AudioFu
Warwick Alien Deluxe Hybrid 4 LH… ↓ 33.4% $670Allen & Heath SQ5 ↓ 28.8% $2,906Warwick Alien Deluxe 5 NT LH ↓ 27.8% $726Allen & Heath SQ5 Case Bundle I ↓ 26.7% $3,163Casio AP-S200 BN ↓ 23.9% $960Allen & Heath SQ5, Case, DX168/X… ↓ 21.7% $5,176Dangerous Music 2 Bus+ ↓ 21.0% $4,024Orange PPC212-COB ↓ 20.6% $585Orange Micro Dark ↓ 20.2% $195Seymour Duncan SHR-1B Hot Rails… ↓ 19.3% $122Seymour Duncan SHR1N BLK ↓ 19.3% $122Seymour Duncan SL59-1N BLK ↓ 19.3% $122Seymour Duncan SL59-1B Bridge… ↓ 19.3% $122Seymour Duncan SL59-1B Creme ↓ 19.3% $122Seymour Duncan SL59-1N Creme ↓ 19.3% $122Seymour Duncan SL59-1B Parchment ↓ 19.3% $122

AudioFu Chart · October 2026

Best Preamps 2026

The top pick is Avalon VT-737sp Tube Channel Strip ($4,471). Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter CL-1 Mic Activator gives you the most for the money at $130. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 161 models across 56 brands, prices checked every night.

Last updated: October 13, 2026

161models in this chart
56brands
$1,101median price
90price drops since Aug

Narrow the chart

All Preamps
Price
Skill level
Brand

Top 10

Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.

  1. Avalon VT-737sp Tube Channel Strip

    VT-737SP · Avalon

    54 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann

    • Size19"
    • Weight10 kg

    The Avalon VT-737SP is a serious tool for engineers and producers chasing top-tier vocal and instrument tones. It’s got that classic, warm tube character, but with modern precision and a really lovely opto-compressor that tames transients beautifully. If you’re recording demanding sources and need pristine quality, this is a real game-changer.

    Pros

    • Exceptional clarity and detail with the 6922 tubes.
    • Opto-compression delivers smooth, musical dynamic control.
    • EQ offers precise shaping, avoiding harshness.

    Cons

    • High-end price point puts it out of reach for many.
    • Mono channel limits flexibility for stereo tracking.
    90AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand97
    • Lineup79
    • Price83
    • Specs100
    • Maker76
    ↓ 11.1%since Aug 14 · lowest so far
    $5,029 · Aug 14$4,471 now
    $4,471€3,999 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗

  2. Warm Audio WA73-EQ 1-Channel British Microphone Preamp / EQ

    WA73 · Warm Audio

    56 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann

    • Size19"

    The Warm Audio WA73 is a seriously impressive recreation of the classic 1073 preamp. It's got that desirable British warmth and punch that's perfect for vocals, guitars, and bass – really anything that needs a little extra vibe. Ideal for home studios or anyone chasing that vintage console sound on a budget.

    Pros

    • Carnhill transformer delivers authentic 1073 color and warmth.
    • Discrete Class A design provides clean gain with pleasing saturation.
    • Flexible tone control significantly shapes source material's character.

    Cons

    • Limited to a single channel, requiring multiple units for stereo work.
    • Instrument input lacks the headroom for high-output active pickups.
    84AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand98
    • Lineup79
    • Price77
    • Specs50
    • Maker100
    ↓ 9.1%since Aug 14 · lowest so far
    $737 · Aug 14$670 now
    $670€599 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗

  3. Warm Audio WA273-EQ 2-Channel British Microphone Preamp / EQ

    WA273-EQ · Warm Audio

    45 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann

    • Size19"

    This WA273-EQ nails the vibe of a classic British preamp. It’s a fantastic option for engineers and producers seeking that iconic 1073 sound without the exorbitant price tag – especially useful for adding warmth and character to vocals, guitars, and bass. It’s a solid workhorse for tracking and mixing in a variety of genres.

    Pros

    • Carnhill transformers deliver authentic 1073 coloration and warmth.
    • Discrete Class A circuit provides clean gain with pleasing harmonic saturation.
    • Flexible EQ offers precise tonal shaping for vocals and instruments.

