Preamps
170 instruments available
Shop Preamps 2026
Behringer 676
Preamps
Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter CL-4 Mic Activator
Preamps
Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter CL-X2
Preamps
Weight Tank WT-72
Preamps
Locomotive Audio 86B-2
Preamps
TritonAudio AirHead V2
Preamps
Avalon VT-737SP Gold
Preamps
Avalon VT-737SP Black
Preamps
Harrison Audio 32Classic MS Mix Strip
Preamps
SPL P8
Preamps
SPL Pre One
Preamps
Soyuz Lakeside Preamp
Preamps
Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter CL-X
Preamps
Behringer 1273
Preamps
Warm Audio WA-WL
Preamps
AEA TRP3
Preamps
Chameleon Labs 7603 Microphone Preamp & EQ
Preamps
Neve 1073OPX with Dante/USB card
Preamps
SE Electronics DM2 Black Series
Preamps
SE Electronics DM1 Black Series
Preamps
SPL Channel One Mk3 Premium
Preamps
SPL Track One Mk3
Preamps
SPL Channel One Mk3
Preamps
Golden Age Audio Project PRE-73 MKIV
Preamps
SSL Pure Drive Octo
Preamps
SSL Pure Drive Quad
Preamps
Behringer Mic Link
Preamps
Drawmer 1977
Preamps
Rupert Neve Designs Newton Channel
Preamps
Royer Labs dBooster2
Preamps
Neve 1073OPX with ADAT/USB card
Preamps
TritonAudio FetHead Transformer
Preamps
Warm Audio WA-2MPX
Preamps
Warm Audio WA-MPX
Preamps
EVO SP8
Preamps
Monacor SLA-35
Preamps
Black Lion Audio Auteur DT
Preamps
Avid Pro Tools Carbon Pre
Preamps
RME 12Mic-D
Preamps
Black Lion Audio Auteur MKIII
Preamps
Focusrite Clarett+ OctoPre
Preamps
MÄAG PREQ2
Preamps
Golden Age Audio Project Pre-73 Jr MKII
Preamps
API Audio 3122V
Preamps
Neve 1081 Classic horizontal
Preamps
Sonic Farm Xcalibur JC
Preamps
SE Electronics DM2 T.N.T
Preamps
Heritage Audio BritStrip
Preamps
About Preamps
Preamps are the crucial first stage in any recording chain, amplifying and shaping the signal from microphones or instruments. They impart sonic character and gain, impacting the overall tone and clarity of a recording. Choosing the right preamp can dramatically elevate a track's quality, providing warmth, punch, or pristine detail.
Preamps — Pros & Cons
PROS
- Adds crucial gain and sonic character to weak audio signals.
- Provides flexibility in shaping the sound with different tonal profiles.
- Can significantly improve the clarity and professionalism of recordings.
- Often offers superior noise performance compared to built-in options.
CONS
- Can be a significant investment, particularly for high-end models.
- Incorrect impedance matching can negatively impact source signal.
- Requires understanding of gain staging and signal flow for optimal results.
- Can introduce unwanted coloration if not carefully selected.
Frequently Asked Questions About Preamps
Mic preamps are designed for low-level signals from microphones, offering higher gain and impedance matching, while line amps boost stronger signals.
Not necessarily; many excellent preamps offer great value, but higher-priced units often feature superior components and more nuanced sonic options.
Headroom is the available signal strength before distortion occurs; more headroom allows for louder recordings without clipping.
