Microphone Preamps
ART Pro MPA III Multivoice Tube Preamplifier
- Two-Channel Preamp
- Voice Switch: Tube or Solid State
- Character Switch: Enhances Lows & Highs
- Increaser Variable Impedance Range
Rolls DU30b Audio Ducker with Microphone Preamp
- For Small Clubs/Restaurants/Stores
- For Voice Paging over Backgrounds
- Easy to Use
- 2 RCA Inputs for Music
Polsen MP60 Microphone Preamp
- For Recording, Streaming, Performance
- Compact Single-Channel Microphone Preamp
- Provides up to 60 dB of Clean Gain
- 48V Phantom Power Button for Mics
Rolls MP13 Mini-Mic Preamp
- Single-Channel Design
- 3.5mm and XLR Inputs
- 1/4" and XLR Outputs
- Single Gain Control with Clip Indicator
ART RP-1 Preamp for Dynamic & Ribbon Microphones
- For Dynamic & Ribbon Microphones
- Bolsters Performance
- Variable Impedance Control
- Switchable Low-Cut Filter
RDL STM-1 Microphone Preamplifier
- High or Low Impedance Input Mic Preamp
- Fixed 50 dB Gain for Consistency
- Balanced or Unbalanced Output
- +24V Phantom Power
ART Tube MP Studio V3 Microphone Tube Preamplifier
- Tube Preamp for Mics, Instruments, Line
- 12AX7a Tube for 70 dB of Gain, Fat Sound
- OPL: Output Protection Limiting
- V3 Variable Valve Voicing
Behringer ULTRAGAIN ADA8200 High-Quality 8x8 ADAT Audio Interface with Midas Mic Preamps
- 8 Channels of AD and DA Conversion
- 8 Midas-Designed Microphone Preamps
- Cirrus Logic 24-Bit Converters
- 48 and 44.1 kHz Sample Rate
RDL STM-2 Adjustable-Gain Microphone Preamplifier
- Commercial Sound, Broadcast, Recording.
- Mic Input to 2 Line Outputs
- Low-Noise Mic Preamp
- Gain Adjustment: 35 to 65 dB
Grace Design m101 - Microphone Preamp
Rolls MP213 Two-Channel Microphone Preamp
- Two-Channel Design
- 3.5mm and XLR Inputs
- 3.5mm and XLR Outputs
- Dual Gain Controls with Clip Indicators
Heritage Audio Lang 312L 500 Series Microphone Preamp
- New York-Style Mic Pre
- Powerful and Classic American Rock Sound
- Up to 90 dB of Gain
- Ideal for Ribbon and Vintage Mics
Warm Audio WA12 MKII Single-Channel Preamplifier (Black)
- Mic, Instrument, and Line Inputs
- Up to 71 dB of Gain
- Warm-Sounding, Replaceable Opamps
- CineMag USA Transformers
Eventide MixingLink Microphone Preamp with Effects Loop
- Switchable FX Loop
- Latching or Momentary Control
- 3 Modes of FX Mix Control
- 70dB of Gain
Warm Audio TB12 Tone Beast Microphone Preamplifier (Black)
- Mic, Instrument & Line Inputs
- Up to 71 dB of Gain
- Output Gain Attenuator
- Switchable Discrete Op-Amp
Heritage Audio HA 73 Single-Channel Elite Series Microphone Preamplifier
- Occupies 1 RU
- 3-Stage Discrete Class-A Preamp
- Hand-Wound Carnhill Transformers
- Mic, Instrument, and Line Inputs
Golden Age Project PRE-73 DLX PREMIER Single Channel 73-Style Mic Pre
- Mic, Instrument, and Line Inputs
- Up to 80 dB of Input Gain on Mic Path
- Warm, Sweet, Punchy Tone
- Selectable Air Band
TASCAM SERIES 8p Dyna 8-Channel Mic Preamp with Built-In Analog Compressor and Digital I/O
- Mic, Instrument & Line Inputs
- For Recording or Live Use
- 8 x Mic Preamps with Analog Compression
- Selectable +48V Phantom Power
Focusrite ISA One Portable Desktop Microphone Preamp
AEA Ribbon Mics RPQ503 500 Series Ribbon Preamp and EQ
- 85 dB of Clean, Transparent Gain
- Single-Slot 500 Series Module
- Ideal for Passive Ribbon Mics
- Ultra-High 68 Kilohms Input Impedance
Rupert Neve Designs Portico 511 Mic Preamp
- Single Channel
- Red Silk Circuit Adds Texture
- Variable High-Pass Filter
