Cranborne Audio Camden EC2 User manual
Congratulations on your purchase of Camden EC2 and thank you for selecting Cranborne
Audio to be a part of your music creation process.
Camden EC2 is an evolution of our multi Award-Winning Camden 500 Preamp technology
developed into a 19”, rackmount format. From the beginning, we promised ourselves that
Camden EC2 would be more than just two Camden 500’s in a box. We set out to analyse,
critique, and improve every last detail of Camden EC2’s preamp design whilst packing it into a
complete recording and playback solution that would add much more functionality to any
studio with advanced, local monitoring and our C.A.S.T. cable management system.
The Camden preamps themselves are capable of being the most delicate and natural preamps
you’ve ever heard but at the turn of a dial, can transform into the fattest, warmest, and most
characterful preamp in your arsenal. To partner the preamps, we added two discrete line
mixers with reference-grade headphone amplifiers that allow you to monitor the local
preamps directly during mic placement or blend live sources with pre-recorded sources
during tracking.
Cranborne Audio, for us, means so much more than metal boxes with components in them.
These are our labours of love that embody and demonstrate our demand for excellence. By
distilling what matters and putting our soul into these tools, we hope to help other people
make magic and express themselves, and in some way, become part of our Cranborne Audio
family.
So welcome to our family. We care for our family. And we care about making your tracks,
albums, scores sound as good as they should.
Camden EC2 Quick Start Guide
Camden EC2 Quick Start Guide 2
Controls and Connectors 3
Package Contents 5
Rack-Ear Orientations 5
Powering Procedures 6
Powering On 6
Powering Off 6
Auto Power 7
Hardware Setup: Audio Interface 8
Hardware Setup: Using C.A.S.T. 9
Safety Information 10
General Safety 10
Installation notes 10
Power Safety 11
CE Certification 11
FCC Certification 11
RoHS Notice 12
Instructions for disposal of WEEE by end users in the European Union 12
Electromagnetic Compatibility 12
Please download the full User Manual from the Camden EC2 product
page on the Cranborne Audio website
www.cranborne-audio.com
Camden EC2 Quick Start Guide -Page 2- ©2020 Cranborne Audio Ltd
Controls and Connectors
[1] Mojo Control: Adjusts the level of Mojo
analogue saturation. Bypasses Mojo and clicks off
when it’s turned fully anti-clockwise.
[10] 48v Status Indicator: Bicolour LED that
displays 48v status.
Off = 48v Off, voltage fully discharged
Amber = 48v voltage charging/discharging
Red = 48v fully charged
[2] Mojo Style Switch: Toggles the Mojo style
between 2 discrete styles: Thump & Cream.
[11] Ch1 Level Control: Adjusts the level of the
Channel 1 preamp into the Aux bus.
[3] Signal Indicator: Bicolour LED that displays
incoming signal level and clip status.
Blue = -20dBu
Green = -12dBu
Amber = +21dBu
Red = +24dBu
[12] Aux In/C.A.S.T. Level Control: Adjusts the
level of the rear Aux Inputs and C.A.S.T. OUT RR
into the Aux bus.
[4] HPF Switch: Engages the 80Hz High Pass
(Low Cut) filter.
-3dB @ 80Hz.
(Switch Down = ON)
[13] Ch2 Level Control: Adjusts the level of the
Channel 2 preamp into the Aux bus.
[5] Polarity Switch: Inverts the polarity of the
input signal by 180°.
(Switch Down = ON)
[14] Aux Headphone Level: Adjusts the main
level of the Aux bus to the Aux Headphones
output.
[6] Gain Control: 12 position switched pot. Adjusts
the input sensitivity of the preamp from 8 to
68.5dB in 5.5dB increments.
[15] Stereo Pan Switch: Sets the Pan position of
Ch 1 and Ch 2 to the Left and Right sides of the
Aux headphone output for monitoring stereo
signals.
(Switch Down = ON)
[7] Input Type Switch: 3-way switch. Adjusts the
input Impedance and pad status of the preamp
Input to match the desired input type; hi-z, line,
or mic.
[16] Aux Headphone Output: Used for
connecting headphones to the Aux bus.
[8] 48v Switch: Engages 48v phantom power for
the rear XLR input connector.
(Switch Down = ON)
[17] Power Switch: Safely powers on and off
Camden EC2. Tap to power on, press and hold to
power off.
[9] Hi-Z/Line Input: Used to connect line or hi-z
instruments directly into the preamp’s front
panel. Hi-z/Line input interrupts rear XLR or
C.A.S.T. input connections.
