FetHead in-Line Microphone Preamp
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Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
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- Select the return method
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Purchase options and add-ons
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 6.3 x 3.54 x 0.39 inches |
Voltage | 24 Volts |
Manufacturer | Triton Audio |
Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
Brand | Triton Audio |
About this item
- Low-Noise Class-A JEFT Amplifier
- Double Single-Ended Amplifier Topology
- Shielded Enclosure
- 4 Matched JFETs
Frequently bought together
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Product information
Item Weight | 2.89 ounces |
---|---|
Product Dimensions | 6.3 x 3.54 x 0.39 inches |
ASIN | B06XDPTDN5 |
Item model number | GS458RT |
Customer Reviews |
4.6 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #2,471 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments) #3 in Microphone Preamps |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | October 31, 2018 |
Voltage | 24 Volts |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Videos
Videos for this product
5:28
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Customer Review: Clear and crisp sound is now mine 😁
Earl Hall Studio
Videos for this product
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Easiest Way To Install The Fethead Preamp
JamesDaily
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10:28
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Customer Review: This is the best purchase i've ever made
James G
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2:19
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Triton Audio FetHead in-Line Microphone Preamp
Earl Hall
Product Description
Operation
Your Fethead will latch straight onto any XLR equipped microphone, or anywhere else in the signal path between microphone and preamp/mixer. The electronics are housed in a robust metal chassis with a balanced female XLR input and a balanced male XLR output, rugged enough for use at home, in the studio or on tour.
- Boost your microphone
- Adds 27dB of clean gain
- Lowers the noise floor of your recordings
- Often imitated, never duplicated
Triton Audio FetHead
Preamp for ribbon and dynamic microphones
Preamp for ribbon and dynamic microphones
FetHead is an ultra-low noise, high quality, in-line microphone preamplifier. It provides improved sound for ribbon and dynamic microphones. Small, compact, but, powerful, Fethead utilizes tried and true FET technology to deliver up to 27dB of clean boost. No more cranking your mic preamp and adding unwanted noise to get your microphone to an acceptable volume. Boost your microphone!
- For ribbon and dynamic microphones
- Low noise Class A FET amplifier
- 27 dB amplification (@ 3000 Ω Load)
- Balanced XLR input/output
- Frequency response 10hz-100khz (+/- 1dB)
- Z-in 22 kΩ, Circuit is powered with 24-48V phantom power
Which microphones benefit
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 our FetHead really shines. Ribbon microphones benefit greatly too because of a much better impedance match. Fethead reduces the load on the microphone, giving it better transient response characteristics. FetHeads low noise signal amplification also extends the usable range of a ribbon microphone, making it more suitable to capture softer sound sources.
Protects the microphone
Some older ribbon microphones do not tolerate phantom power. Fethead uses phantom power to power its circuitry, but doesn’t pass phantom power to the microphone, so rest assured your ribbon mics are safe.
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Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the performance, gain, and value of the electronic component amplifier. For example, they mention it works well, provides a boost to the audio level, and is value for money. That said, opinions are mixed on sound quality and build quality.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the performance of the electronic component amplifier. For example, they say it works well, it pairs well with other devices, and it preamps a mic perfectly. Some say the design is great and it works for everything from Zoom calls to recording voice audio. Overall, most are satisfied with the performance and functionality of the product.
"...It works just fine, but of course the pre-amps on that little interface are not as strong as those you would find on something like a stand-alone..." Read more
"...Great products. Few of my other friends bought after they saw me using it on live stage." Read more
"...My SM7b goes through this into an EVO4, and it works great for everything from Zoom calls to recording voice audio." Read more
"...It also worked well with a Shure SM57.I previously used a Klark Teknik CM1 as an inline booster but it was noisy and susceptible to EMF...." Read more
Customers like the gain of the electronic component amplifier. They say it increases a dynamic microphone's level without adding any extra coloration. They also say it provides a boost to the audio level simple and straight forward. Customers also mention that the amplifier is powerful and provides the extra gain they need without complicating anything.
