There is no way around it! if you want to make good vocal recordings, you need to have a good mic preamp.
This will improve the sound quality of your microphones and musical instruments by naturally adding color and body to your signal and reproduce the original signal as transparent as possible while reducing noise.
The problem is that with the huge amount of choices and options that are available it is very easy to become overwhelmed.
In this article, we make suggestions of the best mic preamps for vocals available nowadays carefully selected depending on the sonic characteristics and features they offer.
As such, we have divided the article in three main categories: solid-state, tube, and hybrid preamps.
We have also created a preamp buyer’s guide providing you with some of the basic knowledge about the subject and knowing what the different features and options are, you can make an educated decision when choosing a mic preamp.
Best Solid-State Preamplifiers for Vocals
Solid-state preamps are designed and constructed using passive components such as resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors and integrated circuits also known as chips.
These preamps are known for their transparency and crisp punch, which allows you to create higher gains without necessarily causing any distortion.
Next, we take a look at some of the best solid-state preamplifiers for vocals available in the market today.
Grace Design M101 Single Channel Microphone Preamplifier
When it comes to recording equipment there is always a gap between affordability and quality. Manufacturers like Grace Designed based in Boulder Colorado in the U.S.A has designed a preamp that reduces that gap.
The M101 is one of the best mic preamps for vocals that delivers high-quality audio and is under $1000. This model is the redesign of the highly popular and successful model 101 preamp launched by the same company years earlier.
Built Using Precision Components
The signal path of the M101 uses high precision resistors made of metal film with tolerances of 0.5% or less.
It also uses a design topology called trans-impedance amplifier circuitry in which no impedance matching transformer and no electrolytic capacitors are used because they can cause nonlinearities in the signal path.
Because of these design considerations and many others not mentioned here due to their highly technical nature, the Grace Design M101 provides the highest levels of signal clarity and naturality at very low noise, even when using ribbon microphones.
Features
- It has one channel that is balanced for connecting a microphone and a high impedance channel for instruments such as guitar, bass, drum machine, etc.
- Thanks to its design topology the signal path in the M101 is unaltered with the use of surface mount precision resistors, transformerless impedance matching, and no electrolytic capacitors to keep linearity.
- This device also has a rotary gain-potentiometer with 12 positions.
- Line drivers with a high output of performance.
- The high pass filter has a 12 dB/octave slope at 75 Hz.
- Wide gain range structure from 10-75dB.
- This device features a ribbon microphone mode switch with an extra 10dB gain and a safety function that turns off phantom power to protect the mic from being damaged.
- Heightened RFI suppression.
- 3 Output Connectors- XLR Balanced, ¼” TS Balanced and ¼” TRS Balanced.
- LED Indicators.
- Half rack wide, two units would fit side to side in a 19” rack space.
Pros
- Rugged case construction and sound quality that is world-class.
- Superlative response is very high-end.
- It is quite affordable for being a high-end single-channel mic preamp.
- It is easy to use and set up.
- Adequate gain for quiet sources as well as ribbon mics.
- Bass and guitar direct input to convert from high impedance non-balanced connection to low impedance balanced XLR connection.
- XLR Input and outputs are gold plated.
- Precision gain potentiometer.
Cons
- No polarity reverse switch.
- No phantom power indicator light.
- The power adapter is not of the best quality.
Professional sounding recordings start with a good microphone with the correct sonic characteristics, but it doesn’t matter how great your microphone is, if your preamp is not excellent, the captured sound will be dull and unnatural.
Sound engineers consider the M101 as one of the best solid-state preamplifiers available in the market at a price that is much less than the excellent sound quality it delivers.
With this preamp designed for vocals and instruments, you will be able to bring out all the subtle details that the microphone captures in a natural, crisp way.
Although this preamp may lack some of the features that higher-end preamps can offer, it is undoubtedly a great choice at this price range and can even give considerable competition to some devices that cost three to four times more.
Focusrite ISA One Classic Microphone Preamplifier
Focusrite is a global music and audio products group based in High Wycombe, UK. In 1985 they started the design on a new console that would be known as the best sounding analog recording console. The company only built ten of those consoles.
It Delivers the Same Legendary Performance as the Legacy Forte Console
The Focusrite ISA One is a mic and instrument preamp build using the same ISA 110 circuit architecture and the same impedance transformer found in the legendary Focusrite Forte console, providing you with a professional studio-grade preamp for your own recordings.
What makes the console great is the Focusrite ISA 110 microphone preamp. Originally designed using the iconic Swedish made Lundahl L1238 transformer for impedance matching.
World-renowned Ocean Way Studios in Hollywood still has and uses its Focusrite Forte console in studio A. Artists such as Wu-Tang Clan, Mariah Carey, and many others have recorded their albums using this console.
The “ISA One” is considered as one of the best preamps for vocals using solid-state electronics that allows you to gain access into the legacy that Forte consoles hold with a highly portable format.
