Microphone Preamps
Audient EVO SP8 8-Channel Smart Preamp with A-D/D-A
- For Studios and Live/Mobile Setups
- 8 Mic/Line Preamps, 2 with Hi-Z Inputs
- 8 TRS Line Outputs, Dual ADAT I/O
- 32-Bit / 96 kHz AD/DA Converters
Cranborne Audio Camden EC1 Microphone Preamp, Processor, and Headphone Amplifier
- For Musicians, VO Artists & Podcasters
- Variable Mojo Analog Saturation Cricuits
- Discrete Mic / Line / Hi-Z Camden Preamp
- Extremely Low Noise and Distortion
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
Rolls MP13 Mini-Mic Preamp
- Single-Channel Design
- 3.5mm and XLR Inputs
- 1/4" and XLR Outputs
- Single Gain Control with Clip Indicator
PreSonus TubePre v2 - Tube Preamplifier/DI Box
- Single Channel
- Preamp and DI
- Solid State Preamp
- 12AX7 Vacuum Tube Stage
ART USB Dual Pre USB 1.1 Digital Audio Interface with Dual Microphone Preamps
- 2 Input/2 Output
- Phantom Power
- 3 Powering Options
- Mac OS & Windows Compatible
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 Single Channel Tube Microphone Preamp with V3 Preset Technology and Output Protection Limiter
ART PRO MPA II - Microphone Preamplifier
- 2-Channel
- Instrument Input
- Phantom Power
- Variable Impedance
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
Other Buying Options
Fredenstein Artistic MicPre SE 500-Series Microphone Preamp
- Fully Discrete Gain Stage and DI Input
- Gain Control from 20 to 65 dB
- -20 dB Pad for Hot Signals
- High-Impedance 1/4" Instrument Input
ART Tube MP Preamplifier
- Single-Channel Tube-Based
- Hand-Selected 12AX7A Vacuum Tube
- Variable Input & Output Gain Control
- Ideal as a Tube DI Box
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
PreSonus BlueTube DP v2 - Mic/Instrument Tube Preamp
- 2-Channel
- Preamp and DI
- Solid State Preamp
- 12AX7 Vacuum-Tube Stage
Golden Age Project PRE-73 Jr MKII Vintage-Style Microphone Preamplifier
- Selectable 20 to 70 dB of Gain
- Discrete Signal Path
- Selectable HF AIR Boost at 30 kHz
- Selectable 40 or 170 Hz HPF
ART TPS II - 2 Channel Tube Microphone Preamplifier with V3 Valve Voicing and Variable Impedance
Golden Age Project PRE-73 DLX 73-Style Mic Preamp
- Mic, Instrument, and Line Inputs
- Up to 80 dB of Input Gain on Mic Path
- Warm, Sweet, Punchy Tone
- HPF and Switchable Load Impedance
- This item is noncancelable and nonreturnable.
Golden Age Project Pre-73 Premier Single-Channel Microphone Preamplifier
- Mic, Instrument & Line Inputs
- Up to 80 dB of 1073-Style Gain
- Output Level Control and -14 dB Pad
- Selectable High-Pass Filter
- This item is noncancelable and nonreturnable.
Focusrite Scarlett OctoPre Rackmount 8-Channel Microphone Preamp
- For Studios and Live/Mobile Setups
- 8 Mic/Line Preamps, 2 with Hi-Z Switches
- Outputs: 8 Balanced 1/4" Line, Dual ADAT
- 24-Bit / 192 kHz AD Converters
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
Grace Design REX Microphone Preamplifier Pedal
- For Performing and Recording Musicians
- XLR Microphone Preamp
- Rugged Floorboard-Style Pedal Chassis
- High and Low Shelving EQ
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
Warm Audio WA73-EQ Single-Channel Microphone Preamplifier and Equalizer
- Mic, Line, and Instrument Inputs
- Insert Send and Return
- Balanced XLR and 1/4" Outputs
- Up to 80 dB of Gain
CEntrance SoapBox Mobile Dynamics Processor
- Portable Preamp/Compressor/Gate/De-Esser
- Analog VCA-Based Compressor
- Adjustable De-Ess Frequency: 5 to 8 kHz
- Combo XLR/1/4" Input, XLR Output
Solid State Logic PURE DRIVE QUAD 4-Channel Preamplifier
- 4 SuperAnalog PureDrive Mic Preamps
- Up to 192 kHz / 32-Bit Conversion
- Up to +65 dB of Stepped Gain Control
- 31-Step Trim Control
AEA Ribbon Mics RPQ3 2-Channel Microphone Preamp with EQ
- Balanced XLR Mic Inputs
- Up to 85 dB of Clean JFET Gain
- 2-Band Parametric CurveShaper EQ
- Output Level Control
Grace Design m108 8-Channel Remote-Controlled Mic Preamplifier / ADC
- 8-Channel Preamp & ADC
- Mic & Hi-Z Inputs
- Gain Range of -8 to 74 dB
- Transformerless Preamp Design
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.