Equivalent Input Noise
Equivalent Input Noise or EIN, measures the noise that the preamp adds onto an input signal. The lower
the EIN, the greater the signal-to-noise ratio and the more processing you can apply in your DAW without
fear of preamp noise masking an intricate performance.
EIN can be measured in different ways. We prefer using an “unweighted” measurement with a 150 ohm
load because this measurement is the most indicative of the performance achieved with a microphone,
instrument, or line input (a load). Other manufacturers may represent an EIN value such as “inputs
common”, “inputs shorted” or “A-weighting” on their EIN figures - these measurement techniques will
achieve lower numbers but will be less revealing as to what the noise performance will actually be with an
input connected.
Camden 500 has an EIN of -129.5dB unweighted with a 150 ohm load. If we use other measurement
techniques such as “inputs common”or “A-weighting” - Camden’s EIN performance is <-135.5dB, and
<-131dB respectively. The result is an ultra low-noise front-end that you would only find on the most elite
and expensive mic preamps.
Additionally, an important aspect to consider when evaluating EIN and noise performance of preamps is
that most manufacturers only site the EIN at one particular gain setting - usually where the performance is
best. But the EIN can change dramatically at different gain settings of a preamp. But not so for the
Camden - the Camden achieves the same EIN performance at all gain positions.
Note
Camden 500 User Manual [WIP]
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©2018 Cranborne Audio Ltd
