Produce Great Sounding Vocals, Anywhere!

The Only Modular, Portable  Channel Strip with built-in SD card Recorder and Streaming USB interface

The Only Modular, Portable  Channel Strip with built-in SD card Recorder and Streaming USB interface

Record on the Spot

Have you ever had to record vocals on the spot or live stream from an unfamiliar location? Did you wish you had your studio with you to help you reduce background noise and dial in that perfect vocal sound?

Now You Can Take Your Studio To Go!

Your Secret Weapon is

Studio Processing, To Go!

To make vocals stand out,

Pros use tools like EQ, Compressor, Gate, & De-Esser.

But studio gear doesn't travel... Or does it?

The English Channel is the only premium studio kit that fits in a laptop bag, so you can sound great anywhere!

What is the English Channel?

The English Channel  is a set of three, premium-quality Signal Processing Devices, designed to help you sound your best, anywhere. Quickly shape your vocal sound making it ready for live streaming or recording.

The English Channel includes SoapBox™, a Studio Mic Pre, Gate, Compressor and De-Esser, and BlackCab™, a Parametric EQ with Sonic Enhancer. Rounding out the channel strip is PortCaster™ R4S, a Streaming USB-C Audio Interface with an SD Card Recorder. These tools use proven technology found in British recording consoles, hence the name. A full complement of vintage, tone-shaping goodness, The English Channel features sweet, warm-sounding "old-school analog processing". This means immediate adjustments and instant monitoring over headphones. No menus, no wasted time. Reach for the control and make the adjustment without taking your eyes off the action.

Dynamics Processor

✔ 70dB of Clean Gain

✔ 48V Phantom Power

✔ Hi-Z Instrument Input

✔ Low-Cut Filter

✔ Variable Gate, Compressor

✔ Adjustable De-Esser

✔ Dimmable LED Meter

✔ Daisy-chain for Stereo

✔ Dry/Wet Control

✔ USB-C power pass-through

Use any condenser or dynamic mic.

Remove background noise. Level out the peaks. 

Parametric EQ

✔ 9db/Oct. Low Cut filter

✔ 3-band Parametric EQ

✔ Variable Q Design

✔ Variable Frequency

✔ Spectral Enhancer

✔ Input/Output LED Meter

✔ Dry/Wet Comparison

✔ Output Mic/Line Pad

✔ 3.5 mm Line output

✔ USB power through

Add confidence and body to your sound. Correct for mic placement and technique. 

Streaming Interface

✔ 2 extra mic preamps

✔ Phone patch/Mix Minus

✔ Dual optical limiters

✔ Stereo Aux Input

✔ Instagram Mono blend

✔ ​Zero Latency monitor

✔ 24-bit/192 kHz USB

✔ One-touch SD recorder

✔ Daisy-chain for Stereo

✔ USB-C power (no battery)

Stream live while recording a backup copy to SD card. Or record to the computer / phone / tablet.

Watch our CEO demo the English Channel at a trade show

How is This Different?...

You get premium audio quality, found in the best rack-mount and 500 Series modules, but at a lower price and with higher degree of portability. A premium channel strip can retail for $3,000 to $5,000. The English Channel offers the same boutique sound quality, but at a much more affordable price. Compared to the traditional 19" rack-mountable gear, The English Channel solves several important issues:

  • This product is designed for travel use, so you can pack light
  • Powering on the go is easy — USB power is available everywhere
  • Work while you travel. Record in a hotel room or even in a parked car!

Desktop Enclosure

While you can use these tools separately, they are designed to work together. All three units fit in a stylish Commander Console (several colors available) and are secured with camera-style screws. Each unit is powered from USB-C and can daisy-chain power to others. This gives you ultimate convenience, whether you record in the field or in your home studio. All you need is a wall charger or a power bank. We supply the cables. You supply the talent.

We use pristine analog components and time-proven methods for Optical Compression and VCA technology. Your sound will improve, no matter where you record. We guarantee it. Classic analog gear stands the test of time and does not go obsolete, like digital. You will likely still use these tools many years from now. 

