Microphone Preamps
Black Lion Audio B12A mkIII Classic American 312-Style Mic Pre and DI
- Classic Punchy, Rich Sound
- Mic, Instrument, and Line Input
- Stepped Input Knob
- CineMag Input and Output Transformer
Heritage Audio 312L 500-Series NY Style Preamp with Built-In Lifter
- Classic New York Style Preamp
- Legendary, In-Your-Face Sound
- Great for Drums and Guitar
- Mic-, Line-, and Instrument-Level Inputs
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
Cranborne Audio Camden 500 Microphone Preamp and Mojo Signal Processor
- 500-Series Microphone Preamplifier
- Clean, Linear, and Transparent Sound
- Two Custom Analog Saturation Circuits
- Thump: Excites Low-End Content
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
Icon Pro Audio UFO Tube Microphone Preamplifier
- Class-A Discrete Tube Preamp for Mics
- Tool-Free Modular, Swappable Tubes
- Clean, Modern, Vintage, and Warm Tubes
- Up to 68 dB of Low-Noise Gain
Useful Arts Audio Hornet Compact Microphone/Instrument Preamp
- High-Gain Mic Preamp and JFET Active DI
- Up to 60 dB of Gain
- Variable Harmonic Distortion
- XLR Microphone and 1/4" Hi-Z Inputs
Lindell Audio 6X-500VIN Vintage Edition 1-Channel Transformer-Coupled Mic Preamp and Equalizer
dbx 580 Mic Preamp (500 Series Module)
- Low-Noise Design
- Up to 60 dB of Gain
- Variable-Frequency Low-Cut Filter
- Low and High Detail Equalization
Universal Audio Apollo e1x Remote-Controllable Unison Preamp with Dante
- Expand Apollo x16D
- Single-Channel Mic/Line Preamp
- Use with Any Dante Network
- Power-Over-Ethernet (PoE)
Black Lion Audio Auteur mkIII 2-Channel Mic Preamp and DI
- Two Balanced XLR Microphone Inputs
- Two 1/4" Hi-Z Instrument/Line Inputs
- Two 1/4" TRS Balanced Output Jacks
- 62 dB of Gain, 48V Phantom Power
Golden Age Project PRE-573 Premier 500 Series 1073-Style Microphone Preamp
- Fits in 500 Series Racks
- Carnhill Input and Output Transformers
- -10 to +80 dB Gain Range
- Switchable 1200- and 300-Ohm Mic Level
Golden Age Project PRE-73 Jr PREMIER Vintage-Style Microphone Preamplifier
- Single-Channel Mic/Instrument Preamp
- Carnhill Input and Output Transformers
- 70 dB of Mic Gain, 48V Phantom Power
- 1/4" High-Impedance Instrument Input
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
Black Lion Audio B173 MKII Classic British 1073 Style Mic Pre and DI
- Classic Lush and Warm Sound
- Mic, Instrument, and Line Input
- Stepped Input Knob
- CineMag Transformer
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
RDL HR-MP2A - Microphone Preamplifier
- Dual Channel
- 40dB Gain
- Polarity Switches
- 1/4" TRS, Terminal Block Outputs
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
Harrison Audio 32Cpre+ 500 Series Microphone Preamp
- Sound of Harrison from the '70s and '80s
- Jensen Transformer-Coupled Mic Preamp
- +20 to +70 dB of Gain
- Front-Mounted XLR-1/4" Combo Jack
RDL HR-MP2 - Microphone Preamplifier
- Dual Channel
- 40dB Gain
- 6dB/Octave Low-Cut Filter
- Polarity Switches
Millennia HV-32 Single-Channel 200 Series Microphone Preamplifier Module
Sonifex RB-MA1 Single-Channel Microphone Preamplifier
- Ideal for Live Stages and Studios
- Converts Mic Level to Line Level
- Great for Long Cable Runs to Mixing Gear
- Electronically Balanced XLR I/O
API AUDIO 535-LA 500-Series Line Amplifier Module
- Amplify and Attenuate I/O Signals
- Adds Warmth to Digital Signals and Mixes
- 31-Step Detented Input Trim Control
- Continuously Variable Output Gain Knob
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 Single-Channel Microphone Preamp
- Mic, Line, and Instrument Inputs
- Insert Send and Return
- Up to 80 dB of Gain
- Output Level Control
Lindell Audio RE-51 Retro 500 Series Microphone Preamp and EQ Module
- Single-Channel Mic Pre with 2-Band EQ
- Stepped Rotary Controls for Easy Recall
- 1/4" TS Hi-Z Input
- Transformer-Coupled Mic/Line Input
Grace Design REX Microphone Preamplifier Pedal
- For Performing and Recording Musicians
- XLR Microphone Preamp
- Rugged Floorboard-Style Pedal Chassis
- High and Low Shelving EQ
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.