A microphone preamp is a device used to amplify the voltage taken from a microphone to a higher, more usable level. Most microphones must be used in conjunction with a microphone preamp to function properly.
Even with the best instruments, microphones and recording gear, the quality of your recordings depends greatly on your preamps.
Let's dive in and learn about the differences between hardware and software preamps, as well as how to choose the right preamplifier for your home recording studio.
Why Use a Preamp?
Most audio engineers would assert that a microphone preamp affects the sound quality of a recording just as much as the microphone itself. Treating your signal path to the right preamp is important to attaining the sound your voice-over calls for.
Hardware Preamps
Many mixing boards or desks have microphone preamps built in. There are also a plethora of external preamps from which to choose, which is great for adding the exact tone and feature set you need for your setup.
As an example, the TubePRE is the highest quality vacuum tube preamp in its class. Loaded with PreSonus award winning dual servo preamplifier, the TubePre affordably delivers low noise tube warmth for vocals, guitars, bass guitars, synths and sound modules. The TubePre noticeably outperforms preamps in low cost mixers and recording interfaces making it an easy choice for anyone desiring to enhance their recordings with the magic of tubes.
Software Preamps
Many USB microphones come bundled with preamplifier software that provider additional control and gain adjustment to the signal being recorded. Software preamps are purely digital, therefore do not amplify the voltage of the microphone. The software simulates an increase to the audio signal and therefore doesn't offer nearly the quality or characteristics of a traditional analog microphone preamplifier.
USB microphones will work without the software using the standard drivers included in your computer's operating system. However if you would like added functionality of the preamp software (Input Level Meter, Volume control, High-pass filter and Phase Switch), ensure your computer meets the minimum system requirements of your microphone's manufacturer.
How To Select a Microphone Preamp
As with most pieces of audio equipment, price and performance are the two criteria you should consider when selecting a microphone preamp in your home recording studio.
Microphone preamps come in many shapes and sizes, and vary greatly in price from a few dollars to many thousands of dollars. Many mixing boards or desks have microphone preamps built in.
Summary
Remember that the preamplifier is a critical part of your signal chain and will significantly increase the quality of your audio recordings. If you're looking to add on to your home studio, the preamplifier is a good place to start.
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I look forward to hearing from you.
David
Glad to see an article on this subject. I'd like opinions if in my case a preamp would make any difference for vocal auditions. I currently use a Shure KSM27 Studio Condenser microphone powered by a Sterling Audio PHP1 Phantom Power supply ( 48V DC ). What are your thoughts ??
Hi,
I see that this article was originally posted in 2007. Have you since written on how to set up a system with a preamp for optimal performance? I'm using a TubeMP by ART with Gain and Output control knobs along with a MobilePre USB interface, which also has a Gain knob.
Any help or direction to a good (and easily understood!) source is appreciated.
Eric
Nice little preamble to the preamps...if you see what I mean! Thanks for the info :-)
Hi, to Bob: well Bob going for a preamp really is tied to the same issues you take into account when buying a mic, your budget, your desire tone and your sound source, also since most audio interfaces come with a range of preamps which can go from ok to awesome you will need more than this article to get you thru you search.
My advice is search for more articles to better understand what the preamps can and can´t do and then make a search of available preamps in your price range, later search for reviews on the resulting gear and make your choice ;)
Personally i like transparent preamps, but there are nice $100 preamps that have a tube feature which can be used to color the signal. Good Luck!
I have the same ART Tube MP w/USB as mentioned Previously as well as the Peavey PV 6 w/USB (sans tube). Both are very good, especially on a budget. Both the ones I mentioned are $130 Cdn or less!
The PV 6 offers more lines in and 3 band equalization if needed. The thing I like is the ability to monitor from source (no latency issue what-so-ever). Both work great with my Rode NT1-A.
At this point I think an investment in better speakers is warranted.
Doug
I'm running a Neumann through a Focusrite Pre. It really makes a huge difference. I use two stage compression as well. A setting that takes the edge off and a second stage that levels the signal. As with any piece of equipment, your best friends are your ears and the owners manual. Understanding what a Pre does gives you the best opportunity to utilize it correctly. Most people don't really know what all of their knobs do...which is ok if it sounds good right out of the box, but don't know how to combat little problems that plague a good voice over. Remember...Good sound is the absence of bad sound!!!
I would love your input. I use an M-Audio Producer USB Mic, using Adobe Audition.
Would you use a "Pre-Amp" with a USB mic also? If yes, you run the mic to the Pre-Amp then into the computer?
I am a newby to the world of recording at home.
Hi, Melissa. No you don't need a separate pre-amp with a USB mike: they have one built-in, plus the complicated electronics that turn your voice into digits that the computer and Adobe can handle.
It does simplify clean recording without lots of wires, and a very good one might even make a better job of digitising your voice than the sound card inside the computer.
I have not tried one myself - I took the separate boxes route, wires everywhere - but I see the M-Audio is favourably reviewed in its price range. It has a real-time headphone socket built-in, which is just the thing for self-record VO - no distracting delay!