Microphone Preamps
BAE Audio 1073MP - Dual-Channel Mic Pre, with No Power Supply
- Carnhill (St. Ives) Transformers
- Class-A Transformers
- Completely Hand-Wired
- Elma Gold-Plated Switches
SPL P8 Eight-Channel Preamplifier
- For Multichannel Studio Recording
- 8 Discreet Preamps, No ICs
- Neutral, Open, Transparent Sound
- Up to +62 dB of Analog Gain Control
Millennia HV-3C - Microphone Preamp
- Dual Channel
- Transformerless
- Entirely Balanced Audio Path
- 36-Position Grayhill Gain Controls
Focusrite ISA428 MkII Rackmount 4-Channel Microphone Preamp
- 4 Channels
- Transformer Based
- Selectable Impedance
- Phantom Power
Cranborne Audio 500ADAT 8-Slot 500 Series Rack & ADAT Expander Kit with Carnaby 500 EQ & Camden 500 Preamp/Mojo Modules
- Puts 500 Series in Digital Workflow
- Includes Carnaby 500 Harmonic EQ Module
- Includes Camden 500 Preamp/Mojo Module
- 8 Slots for 500 Series Modules
A-Designs Pacifica Solid-State Stereo Microphone Preamplifier and D.I.
- Based on the Quad Eight Pacifica Console
- Mic and DI Inputs
- Up to 72 dB of Gain
- Warm Full Tone w/ Sweet Top End
BAE Audio 1073 Dual DMP - Desktop Mic Pre
- Carnhill (St. Ives) Class A Transformers
- Completely Hand Wired
- Elma Switches
- Marconi Knobs
BAE Audio 1066DL Mic/Line Preamp and EQ (500-Series Module)
- 0 to 80 dB Gain Range
- Hand-Wired with Carnhill Transformers
- HF: 16 dB with Five Shelving Frequencies
- LF: 16 dB with Five Shelving Frequencies
Rupert Neve Designs Two Portico 511 Mic Preamps with Six-Space 500-Series Rack
- Two Single Channel Portico 511 Mic Pres
- Red and Blue Silk Circuits Add Character
- Variable High-Pass Filter
- 48V Phantom Power
Heritage Audio DTT-73 Dual Tabletop Microphone Preamplifier
- Portable Tabletop Design with Handle
- Two 80 dB Class A Microphone Preamps
- Two 50 dB Class A Line Preamps
- +24/48V Phantom Power
BAE Audio 1073MP - Dual-Channel Mic Pre, with Power Supply
- Carnhill (St. Ives) Transformers
- Class-A Transformers
- Completely Hand-Wired
- Elma Gold-Plated Switches
SPL GoldMike MK2 Dual-Channel Preamplifier w/ A to D Converter
BAE Audio 1073D Deluxe Mic Pre 500 Series Module
- 3-Space Module for 500 Series
- Carnhill (St. Ives) Class A Transformers
- Completely Hand Wired
- Elma Gold Plated Switches
Heritage Audio DMA-73 Dual Microphone Preamplifier
- 1RU Module Fits 19" Rack
- Two 80 dB Class A Microphone Preamps
- Two 50 dB Class A Line Preamps
- +48V Phantom Power
BAE Audio 1023L Mic Preamp and 3-Band EQ (500-Series Module)
- Completely Hand-Wired 500-Series Module
- Preamp and EQ
- Carnhill (St. Ives) Transformers
- High-Pass Filter & 3-Band EQ
Phoenix Audio Ascent Two EQ Class-A Dual-Mono Microphone Pre-Amplifier/DI
- Class-A, Transformerless Mic Input Stage
- DSOP-2 Class-A Discrete Output Stage
- 4-Bands Gyrator EQ
- 16 dB Cut/Boost Per Band in 21 Positions
LAKE PEOPLE F355A 2-Channel Microphone Preamp with Class-A Input
- Professional Rackmountable Studio Preamp
- Two Balanced XLR Inputs
- Four Balanced XLR Outputs
- Class-A Input Circuit
Chandler Limited REDD.47 Microphone Preamplifier
- Recreation of EMI REDD.51 Tube Preamp
- Official Abbey Road Studios Equipment
- Mic, Instrument, and Line Inputs
- Increased Gain from Original Design
Warm Audio WA-1B Tube Optical Compressor Analog Channel Strip Bundle
- For Home and Studio Recording
- Smooth Tube-Optical Warmth
- 12ax7 Tung-Sol and JJ 12au7 Tubes
- Recreation of Pultec EQP-1A
Chandler Limited TG12411 Channel Studio Preamp and Passive EQ
- Recreation of EMI TG12410 Mastering Desk
- Discrete, Analog Circuitry
- Mono Channel Configuration
- Balanced XLR Input for Microphones
SPL P8 Eight-Channel Preamplifier with ADAT Converter
- For Multichannel Studio Recording
- 8 Discreet Preamps, No ICs
- 8-Channel AD Converter with ADAT Outputs
- Neutral, Open, Transparent Sound
Chandler Limited TG2 Dual-Channel Microphone Preamplifier / DI
- Recreation of Rare EMI TG12428 Preamp
- Discrete Transformer-Balanced Amplifiers
- Balanced XLR Inputs and Outputs
- Unbalanced 1/4" TS Hi-Z DI Inputs
Chandler Limited TG2 Preamp and DI
- Recreation of EMI TG12428 Preamp
- Discrete, Analog Circuitry
- Dual Mono Channel Configuration
- Balanced XLR Inputs for Microphones
A-Designs MP-2A Stereo Tube Microphone Preamplifier and DI
- All-Tube Design
- Mic and DI Inputs
- Up to 60 dB of Gain
- VU Meters
BAE Audio 1073MPF - Dual-Channel Mic Pre and Filter, No Power Supply
- Carnhill (St. Ives) Transformers
- Class-A Transformers
- Completely Hand-Wired
- Elma Gold-Plated Switches
SPL Crescendo Duo 2-Channel Microphone Preamplifier
- Parallel Outputs Per Channel
- 120V Rails for High Headroom & Dynamics
- 48V, Polarity Switch, 20 dB Pad
- Input/Output Attenuators, Switchable HPF
Cranborne Audio 500ADAT 8-Slot 500 Series Rack & ADAT Expander Kit with Two Carnaby 500 EQ & Two Camden 500 Preamp/Mojo Modules
- Puts 500 Series in Digital Workflow
- Includes 2 x Carnaby 500 Harmonic EQ
- Includes 2 x Camden 500 Preamp/Mojo
- 8 Slots for 500 Series Modules
Useful Arts Audio SFP-60 Microphone Preamplifier
- Two-Channel All-Tube Mic Preamp
- EF-806 Pentode Input Tube
- High-Current ECC82 Triodes
- 20 Hz to 20 kHz Response ±2 dB
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.