- Trim and Gain Knobs
API AUDIO 512c 500-Series Mic/Line/Instrument Preamp Module
- Up to 65 dB of Clean Gain
- Front- and Back-Panel Mic Inputs
- 45 dB of Gain for Line/Instrument Preamp
- Separate XLR 3-Pin and 1/4" Hi-Z Inputs
Black Lion Audio Auteur Quad2 4-Channel Microphone Preamp
- Mic/Line/DI Preamp for Studios
- American-Style Input, British-Style Out
- US-Made Cinemag Output Transformers
- Four XLR Mic and 1/4" Hi-Z Inputs
Focusrite Clarett+ OctoPre Eight-Channel Preamp with 24-Bit / 192 kHz Conversion and ADAT I/O
- Adds 8 Mic Pres to Existing Interfaces
- Adds 8 Line Outs to Existing Interfaces
- Classic Focusrite Analog Air (ISA 110)
- 24-Bit / 192 kHz AD/DA
API AUDIO 512v 500-Series Mic/Line/Instrument Preamp and DI Module
- Up to 65 dB of Clean Gain
- Variable Output Level Control
- 3:1 Output Transformer Tap Selection
- Front and Back Panel Mic Inputs
WesAudio _PHOEBE NG500/500 Series Class-A Microphone Preamplifier with Digital Recall
- Single-Channel Mic/Line/Hi-Z Preamp
- 500 Series and NG500 Series Compatible
- Class-A Fully Analog, 1073-Style Design
- High Headroom of +28 dBu
Microphone Preamps (XLR Preamplifiers)
Microphone preamps use special circuits to amplify low signal levels up to the standard operating level of your recording equipment. Preamps prepare your microphone signal for processing by various recording devices. Many computer audio interfaces and systems have internalized preamplifier circuits, but you can also use a dedicated external preamp. Microphone signals are usually below nominal operating levels, so mics benefit considerably from the added gain provided by preamps.
Benefits of Using a Microphone Preamp
A dedicated external microphone preamp can boost the sound quality of your recordings considerably. You can add high levels of gain while maintaining crystal clear sound. Preamps can reduce noise levels, helping you achieve a clean, professional sound. Depending on the type of preamp you choose, you can customize the sound of your vocal recording if you need vintage or distorted sound.
Types of Microphone Preamps
Before deciding on your mic preamp take a look at the different types available, to ensure you choose the right one for your needs.
Stereo Tube Preamps
Tube preamps feature glass tubes, and use transformers to help voltage drive your sound. They offer a richer midrange, greater texture, and excellent realism.
Solid-State Preamps
Solid-state preamps use transistors to boost your mic signal to a voltage level that your amps can magnify, offering greater detail and faster sound.
Multichannel Preamps
While single and dual-channel preamps are ideal for recording with one or two mics at a time, multichannel preamps are necessary if you're building a professional studio, as they enable you to record with many mics at the same time.
Using Preamps for Instruments
You can use preamps for a variety of musical instruments. Guitar preamps often take the form of pedals, and can be used to achieve different EQ points and adjust your pre-gain tone. Using a preamp pedal also provides you with consistency if you switch guitars or travel from venue to venue.
If you like to play vinyl records, you can also use a preamp to significantly boost the sound quality of your turntable. Turntable preamps can increase sound levels for a more accurate and detailed representation of your favorite music.
B&H Photo and Video has you covered for microphone preamps and other pro audio equipment.