"...from the pre-amp comes into play, so noise stays low and your voice goes up...." Read more
"It's very useful and it's really miniature aswell. Gives clean gain and works well...." Read more
"...My voice still sounded clear, with just a small amount of hiss, but that is almost inaudible...." Read more
"...make me sound like a podcaster or radio host, but it did raise the levels a good bit so I could dial back my other levels to end up with a less..." Read more
Customers like the value of the electronic component amplifier. They say it's a much cheaper alternative to cloudlifter, delivers what it promises in a small affordable package, and is a great investment for most dynamic mics. Customers also mention that it saves both time and money by using a single XLR cable.
"...online reviews are correct, the Triton Fethead is positively worth the $89 price tag if you want higher recording volume from your microphone...." Read more
"...Highly recommended for the money!" Read more
"...Yes, it is less expensive but it offers a more compact form factor and performs as well although not identically...." Read more
"...Fetheads are not cheap, but they're a much better value than the competition, and MUCH more convenient...." Read more
Customers like the fit of the electronic component amplifier. They mention that it is smaller and less obtrusive than the Cloudlifter, it offers a more compact form factor, and it works well. Some say that it fits neatly between any mic and XLR cable.
"...Plus, it's more compact, and it's made of a solid metal, it's pretty indestructible...." Read more
"...as for the product itself, i like that the form factor is small, the build quality is solid, and there is no extra noise added to the signal...." Read more
"...It has a better overall sound and a more manageable size. It even improved my noise floor a bit...." Read more
"...One kind of obvious thing is that it effectively makes your microphone longer...." Read more
Customers find the electronic component amplifier easy to use. They say it works well, is convenient, and does not require an additional XLR cable. Customers also mention that it takes 2 seconds to install.
"Surprised by the quality and ease of use. Regular phantom power works with dynamic microphones...." Read more
"...it's dead simple to use, and it does what it advertises. i still wish the fact that it doesn't work with condenser mics was more prominent...." Read more
"Setup is simple and straightforward. More tidy and neat compared to the Cloudlifter which you need to use one more xlr cable in-between." Read more
"...For me, the Fethead is much easier to work with...." Read more
Customers like the appearance of the electronic component amplifier. They say it's lightweight, sleek, and unobtrusive. The design makes the SM7B look cooler, and it'll improve the sound quality of your guitar amp.
"Setup is simple and straightforward. More tidy and neat compared to the Cloudlifter which you need to use one more xlr cable in-between." Read more
"...The Dynamite was a bit punchier but the Fethead was more clear and crisp. The DM1 gave the tone a bit of an edge...." Read more
"...I filed for a refund, and pointed out the incorrect picture on the page, the various reviews for their other product, and showed it was not the one..." Read more
"Great design. Works well at the mic." Read more
Customers are mixed about the sound quality of the electronic component amplifier. Some mention that the noise floor got much better, it has better sounding gain, and it sounds very loud. However, others say that it creates noise, the gain sounds boxy, and after 2 years it started making random buzzing noises.
"...happens before all the noise from the pre-amp comes into play, so noise stays low and your voice goes up...." Read more
"...It boosts almost 30dB without sacrificing sound quality for live music. Great products...." Read more
"...It also required two cables. The FetHead is quiet and doesn't pick up EMF like the Klark Teknik CM1...." Read more
"...my SM57's gain many times over, but after 2 years it started making random buzzing noises...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the build quality of the electronic component amplifier. Some mention that it's well made, and has amazing quality. Others say that it doesn't seem to be well made and the male side was too tight for a few XRL. They also say that the quality of FetHead was bad, and they don't have confidence that it will last. They mention that the preamps on the H6 aren't strong enough to boost dynamic microphones.
"Surprised by the quality and ease of use. Regular phantom power works with dynamic microphones...." Read more
"...The quality of the FetHead was bad enough I'm not sure mine is genuine - the logo is off center and the FetHead itself isn't completely straight...." Read more
"...Plus, it's more compact, and it's made of a solid metal, it's pretty indestructible...." Read more
"...the product itself, i like that the form factor is small, the build quality is solid, and there is no extra noise added to the signal...." Read more
Reviews with images
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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One solution is to get a different kind of microphone, like a condenser, that uses phantom power. When I use such a mic with the audio interface the signal is very hot. I have to turn the pre-amps way down.