Camden EC2 Quick Start Guide -Page 3- ©2020 Cranborne Audio Ltd
[1] C.A.S.T. Input: Enables I/O relocation and
expansion via Cranborne Audio C.A.S.T. enabled
breakout boxes.
[7] Preamp Output (+24dBu): Sends balanced,
line-level outputs of each Preamp for connection
to external converters and equipment.
[2] Source Switch: Toggles the input source of each
preamp between C.A.S.T. Input and XLR.
(Switch Down = C.A.S.T. ON)
[8] Aux Input: Connects analogue playback
sources from external audio interfaces directly
into Camden EC2’s monitoring paths. Inputs are
summed with the C.A.S.T. OUT RR Paths.
[3] Preamp Input: Connects balanced XLR analogue
inputs into each Preamp. Input sensitivity varies
depending on the Input Type Switch on the front of
the preamp.
[9] C.A.S.T. Output: Enables Camden EC2 Preamp
signals to be sent directly to the C.A.S.T. Inputs on
another Cranborne Audio device. C.A.S.T. Out also
receives the Aux Mix (inc Talkback) from the
connected 500ADAT/500R8 for monitoring on
Camden EC2’s Aux mixers.
[4] Link Output: Outputs an unaffected, buffered
output to connect downstream equipment such as
guitar amplifiers in parallel to Camden EC2’s Hi-Z and
Line inputs.
[10] Grounding Post: Enables direct binding to
chassis ground to help eliminate ground loops in
specific setups.
[5] Preamp Output (+18dBu): Sends balanced,
line-level outputs of each Preamp for connection to
external converters and equipment.
[11] Power: Provides Camden EC2 with power via
the provided external 24v 1A DC power supply. No
other power supply should be used.
[6] Ground Lift: Lifts the ground of the preamp’s XLR
output to remove ground hum in applicable setups.
(Switch Down = Ground Lift ON)
Camden EC2 Quick Start Guide -Page 4- ©2020 Cranborne Audio Ltd
Package Contents
So now your Camden EC2 is out of it’s packaging, you’re probably itching to get it powered on
and making music! But before you get started, please read the sections below that will help
guide you through the process of getting Camden EC2 setup, plugged in, and ready-to-record
as quickly as possible!
The following items can be found in the packaging alongside Camden EC2:
- External power adapter
- IEC cable
- Allen key (2mm)
- Quickstart Guide
Rack-Ear Orientations
There’s more to Camden EC2’s rack ears than meets the eye. Camden EC2’s rack ears can be
repositioned in 2 ways to suit particular applications and offer greater protection during
transport.
Standard (Default) - Standard rack ear configuration where the rack ears are mounted
flush to the front panel of Camden EC2.
Recessed - Protective rack ear configuration where the rack ears are brought forward
allowing Camden EC2 to sit backwards into the rack to protect front panel controls
during travelling and location recording.
Depending on your desired use case, you will need to remove the 3 screws securing each rack
ear using the supplied 2mm allen key, realign the rack ears with the correct set of holes, and fix
them firmly back into place.
Camden EC2 Quick Start Guide -Page 5- ©2020 Cranborne Audio Ltd
Powering Procedures
Powering On
First, make sure your speakers/audio interface is
switched off and any headphones are disconnected.
Briefly tap the power button located on the top right of
Camden EC2’s front panel. The power icon will illuminate
blue and you will see the Signal and 48v Indicator LED
light up in sequence.
Powering Off
First, make sure your speakers are switched off and any
headphones are disconnected. Press and hold the
power button for approximately 3 seconds. The power
icon will deluminate and you will hear the soft ‘clicking’
of the relays indicating that the unit has been powered
off.
Note:
Please follow these safe powering sequences carefully in order to prevent any
unwanted pops and spikes causing damage to downstream audio components
including speakers and headphones.
Camden EC2 Quick Start Guide -Page 6- ©2020 Cranborne Audio Ltd
Auto Power
If Camden EC2 is situated in a rack full of other outboard equipment and preamps, it can be
configured to automatically power on/off when power is switched on from a central location
from inside the rack or a power conditioner when power is detected in its power supply.
To enable Auto Power, you will need to remove Camden EC2’s top panel and move a specific
jumper:
1. Ensure Camden EC2 is powered off and the power connector has been removed. Wait
30 seconds before continuing.
2. Place Camden EC2 on a flat surface and carefully remove the screws fixing the top
panel.
3. Before reaching inside Camden EC2, firmly touch it’s metal chassis to discharge any
built-up static electricity.