    Cons

    • The EQ, while good, isn’t as refined as a true vintage 1073.
    • Inputs are somewhat limited, lacking dedicated insert sends/returns for each channel.
    84AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand92
    • Lineup79
    • Price93
    • Specs50
    • Maker100
    ↓ 14.4%since Aug 14 · lowest so far
    $1,738 · Aug 14$1,488 now
    $1,488€1,331 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗

  4. Universal Audio 6176 Channel Strip

    6176 · Universal Audio

    48 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann

    • Size19"
    • Weight5.5 kg

    The 6176 is a serious tool for engineers and producers chasing that classic, punchy analog sound. Combining the 610B preamp’s warmth with the 1176’s signature compression makes it killer on vocals, guitars, and drums—it’s a focused workhorse for those who value character and sonic impact above all else.

    Pros

    • 610B tube preamp delivers warm, creamy vintage tone.
    • 1176 compressor provides aggressive, musical dynamic control.
    • Discrete Class A circuitry ensures exceptionally low noise floor.

    Cons

    • High-end price point makes it a significant investment.
    • Limited EQ flexibility compared to more comprehensive channel strips.
    81AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand94
    • Lineup50
    • Price76
    • Specs100
    • Maker70
    ↓ 8.6%since Aug 14 · lowest so far
    $3,912 · Aug 14$3,577 now
    $3,577€3,199 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗

  5. Warm Audio WA12 MKII Microphone Preamp

    WA12 MKII Black · Warm Audio

    47 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann

    • Size9.5"

    The WA12 MKII Black is a fantastic, affordable preamp for adding some serious grit and character to vocals or instruments. It nails that classic, slightly overdriven sound without being overly colored – perfect for rock, blues, and anything needing a bit more edge. If you want a taste of vintage Neve vibes on a budget, this is a solid choice.

    Pros

    • Cinemag transformers deliver a thick, vintage-flavored warmth.
    • Socketed X731 op-amp offers a pleasing, aggressive character.
    • TONE switch provides genuine input impedance flexibility for varied sources.

    Cons

    • Gain staging can be tricky; requires careful monitoring to avoid harshness.
    • Limited to a single channel, restricting multi-mic recording scenarios.
    78AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand93
    • Lineup50
    • Price87
    • Specs50
    • Maker100
    ↓ 12.4%since Aug 14 · lowest so far
    $513 · Aug 14$449 now
    $449€402 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗

  6. Warm Audio WA-2A Tube Optical Compressor / Limiter

    WA-2MPX · Warm Audio

    62 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann

    • Weight3.7 kg

    The WA-2MPX is a serious contender for anyone chasing that classic, warm preamp sound. The CineMag transformers and tube saturation really deliver a vintage vibe without sounding muddy. It's a great option for vocalists, guitarists, and engineers looking to add character to their tracks – especially those leaning towards rock, blues, or soul.

    Pros

    • CineMag transformers impart a thick, harmonically rich character.
    • Discrete, hand-built design delivers a robust and reliable build quality.
    • The 'Tone' circuit offers a subtle impedance shift for varied input tones.

    Cons

    • The tube complement, while good, isn't the most exotic available for the price.
    • The VU meter is purely aesthetic; lacks precise metering functionality.
    78AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand100
    • Lineup50
    • Price70
    • Specs50
    • Maker100
    ↓ 6.8%since Aug 14 · lowest so far
    $1,519 · Aug 14$1,417 now
    $1,417€1,267 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗

  7. Black Lion Audio B173 MKII Microphone Preamp

    B173 MKII Preamp · Black Lion Audio

    13 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann

    • Size9.5"
    • Weight1.4 kg

    The B173 MKII nails that classic 1073 vibe, bringing a warmth and subtle saturation that's fantastic on vocals, bass, and even acoustic instruments. It’s a premium-priced option that delivers genuine character, making it a great choice for engineers and musicians chasing a vintage tone without the vintage price tag – especially those working in genres like soul, R&B, and classic rock.