There are specific inputs for the microphone, instrument-level sources, and line. There is also an impedance selector that allows you to dial the desired response.
Another innovative feature that the Focusrite ISA One has is that the microphone and instrument-level inputs run parallel, thereby making it possible for direct signals to be blended.
Features
- Vocal mics and instrument preamplifiers are based on the iconic ISA 110 preamp architecture.
- It is designed to be portable and provides you with the best quality of sounds at any location.
- You can mix and match the mics with the help of the impedance selector.
- Ladder LEDs and VU meter.
- Headphone output with volume control feeding either a sum of the two input to the headphones output or an external stereo cue mix
- Phil Dudderidge signed certificate of origin.
- There are provisions for an optional A-D converter of 24bit/192kHz.
- Wide gain range, from 0 – 60dB for the microphone, from 10 – 40 dB for the instrument, and from 0 – 20 dB for lines.
- +48VDC switchable phantom power.
- High pass filter with 18dB roll-off starting at 75Hz.
How it Sounds
Pros
- Extremely low noise floor making it ideal for recordings using condenser microphones.
- This preamp is not going to color your sound with any character, what it does is to increase the signal of the microphone transparently making your sound crystal clear.
- Professional studio grade preamp at an affordable price.
- Rugged metal housing built to last.
- A desktop format that is highly convenient and portable.
- Great performance.
- The tone of the sound can be slightly changed by selecting different impedances.
Cons
- There is no control for DAW/Direct balance in order to provide latency-free monitoring.
- If you want a warm sound this preamp is not for you, choose a tube preamp instead.
You can either be an artist, an engineer or a producer, the Focusrite ISA One is sure to stun you with its immense versatility and sound quality that is provided with this device.
The ISA One has essentially the same circuit design used on the original ISA110, that has been used for 30 years in successive Focusrite designs.
The input transformer imparts a special character to the sound that can’t be truly emulated in any other way. Because of these characteristics, the ISA One is considered to be one of the best vocal preamps available in the market.
AEA TRP2 Ribbon Preamp
There are many options to choose from when selecting a mic preamp. Although all preamps are designed to have one thing in common, to amplify low-level signals, they are not all created equal.
An example is the AEA TRP2. This mic preamp was explicitly designed to be used with ribbon mics.
Ribbon mics are a type of microphones built using a thin aluminum transducer called ribbon.
When sound waves hit the ribbon material, it vibrates. These vibrations create variations in voltage. This voltage is the soundwaves converted into an electrical signal.
Ribbon mics are known to produce the most natural and warm sound, delivering a very smooth mid-range response, which is great if you’ve been struggling to find a mic that captures your sound exactly the way you hear it.
If you are interested in checking out the best ribbon mics for recording vocals, click the link.
Designed to Enhance the Sound of Ribbon Mics
The problem with ribbon mics is that they need a lot of gain to increase the signal to a point where it can be used in the audio chain.
Increasing the gain too much creates problems because any noise in the signal will also be amplified.
Another problem is finding a preamp with a high enough impedance to work with a ribbon mic. In simple terms, when it comes to input impedance, the bigger, the better.
When AEA designed the TRP2, three key factors were not negotiable. The preamp had to have very low noise, high gain, and high input impedance.
You will get these three features with the AEA TRP2. Keep in mind that it’s highly recommended to use this preamp with ribbon mics because it is specifically designed for them.
But you can also use it with dynamic and condensers as well, thanks to its switchable +48V phantom power.
Features
- It delivers an unprecedented +85 dB of clean, quiet gain on each of the two channels.
- The design is optimized for all types of microphones, but it’s perfect when used with ribbon and dynamic mics.
- With the TRP2, you’ll get an extremely flat and wide frequency response making it the perfect preamp for recording accurate, high-fidelity vocals.
- Suppose you plan to use this preamp only with ribbon mics and are concerned about hurting passive ribbons due to accidentally turning the phantom power on. In that case, this device comes with a phantom power kill switch located inside that you can easily deactivate, preventing the phantom power from ever turning on.
- Switchable low pass filter with a cut-off frequency set at 100 Hz. Perfect for helping to decrease the proximity effect in some mics.
- Super high input impedance set at 63,000 Ohms. Remember that having a high input impedance is a plus as it helps in getting a better sound because the preamp will not limit the lows, highs, and transients of your passive microphones.
This is How It Sounds
The AEA TRP2 was designed from scratch to offer low noise, high gain, and high input impedance. Its flat frequency response will deliver excellent results when recording vocals.
If you decide to use a ribbon mic, you’ll be amazed at the rich, natural sound that this preamp can bring out from your microphones.
Behringer ADA8200 Microphone Preamp
If you are looking for a mic preamp solution for your vocals that is affordable, the Behringer ADA8200 is the device with the perfect tools to take care of the job.
Each one of the eight inputs uses the same preamp as the legendary MIDAS console. Plus it also has an A-D converter working on a Cirrus Logic circuit.
