Top 5 Reasons Mic Preamps Matter

Why do I need a microphone preamp? It’s more important than you might think.

In audio production, few topics stir up more debate than preamps. After your microphone or instrument, a preamplifier is the first thing that actively shapes the sound of your recordings. 

And yes, they do more than just add volume. 

But even low cost audio interfaces have built-in mic preamps. So why would you want to upgrade from the preamps you already have? And why would someone need more than one — let alone several — in their recording rig? 

 

1. A Clean Front End

Preamps boost low-level signals from a microphone or instrument to line level. The preamps built into most audio interfaces do this well enough. But low cost onboard preamps on many interfaces can add undesirable noise, coloration, or brittleness.

Higher quality mic preamps do more than make your signal louder. They can also give you added headroom and lower noise or distortion, resulting in a cleaner foundation for the rest of your signal chain.

 

2. Transparency

In many cases, the goal of a preamp is to amplify your sound in as transparent a way as possible. So the “color” — or lack thereof — that a preamp imparts is one of the first things that you’ll want to learn how to evaluate.

Does it make your signal sound murkier, with unwanted bass or midrange? Does it sound more brittle or noisy as you turn up the gain? The mark of many higher-end preamps is that they amplify your signal without odd EQ shifts or added artifacts.

 

The API 212L preamp is legendary for its detail and warmth, enhancing anything that runs through it.

 

3. Pick Your Color

Recording engineers combine microphones and preamps like a painter chooses brushes and colors. Different varieties can yield very different results.

To understand how to choose a mic preamp, you’ll first want to understand some essentials. Tube designs such as the UA 610 channel strip tend to be smooth, with added warmth when the gain is pushed. Solid state designs like those found in Neve and API consoles are considered “fast” because they receive and amplify transient information quickly.

 

“Tone starts at the preamp. Tube designs like the UA 610 are best for sources where tone really matters, like vocals and bass.”

Will Shanks, Sr. Product Designer at Universal Audio

 

The channel strips in the UA 610 modular console were designed by UA founder Bill Putnam Sr. These classic tube circuits are known for adding warmth and musical saturation to any source.

The SSL 4000E has arguably powered more platinum-selling records than any other piece of audio recording gear. Its punchy sound and powerful EQ circuit work well on any source. The Neve 1073 is renowned for its bite and attitude. It’s one of the most revered preamp circuits of all time.

 

4. Versatility

Modern audio recording workflows vary greatly. Some engineers have studios with lots of outboard gear and monitoring sources. Others have modular spaces centered around a laptop, portable audio interface, and headphones that they can pack up and take anywhere. Many of us fall somewhere in between.

Hardware preamps come in different forms. Those found on your audio interface are accessed alongside other knobs and metering. Many pro engineers also have a collection of hardware mic pres in the form of rackmount devices, for a palette of additional sounds that they can choose from.

For creators working in the box, it can be easier and more cost effective to use software-based mic preamps. These are typically audio plug-ins stored natively on your computer that you can use on tracks in a DAW.

There are so many great software options available. These are just a few from our plug-in library that are consistent top-sellers: 

API Vision Channel Strip – A classic preamp with EQ and dynamics that’s hugely popular for vocals, guitars, and drums. 

Manley VOXBOX Channel Strip – A studio staple for vocals and broadcast chains, combining tube front end with compression, EQ, and de-essing. 

UA 610 Tube Preamp & EQ Collection – A faithful recreation of the iconic tube preamp and EQs prized for adding warmth, presence, and harmonic depth to any source.

Neve 1073 Preamp & EQ Collection – A top-tier Neve design with EQ that continues to be one of the most popular UAD plug-ins.

 

5. Consistency

You’ll generally get more consistent results by exploring one microphone or instrument through one or two styles of preamps. As you become familiar with the sonic outcomes of these setups, you can start to hone in on specific options that give you results quickly.

But in the beginning of your journey, don’t be afraid to keep it simple. Many pro engineers have just one or two combinations that they rely on for a specific instrument or vocal style.

 

“The preamp brings everything else in your signal chain to life.”

Will Shanks, Sr. Product Designer at Universal Audio

 

Continue Your Journey with Mic Preamps

Now that you understand why preamps matter, you can start to explore different flavors and see what works best for you. Check out the links below for additional reading. 

If you own an Apollo audio interface be sure to explore Unison-enabled UAD plug-ins. These give you the exact tone and response of classic hardware from Neve, API, SSL, Avalon, Helios, and more right in your DAW. 

— McCoy Tyler

 

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Related Articles:

• How the Pros Choose Mic Preamps

• Watch Analog Hardware Versus Unison UAD Plug-Ins Shootout

• 5-Minute UAD Tips: Neve 1073 Preamp & EQ Collection