    Pros

    • Cinemag transformers impart a lush, vintage warmth and harmonic richness.
    • Hi-Z input is surprisingly useful for guitars, adding grit and character.
    • Stepped gain control offers precise gain staging and recallability.

    Cons

    • The external power supply adds clutter and potential noise issues.
    • Limited to a single channel, requiring multiple units for stereo work.
    76AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand64
    • Lineup79
    • Price78
    • Specs100
    • Maker81
    ↓ 9.5%since Aug 14 · lowest so far
    $591 · Aug 14$536 now
    $536€479 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗

  8. Universal Audio Solo/610 Desktop Tube Mic Preamp

    Solo 610 · Universal Audio

    42 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann

    • Weight4.08 kg

    The Solo 610 is a fantastic recreation of a legendary preamp, bringing that classic console sound to your home studio. It’s perfect for vocalists, acoustic instrument players, or anyone chasing that warm, tube-driven tone – just be aware it's a single channel, so it’s a focused tool, not a full channel strip.

    Pros

    • Authentic Putnam 610 preamp character delivers warmth and vintage vibe
    • Discrete Class-A gain stage provides exceptionally clean, low-noise amplification
    • DI function with thru provides flexible routing for instruments and vocals

    Cons

    • Single-channel design limits flexibility for multi-mic recording setups
    • Premium-priced, represents a significant investment for home studios
    76AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand91
    • Lineup50
    • Price100
    • Specs50
    • Maker70
    ↓ 22.9%since Aug 14 · lowest so far
    $1,593 · Aug 14$1,229 now
    $1,229€1,099 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗

  9. Warm Audio TB12 Tone Beast Preamp

    TB12 Tone Beast Black · Warm Audio

    37 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann

    • Size19"

    The TB12 is a seriously cool preamp if you’re chasing that classic, slightly gritty sound. It’s perfect for adding some extra punch to vocals, guitars, or bass – especially for rock, blues, or anything needing a vintage vibe. The dual op-amp options give you a surprising amount of tonal control, too.

    Pros

    • Transformer imparts a thick, harmonically rich character.
    • Discrete op-amp options offer tonal flexibility – vintage warmth or clarity.
    • Hi-Z input provides a unique, colored gain stage for instruments.

    Cons

    • Single channel limits its application in multi-mic recording scenarios.
    • Transformer saturation can be overwhelming for clean, modern recordings.
    73AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand88
    • Lineup50
    • Price67
    • Specs50
    • Maker100
    ↓ 5.5%since Aug 14 · lowest so far
    $670 · Aug 14$633 now
    $633€566 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗

  10. Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter CL-1 Mic Activator

    Cloud Microphones

    55 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann

    The Cloudlifter CL-1 is a clever little device that injects serious muscle into ribbon and dynamic mics. It’s a game-changer if you’re using vintage or lower-output microphones and your preamp just isn’t delivering enough clean gain – especially great for vocalists and acoustic instrument recording where detail is paramount.

    Pros

    • Solid metal chassis provides excellent shielding and durability.
    • Noticeably boosts low-level signals, improving dynamic mic clarity.
    • Simple, clean gain – avoids adding unwanted coloration or noise.

    Cons

    • Requires phantom power, limiting compatibility with some older gear.
    • Single channel limits its use to one microphone at a time.
    72AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand97
    • Lineup50
    • Price100
    • Specs0
    • Maker81
    ↓ 27.0%since Aug 14 · lowest so far
    $178 · Aug 14$130 now
    $130€116 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗

All 161 preamps

Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.