SoapBox

The microphone preamp is where your sound starts. So it makes sense to start with the best option. SoapBox uses our acclaimed Jasmine Mic preamp technology and accommodates all microphones. No need for cloud lifters. Relax with some English Tea with Biscuit. The included dynamics processor lets you compensate for background noise, imperfect location, environment and mic technique.

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SoapBox

The microphone preamp is where your sound starts. So it makes sense to start with the best option. SoapBox uses our acclaimed Jasmine Mic preamp technology and accommodates all microphones. No need for cloud lifters. Relax with some English Tea with Biscuit. The included dynamics processor lets you compensate for background noise, imperfect location, environment and mic technique.

BlackCab

No boutique channel strip is complete without the Parametric EQ. Our version is musical and mild, letting you make fine adjustments without overpowering your sound. But we didn't stop there. We gave you a low-cut filter to reduce low frequency rumble. We also gave you a shelving spectral enhancer. In UK, they refer to it as "air" or sheen". Our EQ is called BlackCab, just like the taxis in London. Stay on the move.

BlackCab

No boutique channel strip is complete without the Parametric EQ. Our version is musical and mild, letting you make fine adjustments without overpowering your sound. But we didn't stop there. We gave you a low-cut filter to reduce low frequency rumble. We also gave you a shelving spectral enhancer. In UK, they refer to it as "air" or sheen". Our EQ is called BlackCab, just like the taxis in London. Stay on the move.

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PortCaster

Once you are done shaping your sound, you have three options: Record, Stream, or both at once. PortCaster is great for podcasting. It has two additional mic preamps, letting you connect a total of three mics. Now you can host a podcast with two guests. Or connect a smart phone with a TRRS cable and patch in a caller. You can stream live or record to a laptop. You can also record to the built-in SD card, for safety or convenience. Your call. Our one-touch recorder makes it super quick and easy. 

 

English Channel Includes a special version of our acclaimed PortCaster Audio Interface. The PortCaster R4S used here removes the battery and assumes USB power. This is simpler and more straightforward. Other than having no battery, R4S equivalent to the "standard" PortCaster R4D.

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PortCaster

Once you are done shaping your sound, you have three options: Record, Stream, or both at once. PortCaster is great for podcasting. It has two additional mic preamps, letting you connect a total of three mics. Now you can host a podcast with two guests. Or connect a smart phone with a TRRS cable and patch in a caller. You can stream live or record to a laptop. You can also record to the built-in SD card, for safety or convenience. Your call. Our one-touch recorder makes it super quick and easy.

 

English Channel Includes a special version of our acclaimed PortCaster Audio Interface. The PortCaster R4S used here removes the battery and assumes USB power. This is simpler and more straightforward. Other than having no battery, R4S equivalent to the "standard" PortCaster R4D.

Satisfaction Guarantee

We stand by the quality of our products. Every CEntrance product is built in USA and is backed by our 30-day satisfaction guarantee. You will be happy with your purchase or we will refund your money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How quickly can you be up and running?

A: It literally takes seconds to adjust your sound. With analog technology, there are no menus, no reboots and no squinting. You will immediately produce more polished content that sounds great and is quick to make, saving time in post-processing and earning you much respect from your audience.

 

Q: How large is this product?

A: Each unit fits inside a pocket. All three easily fit in your laptop bag, so we are talking carry-on luggage. Should you choose to use them in your studio or vocal booth, their small footprint will save valuable desk space.

 

Q: I may not need the EQ. Can I just use the Compressor?

A: We designed the channel as three separate pieces to give you ultimate flexibility. They can work together, or standalone. Pack only what you need. And if you use all three, they are daisy-chained on power and signal, which means less hassle with power supplies and cables. This guarantees an easier workflow.

 

Q: Will I need batteries?

A: These products don't contain batteries. We recommend using a USB power bank or a USB charger. It will power all three products, connected in a daisy-chain fashion. This approach saves a ton of headaches: 1) No need to charge anything before the trip. Most people already pack a power bank to charge their phones and tablets on the road. 2) No need to worry about replacing batteries — your gear will outlive the lifespan of any battery. 3) No need to worry about shipping dangerous goods (you never know with the airlines).

 

Q: Is this product difficult to operate?

