Preamps
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Expand Your Sonics with Mic Preamps
The mic preamp is an essential part of your recording chain; it plays a significant role in how your mix shapes up. While the fundamental purpose of a preamplifier is to boost a low-level microphone signal up to line level, there are plenty of other factors to consider if you want to get the most out of your audio.
Preamp Channels: Your First Stop
Your first consideration should be how many channels of preamplification you need. Here at Sweetwater, you can find preamps with anywhere from 1 to 16 channels. Of course, not every producer needs this many channels. If you're a beginner, a single or dual-channel preamp will get you plenty of mileage. But if you're growing your studio (or even thinking about it), check out a multichannel preamp for four or more onboard channels, such as the API 3124V, Focusrite Clarett+ OctoPre, or Millenia HV-316/16. Even if you don't need the extra inputs now, there's bound to come a time when you'll be glad you've got them.
Preamp Circuit Types Explained
Do you know what type of circuit design you're looking for? Sweetwater carries three main types of pres: tube, solid-state, and hybrid. Your preamp's sound will mostly depend on which circuit design you choose.
Tube preamps
Tube preamps will typically add a significant amount of color to your sound, often described as "warmth," "weight," "dimension," or "sparkle."
Solid-state preamps
Solid-state preamps have excellent performance and high transparency with minimal distortion at high gain levels. They also tend to require less maintenance than tube preamps, which require regular upkeep and extra allowance for warm-up times.
Hybrid preamps
Hybrid preamplifiers combine the best of both worlds: they offer minimal distortion and tons of clarity, like solid-state preamps, while retaining the rich harmonics of tube preamps.
Other Preamp Considerations
How many rack spaces do you have available?
If it's a rackmount preamplifier you're after, remember to consider your number of available rack spaces. Sweetwater carries preamps from half a rack space up to 4U. Use the shop filters on this page to narrow down your options.
What about phantom power?
Phantom power is an option for powering devices such as condenser microphones and direct boxes. Phantom power sends DC power (typically in the range of 5–48 volts) through the same cable that carries your audio signal. If you're planning to run SDCs or LDCs through your new preamp, you'll definitely want to be sure it's a phantom power supplier.
Preamps with onboard EQ
Do you want additional sound-shaping controls? Go for a preamp with an onboard EQ. These controls allow you to adjust the volume of particular frequency bands. For example, you can add bass or clarity to your audio or scoop mids without affecting other frequencies.
Measure twice, cut once (so to speak)
Finally, remember to double-check the technical stuff. What inputs and outputs will you need for your preamp to play nice with your other equipment? Is there a purchase you're planning to make next year that would be better served by a different preamp? This will save you from having to play the upgrade game down the road.
If It's Preamp Advice You're After, Call Sweetwater
If, by this point, preamps seem more complicated than you realized, fear not! Call our Sweetwater Sales Engineers, and we'll get you the best preamp for your studio setup.
For more information on mic preamps at Sweetwater, check out the following buying guides:
"Everything You Need to Know About Preamps" | inSync
"What Is a Preamp, and Do I Need One?" | inSync
Microphone Preamp Buying Guide | inSync
What are the most popular brands for Preamps on Sweetwater.com?
What are the most popular Preamps on Sweetwater.com?
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Neve 1073SPX Microphone Preamp & EQ
★★★★★ 16 reviews
$1,795.00 -
Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter CL-1 1-channel Mic Activator
★★★★★ 182 reviews
$149.00 -
Warm Audio WA73-EQ Microphone Preamp & EQ
★★★★½ 44 reviews
$799.00 -
Manley VOXBOX Tube Channel Strip
★★★★★ 16 reviews
$5,499.00 -
BAE 1073MP Dual-channel Rackmount Microphone Preamp with Power Supply
★★★★★ 10 reviews
$2,295.00
Why shop Preamps at Sweetwater.com?
With a massive selection of Preamps, free shipping, a free 2-year warranty, 24/7 access to award-winning support - and more - Sweetwater gives you more than any other retailer! If you have any questions about Preamps, make sure to give your personal Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700.
