boxes that it could well be the perfect solution for a lot of people, especially if you're using IEMs.

 

www.cranborne-audio.com/camdenec1

 

https://www.andertons.co.uk/cranborne-audio-camden-ec1-preamp-signal-processor-headphone-amplifier

 

https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/cranborne-audio-camden-ec1

 

The Cranborne Camden is an exceptional microphone preamp, originally available as a 500-series module (I have four in the studio, they really are wonderful!). It was then made available as the 2-channel rackmount EC2, and more recently as the single channel EC1.

 

I'm expecting delivery of an EC1 this afternoon, because having looked at it, it seems like a great small bass rig.

 

The Camden is in essence a very clean preamp with a DI input, but with variable 'Mojo' circuitry with two different flavours, so it can be a very colourful/characterful DI for bass (the Mojo circuitry really works nicely with bass guitars, and I prefer it to most amps). They've also incorporated a link-through socket like a typical DI box, and there is a very well-specified headphone amp built in for your IEMs, into with which you can feed your bass signal as well as a monitor mix from the desk (mono or stereo) or whatever else you see fit. There are other features that may not be of so much use for a gigging bassist (the CAST connectivity etc).

 

Being a microphone preamp, it should also work very well for double bassists gigging with a DPA microphone or similar. Bear in mind though that it a single-channel unit, so no blend options between pickup/mic etc (the bigger EC2 might be more suited for that)

 

I'm obviously a fan, already being the owner of four of the same preamps in a 500 rack, but the Mojo circuitry can really do something special to a bass - it's probably one of the best sounding and best-specified DI box you can find at any cost. And if you do some recording as well, then you have a world-class mic pre at your disposal too!

Edited November 15, 2022 by Ramirez

[skelf]

Been looking for an excuse to buy something from them for ages. The Euro rack interface is genius as is the ADAT expansion/ euro. Just can’t justify either but so wish I could. 

[Ramirez]

Yes the ADAT 500 rack (not Eurorack!) is very neat, and almost ticks all the boxes for me. It does have a few drawbacks that has kept me from buying one though (namely, you can’t access the AD and DA stages independently like a ‘normal’ ADAT expander - both stages are tied to the 500 slot by design, and, most surprisingly, ADAT is not available as a source for the headphone amps, which is the killer blow for me)

 

Cranborne are really making awesome stuff though. I am surprised the EC1 hasn’t made more impact in bass DI/IEM land as it’s an almost perfect, very elegant solution, especially for double bassists using a mic.

 

Having received the unit though, it is a bit ‘posh’ for laying down on a stage floor!