Microphone Preamps
Phoenix Audio Ascent One EQ Class-A Mono Microphone Preamplifier/DI
- Class-A, Transformerless Mic Input Stage
- DSOP-2 Class-A Discrete Output Stage
- 4-Bands Gyratory-Based EQ
- 16 dB Cut/Boost per Band in 21 Positions
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
GC Audio Inherit Rack Hot-Swappable Modular Microphone Preamp System with RE-11 Cartridge
- Customizable, Modular Mic Preamp System
- Use Multiple Types of Preamps in 1 Rack
- Hot-Swappable Cartridges for Comparisons
- True Tube to Complex, Discrete Preamps
QUAGLIARDI PRO AUDIO 1 Powergrid II - 1 Vertical 501+ and 1 Vertical 576
QUAGLIARDI PRO AUDIO 1 Powergrid II - 2 Vertical 501+ Modules
QUAGLIARDI PRO AUDIO 1 Powergrid Duo : 1 Horizontal 501+ and 1 Horizontal 576
QUAGLIARDI PRO AUDIO 1 Powergrid Duo, : 2 Horizontal 501+ Modules
Chameleon Labs 7603 XMod Microphone Preamp and EQ
- Mic / Line / Hi-Z Preamp and DI Box
- 100% Discrete, Class-A Circuitry
- Custom-Wound Carnhill UK Transformers
- Mu-Metal Housing on Transformers
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
Millennia HV-32P Portable Microphone Preamplifier (Two Channel)
Avalon Design V5 Pure Class A Microphone Preamplifier (Silver)
- Discrete, Pure Class A, High-Voltage Amp
- Microphone Dual Impedance Selector
- 10,000,000 Ohm DI-In for "Zero-Loading"
- Passive TONE BANK for Unique Shaping
Avalon Design V5 Pure Class A Microphone Preamplifier (Black)
- Discrete, Pure Class A, High-Voltage Amp
- Microphone Dual Impedance Selector
- 10,000,000 Ohm DI-In for "Zero-Loading"
- Passive TONE BANK for Unique Shaping
Audient ASP880 - 8-Channel Microphone Preamplifier and ADC
- 8x Audient Console Mic Pres
- Burr Brown AD Converter Technology
- Variable Input Impedance
- Variable High-Pass Filters
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
RME OctaMic II - Microphone/Line Preamp with ADC
- 8-Channel
- Analog-to-Digital Converter
- ADAT (Including S/MUX)
- AES
TK Audio DP3 2-Channel Microphone Preamp
- Stereo Mic Preamp with 80 dB of Gain
- Modern Circuitry with Selectable Class-A
- Clean/Transparent or Vintage/Colored
- Lundahl and Carnhill Transformers
LAKE PEOPLE MIC-AMP F311-Q 4-Channel Microphone Preamp
- Professional Rackmounted Studio Preamp
- Four Balanced XLR Inputs
- Four Balanced XLR Outputs
- Four Unbalanced RCA Outputs
Drawmer 1970 Dual FET Stereo Compressor and Preamplifier
- For Recording, Mixing, and Mastering
- 2 Ultraclean Mic Preamps, +66 dB of Gain
- Dual-Mono or Stereo Operation
- Bypass FETs for Clean Output
Grace Design 2-Channel Analog Microphone Preamp with Proprietary Ribbon Mode
- Massive Headroom, Ultrawide Bandwidth
- Fully Balanced Signal Path
- New Power Supply Design for Lowest Noise
- New m108 8-Channel Mic Preamp A/D
Soyuz Microphones Lakeside Single-Channel Preamp
- Mic and Instrument Preamp for Studios
- Class-A, Discrete Analog Circuitry
- Adds Lush Character and Dimension
- Custom-Wound I/O Transformers
Cranborne Audio 500ADAT 8-Slot 500 Series Rack & ADAT Expander Kit with Two Camden 500 Preamp/Mojo Modules
- Puts 500 Series in Digital Workflow
- Includes Two Camden 500 Modules
- 8 Slots for 500 Series Modules
- Connects to Interface via ADAT Ports
Black Lion Audio Auteur 8DAT 8-Channel Microphone / Line / Hi-Z Preamp
- For Studio Recording
- 8 XLR Mic Pre, 8 1/4" Hi-Z / Line Input
- 8-Channel ADAT Output at up to 48 kHz
- 44.1 to 192 kHz Sample Rate Selection
Heritage Audio HA73EQX2 Dual-Channel Mic Preamp with EQ
- Preamp in the Style of Vintage '73
- Warm, Creamy Tone Evocative of the 1970s
- Dual-Channel with '73-Style EQ
- Mic, DI & Line Inputs
Universal Audio 4-710D - Tone Blending Twin-Finity Microphone Preamp and DI
- 4 Channel
- Dual-Path
- 1176-Style Compressor per Channel
- Send/Return Inserts
BAE Audio 312A Rackmount and Module (Dual, With Power Supply)
- Mic, Line, and Instrument
- 10 to 66 dB of Gain
- Jensen Input and Output Transformers
- Avedis 1122 Opamp
elysia skulpter 2 qube Sound Shaping Modules in Enclosure (Pair)
- Ultimate Stereo Recording Front End
- Resistor-Controlled Discrete Class-A Amp
- Two Variable Saturation/Filter Stages
- Intelligent Onboard Compressor
API AUDIO T12 2-Channel Tube Microphone Preamp
- All-Tube, Class-A Microphone Preamp
- Variable Mic Impedance Control
- 11-Step Detented Gain and Output Trim
- Low-Cut Filter with 3 Fixed Frequencies
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.