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TRITON AUDIO FetHead In-Line Microphone Preamp for Ribbon and Dynamic Mics

BH #TRFETHEAD • MFR #FETHEAD
TRITON AUDIO FetHead In-Line Microphone Preamp for Ribbon and Dynamic Mics
Key Features
  • Low-Noise Class-A JEFT Amplifier
  • Double Single-Ended Amplifier Topology
  • Shielded Enclosure
  • 4 Matched JFETs
The FetHead from TritonAudio is a low-noise, in-line microphone preamplifier that provides improved sound for ribbon and dynamic microphones. The electronics are housed in a metal chassis with a balanced 3-pin female XLR input and a balanced 3-pin male XLR output. It is suitable for use at home, in the studio, on tour, and more.
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TRITON AUDIO FetHead Overview

The FetHead from TritonAudio is a low-noise, in-line microphone preamplifier that provides improved sound for ribbon and dynamic microphones. The electronics are housed in a metal chassis with a balanced 3-pin female XLR input and a balanced 3-pin male XLR output. It is suitable for use at home, in the studio, on tour, and more.

FetHead's circuit uses phantom power but shields it from the input and the microphone's output, providing protection to the microphone. Attach FetHead to a balanced microphone cable and plug it straight into the microphone. Switch on phantom power and enjoy clean gain. This works with any microphone.

UPC: 765407296424

TRITON AUDIO FetHead Specs

General
In-Line Accessory Type
Pre-Amplifier
Input / Output Level
Input: Mic Level
Output: Mic Level
Number of Channels
1
Gain
+27 dB (3-Kilohm Load)
Circuit Type
Class-A JFET
Controls
None
Connectivity
Inputs/Outputs
1 x XLR 3-Pin Female Balanced Input
1 x XLR 3-Pin Male Balanced Output
Power
Operating Voltage
28 to 48 V (Phantom Power)
Physical
Shielded
Yes
Packaging Info
Package Weight
0.165 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
6.3 x 4.3 x 1.75"

TRITON AUDIO FetHead Reviews

So far, so good

By Jared
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-12-17

Got this due to my Focusrite not having enough gain for my SM7B. With everything in place I can get the gain comfortably within the working range of the Focusrite without much distortion or noise.

So far, so good

By Tristan
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2022-08-14

Aside from giving me more gain with my Shure SM7B mic, (which I didn't absolutely need before, but thought it would be nice to have a big more gain so the gain know wasn't always near the max.), this actually makes the mic sound better too. It sounds more natural with the Fethead!

Noticeable difference

By Tim
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-06-29

Using this preamp for my Rode NTG-2 and Zoom 5. Made a noticeable difference, would purchase again if I had to do it over. Thanks!

LowPo and Loud also!!!

By Samuel
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-05-10

It makes my Shure MV7 LOUD!!! I love how the TRITON AUDIO FetHead has visually low profile but it also make the sound GREAT. I could turn the gain from 35 down to 17 and my voice is clear and sharp. Money well spent.

sound quality vs dc blocker

By kishore
Rated 3 out of 5
Date: 2022-04-30

AFTER numerous tests, with below components, below is our opinion on Triton Audio SOUND comparisons of : DC blocker vs FETHEAD for ribbons and dynamics. used : mogami 2534 XLR cable set made by MIT tokyo japan tascam dp 24 with sandisk extreme pro 32 GB golden age project R1 mk2 ribbon mic NOTE THAT : DC block is NECESSARY as INsurance against accidental ? hitting of 48vdc to ON position for sensitive ribbons, dyn. mics. FETHEAD has within it, DC Blocking function as well as amplification for ribbons, and other low level mics. this make it useful for getting better SIGNAL to noise ratio, giving less noise headaches later in mixing / mastering. CONCLUSIONS: 1 /// for instrumentals, best to use DC Block, and make sure the mixer / recorder 48v = OFF position. pre amp gain level on dp24 had to be 8 am to 12 noon level. IF YOU RECORD VOCALS, pre amp gain level on dp24 had to be about 1pm - 2pm level. IF YOU MAKE 48v = ON, you will have gradual loss of low frequencies below 100 Hz....this is how DC blocker works. this is VERY AUDIBLE. 2// if you dont mind changing your R1 mk2 ribbon sound character, and your vocal signal is really low, you have no choice but to use extra clean pre amps or use FEtHEAD... for Vocals, we set pre amp gain level on dp24 had to be about 7am to 9am level. you will need the DC blocker as insurance for life insurance for your sensitive ribbons and dynamics, such as EV re20, EV re320 etc.

Pretty good with PodMic

By Jer
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2022-04-08

I was surprised the boost was subtle.

Clean Gain

By David
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-11-27

Provides clean gain for my M160 ribbon mic. Sounds transparent.

Work well

By Edward
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-11-08

Works fine. I wish this came with a user's guide, though.

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Is it okay to use this with a shotgun microphone ...

