Microphone Preamps
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 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
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
Behringer ULTRAGAIN MIC300 Desktop Vacuum Tube Preamplifier with Limiter
- Tube Preamp for Mics, Instruments, Line
- 12AX7 Vacuum Tube for Warmth & Low Noise
- Use as DI for Excellent Transparency
- XLR and 1/4" Inputs and Outputs
Rolls MP13 Mini-Mic Preamp
- Single-Channel Design
- 3.5mm and XLR Inputs
- 1/4" and XLR Outputs
- Single Gain Control with Clip Indicator
Behringer VOICE STUDIO Recording Bundle
- Includes C1 Studio Condenser Microphone
- Includes MIC500USB Tube Mic Preamp
- Cardioid Pickup Pattern
- Shockmounted Capsule
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
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
Rupert Neve Designs RMP-D8 8-Channel Dante Microphone Preamplifier
- 8 x XLR-1/4" Mic/Line Inputs
- Up to 60 dB of Gain in 1 dB Increments
- Class-A Preamps & Custom Transformers
- Premium 24-Bit/192 kHz Converters
- This item cannot be canceled or returned.
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
Behringer TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC500USB Desktop Vacuum Tube Preamplifier with Modeling and USB/Audio Interface
- Tube Preamp for Mics, Instruments, Line
- 12AX7 Vacuum Tube for Warmth & Low Noise
- 16 Preamp Voicing Presets
- Guitar, Drums, Voice, Keyboards & More
ART Tube MP Preamplifier
- Single-Channel Tube-Based
- Hand-Selected 12AX7A Vacuum Tube
- Variable Input & Output Gain Control
- Ideal as a Tube DI Box
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
Golden Age Project PRE-73 MKIV Preamp and DI Box
- British-Style Mic Preamp and DI Box
- 80 dB of Gain, Output Pad Added
- Tantalum Capacitors in Signal Path
- Selectable HF AIR Boost at 30 kHz
ART PRO MPA II - Microphone Preamplifier
- 2-Channel
- Instrument Input
- Phantom Power
- Variable Impedance
FMR Audio RNP8380 Really Nice Preamp
- Two-Channel Microphone Preamplifier
- 1/4" and XLR Inputs
- Pristine Class-A Preamps
- Innovative Circuit Design
ART Voice Channel - Tube Channel Strip
- Single Channel
- Variable Impedance Mic Preamp
- Dynamics
- Semi-Parametric EQ
Rupert Neve Designs Portico 511 Mic Preamp
- Single Channel
- Red Silk Circuit Adds Texture
- Variable High-Pass Filter
- Trim and Gain Knobs
Grace Design m101 - Microphone Preamp
Focusrite ISA Two Rackmount 2-Channel Microphone Preamp
- Dual Mono
- Transformer Based Microphone Inputs
- Variable Input Impedance
- Front Panel Instrument Inputs
Audient ASP800 - 8-Channel Microphone Preamplifier and ADC with HMX & IRON
- 8x Class-A Audient Console Mic Pres
- 2x Channels with Saturation Controls
- 2x Discrete JFET Instrument Inputs
- 118 dB Burr-Brown A-D Converters
Grace Design FELiX2 Dual-Channel Preamp & EQ with Blend (Black)
- XLR Mic Input and Two Instrument Inputs
- 48V Phantom Power
- EQs with Hi/Low Shelf & Parametric Mids
- Sweepable HPF on Both Channels
Warm Audio WA-412 4-Channel Microphone Pre-Amp with DI
- Mic & Instrument Inputs
- Up to 65 dB of Gain
- Output Gain Attenuator
- Transformer Balanced XLR & TRS Outputs
Warm Audio WA273-EQ Dual-Channel Microphone Preamplifier and Equalizer
- Mic, Line, and Instrument Inputs
- Insert Sends and Returns
- Balanced XLR and 1/4" Outputs
- Up to 80 dB of Gain
Universal Audio 4-710D - Tone Blending Twin-Finity Microphone Preamp and DI
- 4 Channel
- Dual-Path
- 1176-Style Compressor per Channel
- Send/Return Inserts
Millennia HV-3D 4 - Microphone Preamp
- 4-Channel
- Transformerless
- Entirely Balanced Audio Path
- 36-Position Grayhill Gain Controls
- This item cannot be canceled or returned.
Astatic M2 2-Channel Analog Mixer with USB Interface
- Multipurpose 2-Channel Desktop Mixer
- Ideal for Live Performance or Podcasting
- Two Combo XLR-1/4" Mic/Line Inputs
- +48V Phantom Power on Both Inputs
- This item cannot be canceled or returned.
ART Dual RP Preamp for Dynamic and Ribbon Microphones
- For Dynamic and Ribbon Microphones
- Bolsters Performance
- Variable Impedance Control
- 2 x XLR Inputs
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.