Cranborne Audio Camden 500 Series Microphone Preamp

Cranborne Audio Camden 500 Series Microphone Preamp Delivers the Best of Both Worlds

Cranborne Audio Camden 500 Series Microphone Preamp is 500 Series Mic/Line/Instrument Preamp with 3way Input Impedance, Coloration, Highpass Filter. The Cranborne Audio Camden 500 is a mic, line, and instrument preamplifier with truly impressive low-noise and low-distortion performance as well as frequency and phase linearity at all gain settings. The net result is a stunningly clean, pristine, and natural-sounding 500 Series preamp module that delivers every source as a neutral canvas you can paint with your choice of analog and digital processing. But when you want vintage British tonal character, that’s where Cranborne’s Mojo circuit comes in.

Clean, Precise, and Natural

Camden 500 provides the utmost clarity and detail when it is most required. Its custom ‘Camden’ topology achieves stunning low-noise and low-distortion performance: -129.8dB EIN (150ohm, unweighted) and THD+N as low as 0.0002%.  It also sets a new standard for frequency and phase linearity: ±0.7dB frequency response from 5Hz to 200kHz at max gain and <2° phase shift @ 50Hz – 20kHz. The sum result is the most natural sounding preamp you’ve ever heard.

Vintage, Warm, and Coloured

Camden 500 features “Mojo” – a custom analogue saturation circuit that transforms Camden 500 into the fattest, warmest, most colourful mic preamp in your arsenal. Designed to introduce harmonics and saturation effects that our favourite vintage gear produces, Mojo can be subtle, it can be exaggerated, but best of all it can be bypassed…

Camden 500’s Transformerless Design

So why don’t we use transformers in the Camden 500? Well if we look at the two reasons why you’d want transformers – 1) common-mode rejection and 2) colouration/saturation – we find that Camden 500’s transformerless design provides more flexibility and performance in both areas.

1) Common-mode rejection

Thanks to the Camden 500’s unique topology – the Camden 500 achieves similar rejection ratios to most transformers with high-frequency rejection that surpasses most thanks to the careful discrete design and biasing of our analogue stages.

2) Saturation/Colouration

Without the need for a transformer to achieve sufficient isolation – the Camden 500 can produce a more transparent, linear sound than is possible with most transformers. Transformers have “a sound” which may be to taste or may not be. But Camden 500 provides frequency- and phase- linear sound capture – the perfect neutral canvas for further processing. And that further processing is built-into the Camden with it’s Mojo analogue saturation circuit.

For audio professionals and enthusiasts striving for impeccable sound quality, the Cranborne Audio Camden 500 Series Microphone Preamp offers an exceptional solution that elevates recording clarity and precision. In environments where capturing every nuance of a vocal or instrument is crucial, this preamp delivers the transparency and low noise performance that make a tangible difference in the final mix. Whether you are tracking vocals, guitars, or complex acoustic instruments, the Camden preamp ensures your recordings start with the purest, most detailed signal possible.

One of the key challenges in professional audio recording is noise and distortion, which can obscure the subtle characteristics of a sound source. The Cranborne Camden addresses this with an outstanding Equivalent Input Noise (EIN) of less than -129.5 dBu with a 150-ohm source, and an even lower -135.5 dBu with common inputs. What this means for you is the ability to capture extremely quiet signals without introducing hiss or unwanted background noise, allowing for pristine audio even at high gain settings. The preamp’s incredibly low Total Harmonic Distortion plus Noise (THD+N) of less than 0.0004% at 1 kHz and 35 dB gain ensures that the sound remains clean and uncolored, preserving the natural tone of your microphone and source.

Beyond noise and distortion, tonal accuracy is critical in professional recording. The Camden preamp boasts a frequency response of ±1 dB from below 5 Hz to well beyond 200 kHz, covering the entire audible spectrum and then some. This broad frequency response guarantees that no detail is lost, capturing everything from the lowest bass fundamentals to the highest harmonics. Additionally, phase shift, which can affect stereo imaging and clarity, is kept under 2.25 degrees at 40 dB gain across the full 20 Hz to 20 kHz range, and under 4 degrees at maximum gain. This minimal phase distortion ensures the integrity of your sound remains intact, which is particularly important in multi-mic setups or when layering tracks.

The preamp also features an excellent Common Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR) of over 70 dB, typically exceeding 85 dB at 35 dB gain for frequencies between 10 and 20 kHz. This means the Camden is highly effective at rejecting noise and interference common to both inputs, such as electromagnetic hum or radio frequency interference. For users, this translates into a cleaner signal free from distracting noise, even in electrically noisy recording environments.

Physically designed as a 500 Series module, the Camden preamp integrates seamlessly into any standard 500 Series rack system, offering flexibility and modularity in your studio setup. Its compact form factor saves space while maintaining high performance, making it ideal for both professional studios and mobile recording rigs. Priced at ₹37,960, the Camden presents excellent value for a premium-quality preamp that can significantly enhance your recording workflow.

Use cases for the Cranborne Camden are broad and varied. It is perfectly suited for tracking vocals, acoustic instruments, and electric guitars, where capturing the true tonal character is essential. Its low noise and distortion levels make it a great choice for classical music recordings or any situation demanding the highest fidelity. Moreover, its robust design and precise engineering mean it can handle demanding professional sessions without compromise.

In summary, the Cranborne Audio Camden 500 Series Microphone Preamp offers an exceptional combination of ultra-low noise, precise frequency response, minimal distortion, and superior interference rejection. These features collectively ensure your recordings capture the most accurate and detailed sound possible. Whether you are a seasoned engineer or an aspiring professional, the Camden preamp provides the confidence and quality needed to elevate your productions to the next level. Investing in this module means investing in clarity, transparency, and reliability every time you hit record.