Microphone Preamps
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
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
SPL Pre One Dual-Channel Microphone Preamplifier (Black)
- For Studios and Audiophiles
- Two Discrete, Transparent Preamps
- Mic and Hi-Z Input on Preamp 2
- Dual 8 to 62 dB Gain Controls
TK Audio SP502 500 Series Class-A Preamp
- Hybrid Class-A Preamp with 2 Circuits
- Class-A or Electronically Balanced Outs
- Transformerless Input Stage
- 70 dB of Clean Gain
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
Heritage Audio '73 Junior API 500 Series Microphone Preamplifier Module
- 1U Module Fits API 500 Series Lunchbox
- 80 dB Class A Microphone Preamplifier
- 50 dB Class A Bridgeable Line Amplifier
- Balanced and Floating Input Impedance
A-Designs P-1 500 Series Solid-State Microphone Preamplifier and DI
- For 500 Series Enclosures
- Based on the Quad Eight Pacifica Console
- Mic and DI Inputs
- Up to 72 dB of Gain
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
Grace Design ROXi Microphone and Instrument Preamplifier Pedal
- For Performing and Recording Musicians
- XLR / 1/4" Combo Mic/Instrument Preamp
- Rugged Floorboard-Style Pedal Chassis
- 3-Band EQ: High, Low, Sweepable Mid
Heritage Audio 73JRII 500 Series Discrete British Class-A Mic Preamp
- British-Style '73 Class-A Preamp
- Mic-, Line-, and Instrument-Level Inputs
- Input and Output Gain Attenuators
- Selectable HPF Frequency
Cranborne Audio Camden EC2 Microphone Preamp, Processor, and Headphone Amplifier
- For Musicians, VO Artists & Podcasters
- Variable Mojo Analog Saturation Circuits
- Discrete Mic / Line / Hi-Z Camden Preamp
- Extremely Low Noise and Distortion
Universal Audio 710 Twin-Finity - Microphone/Line Preamplifier
Rupert Neve Designs 517 - DI/Preamp/Compressor with Variphase (500 Series Module)
- Single-Channel, Transformer-Coupled
- 66dB of Mic Gain
- Silk "Warmth and Presence" Process
- Balanced or Unbalanced Hi-Z Input
Heritage Audio HA 73EQ Mono Elite Series Microphone Preamplifier with EQ
- Occupies 1 RU
- Mic, Instrument, and Line Inputs
- 3-Stage Discrete Class-A Preamp
- Hand-Wound Carnhill Transformers
Useful Arts Audio BF-S Pro DI Tube Instrument Preamp/DI
- Class-A Tube Circuitry
- 2-Band EQ with Bypass Switch
- Selectable Hi/Lo Gain Mode
- 1/4" Hi-Z Instrument Input
BAE Audio 1272 Mic Preamp Module
- Made for Original Neve Consoles
- Built to Neve Specifications
- 20 to 20,000 Hz Frequency Response
- 1200 or 300 Ohms Mic Input Impedance
elysia skulpter 500 Sound Shaping Module 500-Series Module
- Ultimate Recording Front End
- Resistor-Controlled Discrete Class-A Amp
- Two Variable Saturation/Filter Stages
- Intelligent Onboard Compressor
Focusrite ISA Two Rackmount 2-Channel Microphone Preamp
- Dual Mono
- Transformer Based Microphone Inputs
- Variable Input Impedance
- Front Panel Instrument Inputs
Burl Audio B1D 500 Series Microphone Preamp Module
- Discrete Class-A Input Circuit
- BX3 Input Transformer
- BX4 Iron Output Transformer
- Independent Gain and Level Controls
Burl Audio B1 500 Series Microphone Preamp Module
- Discrete Class-A Input Circuit
- BX3 Input Transformer
- BX2 Nickel Output Transformer
- Independent Gain and Level Controls
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
BAE Audio DLB - Desktop Lunchbox with One 312A
- 2x Slots for 500 Series Modules
- 312A Mic Preamp
- Hand-Wired Steel Chassis
- Overbuilt Power Supply
BAE Audio 312A Rackmount and Module (Single, With Power Supply)
- Mic, Line, and Instrument
- 10 to 66 dB of Gain
- Jensen Input and Output Transformers
- Avedis 1122 Opamp
Chandler Limited Germ 500 MKII Pre Amp
- Germanium Transistors
- Class-A Transformer-Balanced Circuits
- Gain/Germanium Drive Knob
- Feedback Control Knob
Millennia HV-35P Portable Microphone and Instrument Preamplifier (Single Channel)
AUDIOROOT uPRE MKII Portable Battery-Powered Stereo Microphone Preamp
- 2 TA3M Balanced Mic Inputs
- -50 to +80 dB Input Gain Trims
- AES or S/PDIF Digital Outputs
- TA5M Unbalanced Analog Output
BAE Audio 1073MP Microphone Pre-Amplifier (No Power Supply)
- 0 to 71 dB of Gain
- All Class-A Transformer-Coupled Design
- Based on 1073 Equalizer
- High-Impedance DI for Guitar and Synth
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.