  1. 11
    Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter CL-1 Mic ActivatorCloudlifter CL-Z Mic Activator · Cloud Microphones
    Index 72↓ 16.5%
    72
    ↓ 16.5%$231€207
    $231€207Check ↗
  2. 12
    Audient ASP800 8-Channel Microphone Preamp/ADCASP800 · Audient
    Index 72↓ 7.4%
    72
    ↓ 7.4%$714€639
    $714€639Check ↗
  3. 13
    ART DJPre II Stereo Phono PreampTPS II · ART
    Index 71↓ 5.4%
    71
    ↓ 5.4%$390€349
    $390€349Check ↗
  4. 14
    Cranborne Audio Camden EC1 Microphone PreampCamden EC1 · Cranborne Audio
    Index 70↓ 12.3%
    70
    ↓ 12.3%$636€569
    $636€569Check ↗
  5. 15
    Manley Labs VOXBOX All Tube Channel StripVoxbox · Manley
    Index 70Stable
    70
    Stable$5,589€4,999
    $5,589€4,999Check ↗
  6. 16
    Black Lion Audio B12A Quad 4-Channel Microphone PreampB12A MKIII Preamp · Black Lion Audio · 2 finishes
    Index 69↓ 2.3%
    69
    ↓ 2.3%$468€419
    $468€419Check ↗
  7. 17
    Black Lion Audio Eighteen Channel StripBlack Lion Audio
    Index 69↓ 4.3%
    69
    ↓ 4.3%$1,005€899
    $1,005€899Check ↗
  8. 18
    Warm Audio WA-412 4-Channel Mic Preamp with DIWA-412 · Warm Audio
    Index 69Stable
    69
    Stable$1,341€1,199
    $1,341€1,199Check ↗
  9. 19
    Universal Audio 710 Twin-Finity Tone Blending Mic Preamp710 Twin-Finity · Universal Audio
    Index 68Stable
    68
    Stable$1,005€899
    $1,005€899Check ↗
  10. 20
    Rupert Neve Designs Shelford ChannelRupert Neve Designs
    Index 68↓ 10.5%
    68
    ↓ 10.5%$4,304€3,849
    $4,304€3,849Check ↗
  11. 21
    sE Electronics DM1 Dynamite Active Inline PreampDM1 · SE Electronics · 2 finishes
    Index 67Stable
    67
    Stable$120€107
    $120€107Check ↗
  12. 22
    sE Electronics DM2 TNT Active Inline PreampDM2 Black Series · SE Electronics · 2 finishes
    Index 67↓ 5.9%
    67
    ↓ 5.9%$142€127
    $142€127Check ↗
  13. 23
    Universal Audio Apollo E1X Dante Microphone PreampApollo e1x · Universal Audio
    Index 67↓ 20.0%
    67
    ↓ 20.0%$401€359
    $401€359Check ↗
  14. 24
    Heritage Audio HA-73 Elite Series Single-Channel Mic PreampHA-73 Elite · Heritage Audio · 3 finishes
    Index 65Stable
    65
    Stable$770€689
    $770€689Check ↗
  15. 25
    Avalon U5 Direct Box & Instrument PreamplifierU5 Black · Avalon · 2 finishes
    Index 65Stable
    65
    Stable$1,262€1,129
    $1,262€1,129Check ↗
  16. 26
    Chandler Limited REDD.47 Tube Mic PreampREDD.47 · Chandler Limited · 2 finishes
    Index 65↓ 5.7%
    65
    ↓ 5.7%$3,320€2,969
    $3,320€2,969Check ↗
  17. 27
    Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter CL-1 Mic ActivatorCloudlifter CL-X · Cloud Microphones
    Index 64Stable
    64
    Stable$256€229
    $256€229Check ↗
  18. 28
    Golden Age Audio Project PRE-73 MKIVGolden Age Audio · 3 finishes
    Index 64↓ 4.0%
    64
    ↓ 4.0%$375€335
    $375€335Check ↗
  19. 29
    ART Tube MP Tube Microphone PreampTube MP/C · ART
    Index 63Stable
    63
    Stable$256€229
    $256€229Check ↗
  20. 30
    PreSonus Studio Channel Class-A Vacuum Tube Channel StripStudio Channel · Presonus
    Index 63↓ 7.4%
    63
    ↓ 7.4%$310€277
