Camden EC1
Whereas in earlier times every studio had a large analog mixing console with inputs in the high double digits, in the space-saving desktop studio a microphone input and a few line inputs are usually sufficient. That‘s why people often rely on simple audio interfaces, but the microphone preamps, in particular, usually sound unspectacular. They usually lack the distinctive sound, that certain mojo, that the old analog consoles had to offer.
This is where the Camden EC1 comes into play. The compact preamp also fits into a small bedroom studio and comes with both microphone and instrument inputs. It complements exactly the two areas where compact budget audio interfaces are often weak. In addition, there is a small mixer section, which is useful if the few inputs of your existing sound card are not enough. The headphone amplifier also has much more power than the typical audio interface; in particular, interfaces supplied with power via USB are usually rather weak in this respect. The whole thing is packed in a robust case with solidly mounted jacks.
In the practical test, the preamp distinguishes itself through high transparency, detail and neutrality; the recordings with microphone or instrument sound audibly classier than with the built-in preamps of common budget audio interfaces. But that‘s not all, because the Camden EC1 can also activate the above-described character via toggle switch and by adjusting the intensity - appropriately named „MOJO“! This simulates tube saturation, either with a softer character („Cream“) or more powerful for transient instruments like bass and kick or more aggressive vocals („Thump“). The circuit swallows a little treble, but gives the input signal an unmistakable character of its own: a certain mojo, adjustable from subtle to heavy, from tape to tube saturation.
Verdict
Camden EC1 enhances every desktop and bedroom studio with a compact, excellent sounding preamp and compensates for the typical weaknesses of common budget audio interfaces such as weak preamps and headphone amps, as well as a lack of character in the sound. Of course, you have to like the special coloring by the Mojo section personally, which is why a prior testing is recommended before buying. But even without this additional function, the preamp impresses with good features and transparent, detailed sound at an affordable price.
Manufacturer: Cranborne Audio Web: cranborne-audio.com Distrib: Mega Audio
Price: 489 Euro