4. Locate the ‘Auto Power’ label.
5. Carefully remove the black jumper from the off position and reposition it over both legs
on the to bridge the connection and enable Auto Power On/Off.
6. Re-fix the top panel back onto Camden EC2’s top panel.
Camden EC2 Quick Start Guide -Page 7- ©2020 Cranborne Audio Ltd
Hardware Setup: Audio Interface
This hardware setup diagram will get Camden EC2 connected to your audio interface and
ready for recording:
1) Connect mains power into the external PSU supplied in Camden EC2’s packaging and
connect the Power Connector into Camden EC2’s Power Inlet [11].
2) Connect the line outputs [5] [7] of Camden EC2’s Preamps to two available line inputs
on the Audio Interface. Use either Camden EC2’s balanced ¼” jack or XLR outputs
depending on your audio interface’s connections.
Note:
Ensure that the inputs on the Audio Interface can accept balanced, line level
signals and can be switched to a +4dBu or higher reference level for best
performance.
3) Power On Camden EC2, followed by your Audio Interface and other downstream
equipment.
4) Connect two available line outputs on the Audio Interface to the Aux Input line inputs
jacks on the rear panel of Camden EC2’s.
5) Power On Camden EC2 using a brief tap of the Power button. Then Power On your
Audio Interface.
Now connect mic/line/hi-z sources to either of Camden EC2’s preamp inputs [F9] [R3], apply
Gain and your desired Mojo setting, and now the preamp signal will be sent out from Camden
EC2 and directly into the Audio Interface’s inputs for recording.
Camden EC2 Quick Start Guide -Page 8- ©2020 Cranborne Audio Ltd
Hardware Setup: Using C.A.S.T.
This hardware setup diagram will get Camden EC2 connected within a C.A.S.T. enabled system
alongside a 500R8/500ADAT and N22/N22H breakout box:
1. Connect mains power into the external PSU supplied in Camden EC2’s packaging and
connect the Power Connector into Camden EC2’s Power Inlet [11].
2. Connect Camden EC2’s C.A.S.T. Output [9] to a C.A.S.T. Input on 500R8/500ADAT using a
shielded Cat 5e, Cat 6, or Cat 7 cable.
3. Connect N22 or N22H’s C.A.S.T. Output to Camden EC2’s C.A.S.T. Input [1] using a
shielded Cat 5e, Cat 6, or Cat 7 cable.
4. Power On Camden EC2, followed by 500R8/500ADAT and other downstream
equipment.
5. On Camden EC2, set the rear panel source switches for Preamp channels [2] into its
down position to enable the C.A.S.T. Input connection to be fed into it’s preamp
Now, connect Mic/Line sources to either of N22’s inputs, apply Gain and your desired Mojo
setting on Camden EC2, and now the preamp signal will be sent out from Camden EC2 and
directly into 500R8’s slots ready for further processing and recording.
At the same time, the Aux Mix created on 500R8/500ADAT is sent down C.A.S.T., into Camden
EC2 and into the connected N22/N22H. The Aux mix can also be monitored using Camden
EC2’s Aux 1/Aux 2 Headphone outputs as well as the connected N22/N22H.
Camden EC2 Quick Start Guide -Page 9- ©2020 Cranborne Audio Ltd
Safety Information
General Safety
- Read these instructions carefully
- Keep these instructions
- Heed all warnings
- Follow all instructions
- Do not use this apparatus near water
- Clean only with a dry cloth
- Do not block any ventilation openings and install in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.
- Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
- Do not defeat the safety purpose or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two
blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades with a third
grounding prong. The wide blade or the 3rd prong are provided for your safety. If the
provided plug does not fit your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet.
- Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
- Only use attachments/accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
- Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
- Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the
apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is
damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the
apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been
dropped.
- Do NOT modify this unit, altercations may affect performance, safety and/or
international compliance standards.
- Cranborne Audio does not accept liability for damage caused by maintenance, repair or
modification by unauthorized personnel.
Installation notes
- When installing the apparatus either fit it into a standard 19” rack or place it on a secure
level surface.
- If the unit is rack mounted, fit all rack screws.
- When rack mounting, allow a 1U gap above and below the unit for cooling.
- Ensure that no strain is placed on any cables connected to this apparatus. Ensure that
all such cables are not placed where they can be stepped on, pulled, or tripped over.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this
apparatus to rain or moisture.
ATTENTION: Afin de réduire les risques de choc électrique, ne pas exposer
cet appareil à l’humidité ou à la pluie.