    $310€277Check ↗
  21. 31
    Focusrite ISA Two 2-Channel Mic PreampISA Two · Focusrite
    Index 63↓ 6.7%
    63
    ↓ 6.7%$938€839
    $938€839Check ↗
  22. 32
    RME 12Mic 12-Channel Digitally-Controlled MADI - AVB Mic Preamp12Mic · RME · 2 finishes
    Index 63↓ 12.3%
    63
    ↓ 12.3%$2,534€2,266
    $2,534€2,266Check ↗
  23. 33
    ART USB Dual Pre Project Series 2-Channel USB Audio InterfaceDual Pre USB · ART
    Index 62↓ 6.4%
    62
    ↓ 6.4%$131€117
    $131€117Check ↗
  24. 34
    Manley Labs CORE Reference Channel StripCore · Manley
    Index 62↓ 4.3%
    62
    ↓ 4.3%$2,997€2,680
    $2,997€2,680Check ↗
  25. 35
    Audient ASP880 8-Channel Microphone Preamplifier and A/D ConverterASP 880 · Audient
    Index 61↓ 2.9%
    61
    ↓ 2.9%$1,061€949
    $1,061€949Check ↗
  26. 36
    dbx 286s Microphone Preamp Processor286 S · DBX
    Index 60↓ 2.8%
    60
    ↓ 2.8%$195€174
    $195€174Check ↗
  27. 37
    Black Lion Audio Auteur Quad 2 4-Channel Microphone / Instrument…Auteur DT · Black Lion Audio
    Index 59↓ 15.2%
    59
    ↓ 15.2%$312€279
    $312€279Check ↗
  28. 38
    Chameleon Labs 7603 Microphone Preamp / 3-Band Equalizer7603 Microphone Preamp & EQ · Chameleon Labs
    Index 59↓ 23.9%
    59
    ↓ 23.9%$1,318€1,179
    $1,318€1,179Check ↗
  29. 39
    Golden Age Audio Premier PRE-73 DLXGolden Age Audio · 3 finishes
    Index 58↓ 6.3%
    58
    ↓ 6.3%$670€599
    $670€599Check ↗
  30. 40
    Heritage Audio BritStrip Console Channel StripBritStrip · Heritage Audio
    Index 58↓ 2.0%
    58
    ↓ 2.0%$2,190€1,959
    $2,190€1,959Check ↗
  31. 41
    ART Tube MP Project Series Tube Microphone PreampTube MP Project Series · ART
    Index 57Stable
    57
    Stable$196€175
    $196€175Check ↗
  32. 42
    Focusrite Clarett+ OctoPre 8-Channel Microphone Preamp with ADAT I/OClarett+ OctoPre · Focusrite
    Index 57↑ 29.6%
    57
    ↑ 29.6%$837€749
    $837€749Check ↗
  33. 43
    Rupert Neve Designs 5211 2-Channel Microphone Preamp5211 · Rupert Neve Designs
    Index 55↓ 9.5%
    55
    ↓ 9.5%$2,123€1,899
    $2,123€1,899Check ↗
  34. 44
    AEA RPQ3 2-Channel Ribbon Microphone Preamp with CurveShaperRPQ3 · AEA
    Index 54↓ 1.1%
    54
    ↓ 1.1%$2,101€1,879
    $2,101€1,879Check ↗
  35. 45
    Rupert Neve Designs Newton Channel Rackmount Channel StripNewton Channel · Rupert Neve Designs
    Index 54↓ 3.3%
    54
    ↓ 3.3%$2,325€2,079
    $2,325€2,079Check ↗
  36. 46
    API Audio 3122VAPI Audio
    Index 54↓ 7.4%
    54
    ↓ 7.4%$2,794€2,499
    $2,794€2,499Check ↗
  37. 47
    Heritage Audio Super 8Heritage Audio
    Index 54↓ 2.1%
    54
    ↓ 2.1%$4,807€4,299
    $4,807€4,299Check ↗
  38. 48
    Millennia Media STT-1 Origin Recording System Channel StripSTT-1 · Millennia
    Index 54↓ 5.0%
    54
    ↓ 5.0%$5,310€4,749
    $5,310€4,749Check ↗
  39. 49
    Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter CL-4 Mic ActivatorCloud Microphones
    Index 53↓ 0.8%
    53
    ↓ 0.8%$547€489
    $547€489Check ↗
  40. 50
    Cranborne Audio Camden EC2 2-Channel Microphone PreampCamden EC2 · Cranborne Audio
    Index 53↓ 11.6%
    53
    ↓ 11.6%$1,285€1,149
    $1,285€1,149Check ↗