Is it okay to use this with a shotgun microphone that can take a battery for its phantom power, such as the Senheisser MKE 600? I would prefer the larger gain on this one over the Fethead Phantom, and do not need the phantom power passthrough of the Fethead Phantom to power the mic if using a battery.
Asked by: Guy
Yes, the TRITON AUDIO FetHead In-Line Microphone Preamp for Ribbon and Dynamic Mics could be used to increase the gain of a battery-powered shotgun microphone such as the Sennheiser MKE 600, but doing so may overload the input connection or exaggerate the self-noise of the microphone. Because condenser microphones are more sensitive, they typically require less input gain. The TRITON AUDIO FetHead Phantom (BH #TRFETHDPHNTM) would be a more preferable choice in this scenario, using phantom power with the shotgun as opposed to battery.
Answered by: Matt Z
Date published: 2022-08-26

When using a FetHead with phantom power can it be ...

When using a FetHead with phantom power can it be left in a constant on condition 24 hours and seven days a week? Is this advisable?
Asked by: Paul
Best to ask Triton Audio directly for the definitive answer.
Answered by: Anonymous
Date published: 2019-09-21

question

What is this pre-amp's input impedance? Most ribbon mics like to see 600-1200 Ohms.
Asked by: Peter C
Philosophy:FetHead is a low-noise, high quality, in-line microphone preamplifier. It provides improved sound for Ribbon and Dynamic microphones. The electronics are housed in a robust metal chassis with a balanced 3-pole female XLR input and a balanced 3-pole male XLR output, rugged enough for use at home, in the studio or on tour.Which microphones benefit:In short, we noticed an improvement on all tested microphones. A Shure SM57 for instance, sounds more responsive over a broader frequency range. When mated with a high-end dynamic microphone like a Sennheiser MD441, or Shure SM7 FetHead really shines. Ribbon microphones benefit greatly too because of a much better impedance match, which lessens the load on the microphone, giving it better transient response characteristics. FetHeads high quality, low noise signal amplification also extends the usable range of a ribbon microphone, making it more suitable for recording softer passages.Protects the microphone:Some ribbon microphones do not tolerate phantom power, FetHead's circuit uses Phantom power but shields it from its input (and the microphone's output), as a result it offers effective protection to the microphone. All of the specs currently published:Features: Ultra low noise Class A JFet amplifier 27dB amplification (@3 KOhm load) Double single ended amplifier topology 4 matched jFets Shielded enclosure Z-in 22k 24-48 v phantom power
Answered by: Mark S.
Date published: 2018-08-26

question

Electret Microphones. Will this TRITON FetHead Regular Preamp with with electret microphones?
Asked by: Sam C.
The standard Triton FetHead does not allow for the passing through of phantom power. The TRITON AUDIO FetHead PHANTOM In-Line Microphone Preamp B&H # TRFETHDPHNTM will provide phantom power to your electret mic.
Answered by: Jacob C.
Date published: 2018-08-27

question

I am considering to order a FetHead for my dynamic mic and wondering if there will be any sound or gain difference between 1) when plugging the FetHead into my mixer/recorder(Zoom F4) first and then plugging the XLR cable to the mic and 2) when plugging the cable into my Zoom F4 first and then plugging the FetHead into my mic? I am not sure if plugging the FetHead into the mixer/recorder first is even possible or not because all the YouTube reviewers use their FetHeads directly on their mics.
Asked by: Seungmin
As long as your preamp can provide phantom power and the cable length is not more than 10 feet you should be ok. Only problem of doing this is you may run the risk of amplifying noise picked up on the cable along with what your mic produces in sound. Try to keep the FETHEAD as close to the microphone as possible and by all means keep the FETHEAD away from any strong radio frequency fields such as high power UHF/VHF transmitter of low frequency ham radio transmitters. Nearby radio frequency energy near the FETHEAD tends to clip voice peaks.
Answered by: JAKOV G.
Date published: 2018-12-09

question

Can this be used with an unbalanced stereo mic? Considering purchasing this to shield my AT2022 from phantom power but that mic outputs stereo on XLR.
Asked by: R. D. J.
sorry can't help with that one - i don't have a stereo mic so wouldn't know. fethead works great with my ribbon & SM7 though. try manufacturers (Triton Audio). good luck!
Answered by: Willem M.
Date published: 2018-08-26

question

Is the the regular version the correct one to use with an h4n and rode ntg2 combo?
Asked by: blk5348
The regular version does not pass phantom power to the microphone, so ditto what the other folks say about using batteries to power the mic
Answered by: Andrei L.
Date published: 2018-08-26

question

Will the Triton Audio FetHead In-Line Microphone Preamp work with the Sony ECM-44B - Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone?
Asked by: Daniel
The Sony ECM-44B is a condenser but can't be phantom powered. The ECM-44B requires an internal AA battery thus the FetHead Regular will work fine. If you want to use an ECM-55B or ECM-77B you'll need the FetHead Phantom unless you want to locally power the mic with an AA battery. Once locally powered, the mic will behave like a standard dynamic mic.
Answered by: Christopher
Date published: 2019-09-10
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