Camden EC2 Quick Start Guide -Page 10- ©2020 Cranborne Audio Ltd
Power Safety
- The unit is supplied with an external power supply and suitable mains lead. Only use the
supplied external power supply, however if you decide to use a mains lead of your
choice, bear in mind the following:
- Refer to the rating label of the unit and always use a suitable mains cords.
- The unit should ALWAYS be earthed with the earth on the IEC socket.
- Please use compliant 60320 C13 TYPE SOCKET. When connecting to supply
outlets ensure that appropriate sized conductors and plugs are used to suit local
electrical requirements.
- Maximum cord length should be 4.5m (15’)
- The cord should bear the approval mark of the country it is to be used.
- Connect only to an AC power source that contains a protective earthing (PE) conductor.
- Only connect unit to single phase supplies with the neutral conductor at earth potential.
GB The apparatus shall be connected to mains socket outlets with a protective earthing
connection.
DEN Apparatets stikprop skal tilsluttes en stikkontakt med jord, som giver forbindelse til
stikproppens jord.
FIN Laite on lilettävä sojamaadoituskoskettimilla varustettuun pistorasiaan.
NOR Apparatet må tilkoples jordet stikkontakt.
SWE Apparaten skall anslutas till jordat uttag.
ATTENTION: Un-earthed metal parts may be present inside the enclosure. No
user serviceable parts inside - to be serviced only by qualified personnel.
When servicing, disconnect all power sources before removing any panels.
CE Certification
This unit is CE compliant. Note that any cables supplied with Cranborne Audio
equipment may be fitted with ferrite rings at each end. This is to comply with the
current regulations and these ferrites should not be removed.
FCC Certification
- Do not modify this unit! This product, when installed as indicated in the instructions
contained in the installation manual, meets FCC requirements.
- Important: this product satisfies FCC regulations when high quality shielded cables are
used to connect with other equipment. Failure to use high quality shielded cables or to
follow the installation instructions may cause magnetic interference appliances such as
radios televisions and will void your FCC authorisation to use this product in the USA.
- This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to part 15 of FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction
manual may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this
equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the
user will be required to correct the interference at their own expense.
Camden EC2 Quick Start Guide -Page 11- ©2020 Cranborne Audio Ltd
RoHS Notice
Cranborne Audio complies with and this product conforms to European Union’s directive
2011/165/EU on Restrictions of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) as well as the following sections of
California law which refer to RoHS, namely sections 25214.10, 25214.10.2, and 58012, Health and
Safety Code Section 42475.2, Public Resources Code.
Instructions for disposal of WEEE by end users in the European Union
The symbol shown here, which is on the product or on its packaging indicates
that this product must not be disposed of with other waste. It is the user’s
responsibility to dispose of their waste equipment by handing it over to a
designated collection point for recycling waste electrical equipment and
electronic equipment. For more information about where you can drop off your
waste equipment for recycling, please contact your local city office, your
household waste disposal service or where you purchased the product.
WARNING: cancer and reproductive harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
Evaluation of apparatus based on altitude not exceeding 2000m. There may be
some potential safety hazard if the apparatus is operated at altitude exceeding
2000m.
Evaluation of apparatus based on the temperate climate conditions only. There
may be some potential safety hazard if the apparatus is operated in tropical
climate conditions.
Electromagnetic Compatibility
EN 55032:2015, Class B, EN 55016-2-1:2009 A1 2011. EN 55016-2-3:2010 A1 2010, EN 55035:2017, EN
61000-4-2:2009, EN 61000-4-3:2006 A1 2008 A2 2010, EN 61000-4-4:2012, EN 61000-4-5:2014 A1
2017, EN 61000-4-6:2014, EN 6100-4-11:2004 A1 2017, EN 61000-3-2:2014, EN 61000-3-2:2013, FCC
Part 15B Class B, ANSI C63.4:2014, ICES-003 Issue 6: Class B
Audio input and output ports are screened cable ports and any connections to them should be
made using braid-screened cable and metal conductor shells in order to provide a low
impedance connection between the cable screen and the equipment.
WARNING: Operation of this equipment in a residential environment could cause radio
interference.
Environmental
- Operating Temperature:: +1 to 30 degrees Celsius.
- Storage: -20 to 50 degrees Celsius.
For more information and guidance, please read your devices’ User
Manual or visit the Cranborne Audio website:
www.cranborne-audio.com
Camden EC2 Quick Start Guide -Page 12- ©2020 Cranborne Audio Ltd
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