Microphone Preamplifiers

In recording studios, microphone preamplifiers (or preamps) are essential tools used to boost the low-level signal from microphones before it is sent to a mixer or recording device. The preamp is the first device in the signal chain, and its primary function is to amplify the microphone’s signal to a usable level without adding too much noise or distortion. A good preamp will provide clean gain, clarity, and warmth to the recorded signal. In addition to amplifying the signal, preamps also provide other features that are crucial for recording. Many preamps offer phantom power, which is used to power condenser microphones, and they may also have high-pass filters to remove low-frequency rumble and other unwanted noise. Some preamps also provide a selection of input impedance options, which can affect the way the microphone responds to certain frequencies, resulting in different tonal qualities. Preamps can be solid-state or tube-based, each with their unique sound and characteristics. Overall, preamps are critical tools in the recording process, and choosing the right preamp for a particular recording can greatly impact the final sound quality of the recorded track.

Released in 2010

Focusrite ISA Two Microphone Preamplifier

Focusrite ISA Two brings together a totally independent pair of classic ISA microphone preamps from the original ISA 110 module, combining the best of traditional solid-state electronics with the original input transformer specified by Rupert Neve – the Lundahl LL1538.
Released in 2010

Manley Voxbox Channel Strip

The Manley Voxbox combines the Manley Mono Mic Preamp, the ELOP reborn as a lower ratio compressor, the MID EQ blown out as a full range PEAK-DIP-PEAK EQ, and a DeEsser with a second ELOP limiter at the end.
Released in 2011

Retro Powerstrip Recording Channel

Retro Powerstrip is an all-tube recording channel with vintage mic preamp, passive EQ, and variable-mu compression, delivering classic analogue tone in a single compact 2U rack unit.
Released in 2011

Gyraf Audio G9 Mic Preamp

The Gyraf Audio G9 is a dual true tube microphone preamp – made like our mother did it. It’s a simple, yet powerful unit, based on a variable-gain input tube stage driving a tube SRPP output stage. No silicon or other crap in signal path.
Released in 2011

Grace Design m103 Channel Strip

The Grace Design m103 channel strip features the m101 mic preamp with ribbon mode, a three-band EQ for precise tonal shaping, and an optical compressor for smooth gain control. It includes a Hi-Z input, independent preamp and EQ/compressor access, and a link/sidechain input for external processing. Built for durability, it comes with a five-year transferable warranty.
Released in 2012

Aphex Channel Master Preamp & Input Processor

The Aphex Channel Master Preamp is a microphone preamplifier used for professional recording. It has a clean sound with low noise and distortion, and includes features such as a high-pass filter, impedance control, and optical compression.
Released in 2013

dbx 286s Microphone Preamplifier

The dbx 286s is a full featured Channel Strip Processor that delivers a studio quality microphone/instrument preamplifier and four processors that can be used independently or in any combination.
Released in 2014

Manley Core Reference Channel Strip

Building upon its 25-year legacy producing revered recording studio equipment; Manley Labs has distilled its core technologies from this lineage. 2014 delivered the Manley Core, an innovative channel strip that combines Manley’s Greatest Hits with fresh technology.
Released in 2014

SPL Crescendo Duo Dual-Channel Microphone Preamplifier

The SPL Crescendo Duo Dual-Channel Microphone Preamplifier with 120V technology provides exceptional headroom and low noise floor.
Released in 2014

Locomotive Audio 86B-2 Vacuum Tube Preamp

The Locomotive Audio 86B-2 Vacuum Tube Preamp provides Two Huge Channels of Sweet and Harmonic Tube Preamp Gain that can sound Warm and Clean to Aggressive and Grungy.
Released in 2014

Audient ASP880 Microphone Preamplifier

Audient ASP880 is a versatile 8-channel mic pre and A-D converter with console-grade sound, advanced routing, JFET DIs, and flexible connectivity in a rugged 1U rack format.
Released in 2014

dbx 676 Microphone Preamplifier

dbx Professional Products are proud to introduce the all new dbx 676 Tube Mic Pre Channel Strip. The 676 represents all of the best of dbx’s more than 40 years of dynamics processing.