This little Fethead is the other solution. You turn on the phantom power on the interface, which the dynamic mic doesn't require. The fethead then uses the phantom power to amplify the mic before the pre-amp. It's a pre-pre amp. This amplification happens before all the noise from the pre-amp comes into play, so noise stays low and your voice goes up. Now you can turn the pre-amps on the audio interface down low just like with a condenser mic.
It's just one solution to a problem of many. Instead of getting this you could get a non-dynamic mic. You could get better pre-amps. You could get a different audio interface or mixer. It really depends on your situation if this is going to be the right answer. But if it is the answer you are looking for, it absolutely works.
There are only two very minor negative things I can say about it. One kind of obvious thing is that it effectively makes your microphone longer. This almost never matters, but there are definitely situations where it could.
The other is that while it won't amplify noise in your pre-amp it could amplify noise from the environment. Thanks to the fethead, I discovered that some LED lights I have were emitting sound at a particular frequency. Without the fethead, my microphone was not picking up that noise enough for it to show up on a recording. But with the fethead, suddenly I could see a straight horizontal line in the scope clear as day. Make sure you only use this in an environment without that kind of interference that could mess up your recording.
I previously used a Klark Teknik CM1 as an inline booster but it was noisy and susceptible to EMF. It also required two cables. The FetHead is quiet and doesn't pick up EMF like the Klark Teknik CM1. Also, because of its size, the FetHead can be plugged directly into the end of the microphone, requiring only one cable for use.
At the start of 2020, I had started off with a Shure SM57 & a Native Instruments Komplete Audio 1, and boy did I learn the hard way about how much power was needed to push that mic to the point where people can actually hear me without the mic sitting inside my mouth essentially. Over time I've learned to cope with this handicap. That is until recently, where I started to do more research into my predicament and what possible ways I can go about to remedy this situation.
I stumbled upon two choices, the Cloudlifter, and Fethead. Since i'm in a spot where space is limited on my work area, I resorted to the Fethead (I also liked the look of it as well).
And man, let me tell you the relief that I had when I first attached it onto my mic. My voice still sounded clear, with just a small amount of hiss, but that is almost inaudible. The Fethead seamlessly attaches to the mic via Female XLR on one side to Male XLR on the other, meaning I wouldn't have to deal with having to use another XLR cable if I had gone with the Cloudlifter. I can honestly say that this was such a massive improvement, without having to buy a whole new setup.
I recently switched over to the Motu M2, so I only did some tests between the M2 and the Komplete Audio. I found the M2 to work very well paired with the Fethead, and does sound just as clear without the Fethead (Though you'll still get some humming at higher gains). The Komplete Audio also sounded great, but definitely needed more gain compared.
Overall, the Fethead is an amazing purchase if you need the extra boost in gains without sacrificing too much in terms of audio quality.
Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2021
At the start of 2020, I had started off with a Shure SM57 & a Native Instruments Komplete Audio 1, and boy did I learn the hard way about how much power was needed to push that mic to the point where people can actually hear me without the mic sitting inside my mouth essentially. Over time I've learned to cope with this handicap. That is until recently, where I started to do more research into my predicament and what possible ways I can go about to remedy this situation.
I stumbled upon two choices, the Cloudlifter, and Fethead. Since i'm in a spot where space is limited on my work area, I resorted to the Fethead (I also liked the look of it as well).
And man, let me tell you the relief that I had when I first attached it onto my mic. My voice still sounded clear, with just a small amount of hiss, but that is almost inaudible. The Fethead seamlessly attaches to the mic via Female XLR on one side to Male XLR on the other, meaning I wouldn't have to deal with having to use another XLR cable if I had gone with the Cloudlifter. I can honestly say that this was such a massive improvement, without having to buy a whole new setup.
I recently switched over to the Motu M2, so I only did some tests between the M2 and the Komplete Audio. I found the M2 to work very well paired with the Fethead, and does sound just as clear without the Fethead (Though you'll still get some humming at higher gains). The Komplete Audio also sounded great, but definitely needed more gain compared.
Overall, the Fethead is an amazing purchase if you need the extra boost in gains without sacrificing too much in terms of audio quality.
Top reviews from other countries
Reviewed in Mexico on December 27, 2022
Reviewed in India on December 20, 2023