A: It's easy. There are no screens or menus. Instead, we give you the simplest, user-friendly, tactile control surface. You can operate all three units without looking, which makes sense, as you need to be focused on your work and not on your gear.

 

Q: I'm new to Compression. Can I get some training?

A: We have planned a series of helpful videos to get you up to speed. Our "CEntrance Audio Minute" video series is quick, humorous and informative.

 

Q: How can I mount these together?

A: The English Channel ships with a convenient desktop enclosure called the Commander Console. The units click into place in the console. For extra security, we include 3 photo style screws, which help secure the units in the console during travel.

 

Q: I'm concerned about the cost

A: These devices are designed to deliver premium sound quality based on time-proven warm analog technology. This technology is found in the best rack-mount and 500 Series modules, retailing for $3000 to $5000. The English Channel is a fraction of that price and offers unique travel benefits. You will sound so good, the gear will pay for itself in one gig. You can thank us later.

 

Q: What is different about this compared to rack-mount equipment?

A: Rack-mount equipment belongs in a heavy rack. The English Channel is lightweight and ultimately more flexible. It can either live in the studio or travel with you, making it easy to produce professional demos, live streams and recordings, anywhere you are.

 

Q: Shouldn't you add the effects in post-processing?

A: "Yes", if you have plenty of free time. "No", if you are a busy content creator or a live streamer, who must get it right the first time. The English Channel is easy to use and will save you time and frustration. The first advantage is managing levels. The pros will tell you that once you start using a limiter before the A/D converter you will never have a bad take. Too many takes are ruined when you "fry the levels".  The second advantage is speed. The better you know your voice, the easier it becomes to apply just the right amount of processing before digital. And if you prefer, you can also use these signal processors "in post", since their inputs take line levels.

 

Q: I've never heard of your company

A: Oops... Sounds like we need to work on that! Over the last 20+ years we have developed a passionate following in broadcast and pro audio communities. Our customers say that our products offer Hope and Confidence. What they mean is we take care of sound quality, so you can focus on the job at hand. We don't take this feedback lightly. We earned this reputation while developing uncompromising audio products for working professionals — VO artists, Radio Journalists, Musicians and Producers. With CEntrance, you are in good hands. As musicians and audio engineers ourselves, we have tough standards for our gear and that leads to our satisfaction guarantee: You will be delighted or your money back.

- Made in USA -

Free Domestic Shipping

Industry Pros Using CEntrance Gear

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"Light and easy to travel with. Electronics that does not compromise on clarity of sound."

Bluey - Composer, Producer, Guitarist, Incognito

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"I'm loving the MixerFace for bass. It's become my go-to for practicing and recording!"

Will Lee - Studio Bassist, David Letterman Band

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"CEntrance MixerFace sounds great and so easy to bring on the road!"

Chris Wood - Bassist, Medeski, Martin and Wood

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"Why haven't they come up with this sooner?"

 

Michael League - Composer, Bandleader, Snarky Puppy

Voice Artist Testimonials

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"I use the CEntrance MicPort Pro as my audio interface when I travel."

Jeff Berlin (Leading Voice Artist)

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"CEntrance makes the Rolls Royce of audio interfaces - beautifully built, incomparable performance."

Harlan Hogan  (Leading Voice Artist, Author)

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"I use CEntrance products, because they offer convenience, quality and portability."

Ahmed Aljonaid (Voice Artist, Arabic, English, Japanese)

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"I use my CEntrance Interface while traveling and the recordings on my iPhone are fantastic!"

Joe Cipriano (Leading Voice Artist)

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You will be delighted.  Guaranteed.

 

- Michael Goodman, Founder and CEO

ABOUT US

For professionals who value quality and convenience, we provide premium, compact audio gear, to help you make great recordings that move your audience. We innovate, so our products delight you with ease-of-use and exceptional sound quality. We are strict about quality control and fanatical about customer service. We make everything in Chicago.

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Sounds Better | Easy to Use | Built to Last

(C) 2021-2023 CEntrance LLC. CEntrance, MicPort Pro, MixerFace, PortCaster and others are trademarks or registered trademarks of CEntrance LLC in US and/or other countries. All rights reserved. For more information, visit centrance.com