Preamps by the numbers

Measured across all 360 models we track, not a sample.

Price distribution

Median $1,101 — half of all preamps here cost less.

4
23
18
14
27
33
52
10
<$50$50–150$150–300$300–500$500–1k$1k–2k$2k–5k$5k+
Weight1.98 kg

median of 131 models · 0.16 kg–7 kg

Size19"

median of 90 models · 9.5"–19"

How to choose the best preamps

Gain Range

This isn't just about volume; it's about how much headroom you have and how the preamp behaves when pushed. A wide range lets you nail a delicate fingerpicked acoustic or slam a distorted electric guitar - and everything in between. Insufficient gain means you're stuck with a weak signal, too much can lead to unwanted noise and distortion.

Noise Floor

Let's be real, noise is the enemy. A preamp with a high noise floor will muddy your recordings, especially when tracking quiet sources like vocals or acoustic instruments. This is where you pay for quality components and good design - it's not just about marketing hype.

Coloration/Character

Some preamps are transparent, aiming to reproduce the source signal as accurately as possible. Others impart a distinct sonic signature - that fat midrange honk, a subtle warmth, or even aggressive distortion. It's about finding a preamp that complements your source and your desired sound.

Input/Output Options

Think about what you're connecting. XLR is standard for mics, but do you need insert points for outboard effects? Balanced I/O is crucial for minimizing noise in long cable runs, especially when gigging or running signal across a studio.

Power Supply/Build Quality

A noisy power supply can introduce hum and interference. Solid build quality means the preamp will survive the rigors of gigging and studio use. Cheap plastic pots and flimsy connectors are a sign of corners being cut.

Buying guide

Alright, let's talk preamps. They're the unsung heroes of a good recording, the difference between a muddy bassline and a punchy one, a sterile vocal and something with real character. Too many folks think they can get away with just an interface's built-in preamps, but if you're serious about capturing that vibe, a dedicated preamp is a game-changer. It's not about making things louder; it's about shaping the sound of what you're recording.

Don't fall for the 'more is better' trap. A fantastic preamp won't magically fix a bad mic or a poorly treated room. Start by identifying the instruments or vocals you want to improve.

If you're mostly recording clean acoustic guitar, a transparent, low-noise preamp is your best bet. For rock or metal, a preamp with some grit can be a huge asset. Watch out for preamps that promise the world but deliver a lot of hiss and a thin sound - those are usually budget compromises.

How the AudioFu Index works

Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.

This chart covers 181 preamps from the Thomann catalogue (of 360 in the category). Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.

AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.

  • Demand40%

    How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.

  • Lineup20%

    How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.

  • Price15%

    Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.

  • Specs15%

    How completely the maker documents it.

  • Maker10%

    How deep the brand’s range is in this category.

Questions

What's the difference between a preamp and an interface?

An interface combines a preamp with an A/D converter. Interfaces are convenient for getting audio into your computer, but the preamps are often a compromise to keep costs down. Dedicated preamps generally offer better performance and more flexibility.

Do I need more than one preamp?

It depends. If you're recording a full band, you'll likely need multiple preamps to handle all the inputs simultaneously. For solo artists or smaller projects, a single high-quality preamp might be sufficient.

What does 'mic pre' mean?

It's just shorthand for a microphone preamplifier. It's the first stage of amplification for a microphone signal, boosting the weak signal to a usable level for recording or mixing.

What is 'clean gain'?

It refers to the preamp's ability to provide a healthy signal level without introducing distortion or noise. 'Clean gain' gives you headroom to work with without sacrificing signal strength.

Should I buy used?

Absolutely. Studio gear holds its value pretty well, and you can often find incredible deals on used preamps. Just be sure to test it thoroughly before you buy to check for any issues.

Related charts

Best Active Nearfield Monitors365 modelsBest Broadband Acoustic Absorbers241 modelsBest USB Audio Interfaces238 modelsBest DAW Controllers101 modelsBest Digital Converters87 modelsBest Headphone Amps86 models
#1 · AudioFu Index 90Avalon VT-737sp Tube Channel Strip · $4,471€3,999
Check price ↗
 Check price ↗