The mic preamps with MIDAS design can keep the sound clear and clean throughout the signal path.
In addition, the Behringer ADA8200 is perfect for A-D studio conversion and classic sound.
This preamp has been perfected from the design of its predecessor the ADA8000, with important upgrades and better features hence making it superior.
Features
- 8 mic preamplifiers with the MIDAS-design to deliver brilliant sound.
- 24-bit reference-class converters running on Cirrus Logic to provide seamless D/A and A/D conversion.
- It offers digital I/O on an ADAT optical to support maximum compatibility.
- The available gain of 60dB that can work with any type of mic.
- All channels have phantom power.
- This device can either be synced to Word Clock or ADAT or be used as a master clock.
Pros
- It is highly cost-effective.
- These mic preamps are one of the best mic preamps owing to them being more neutral and quieter than previous versions.
- There are more controls for linear gain in this device, without the presence of detents.
- The D-A and A-D converters found in this device have been improved in order to produce noticeably sweeter sounds.
- The muting issues of ADAT converter and sync has been corrected in this device.
Cons
- The mic preamps still do not have any direct analog output.
- It doesn’t offer any options for double sample-rate.
- The baseline technical performance of this device can be improved.
The issues that were present with the previous models of preamps have been improved and corrected with the ADA8200.
This unit would be a good choice for vocals or instruments if you are on a budget. Although it is a budget unit it can deliver decent sound with enough gain for most needs along with the provision for eight channels, ADAT interface and convenience of use.
Warm Audio WA-412, 4-Channel Microphone Preamplifier
The American Audio WA-412 is a fully discrete preamp designed and built using classic electronic components such as resistors, capacitors, transistors, and op-amps instead of modern integrated circuits positioning it as one of the best mic preamps for vocals and instruments.
It was originally developed for large format consoles used in professional recording studios and live stages.
Vintage Sound that Only Classic American Consoles Can Produce
This style of preamp is often referred to as “the sound of Rock n’ Roll” for its BIG punchy low and mid-end, and smooth clear open top end.
With the help of the WA-412, you can get the qualities of such vintage preamps along with direct input (DI) packs for instruments.
With this preamp, Warm Audio has been able to decrease the gap of price to performance ratio of pro audio preamps.
Traditional Design Topology and Components to Deliver the Best Classic Sound
The WA-412 continues the traditional component topology of transformer coupling on the inputs and outputs using premium transformers that are made by high-end transformer manufacturer Altran in the U.S.A.
Warm Audio worked closely with Altran to design unique transformers that extend the low-frequency response of these classic preamps by using a vintage winding technique that produces a very distinct smooth BIG character.
A key feature of this preamp is that each channel utilizes a fully discrete socketed 6-pin opamp that can be swapped with other op-amps.
What this means is that if you want to change the tone or gain architecture, just change the op-amp with another one that has the same electrical characteristics and your sound will be different.
Op-amps are designed to offer high headroom and low distortion characteristics.
Features
- The WA-412 is designed to produce bold, punchy sonics mimicking classic large-format American consoles.
- It has a tone switch input impedance that shifts the impedance from 150 ohms to 600 ohms. Using this feature with dynamic or ribbon microphones will give a different tone when changing the impedances in both the mic and HI-Z inputs.
- It includes a polarity switch for inverting the phase of the signal giving a distinct sonic characteristic.
- This device has a gain of 65dB which allows handling low-level signals with ease.
- It has a pad switch with 20dB decrease, which is capable of handling extremely high SPL for both instruments and mic inputs.
- and finally, we have a switch for engaging the high Z input which is the quarter-inch direct input here on the front panel on the back panel we have both balanced XLR as well as balanced quarter-inch outputs per channel each channel
- Features a seven-stage led meter to keep track of your levels.
- Every channel has a socketed X520 discrete op-amp that can be user-swapped with almost any discrete op-amp that has 6 pins.
- XLR direct-injection active instrument ¼” microphone inputs.
- TRS and XLR transformer-balanced outputs.
- It offers switchable +48 VDC phantom power per channel.
- A grounded IEC-3pin power cable completes this device’s internal power supply.
Testing the Warm Audio WA-412
Pros
- With the WA-412 you’ll get smooth sound.
- For optimum sound quality, each channel has an input gain control as well as an output trim control that allows you to set how hard you’re driving the input versus the signal that you’re sending out into your interface or analog to digital converters.
- It is ideal for condenser, dynamic, and ribbon microphones providing a classic warm fuller sound.
- This device is very well designed.
Cons
- There is no ribbon button to disable phantom power, this means that the user needs to be very careful not to connect a ribbon microphone if the phantom is enabled because it will damage it immediately.
- It doesn’t look as nice as other preamps, the all-metal chassis looks very classic, some people might not like that.
The WA-412 is an awesome choice for a vocal preamp because it is designed with dedicated circuit boards for every channel along with transformers made by Altran.
With this preamp you’ll get punchy, bold sounds that mimic classic American large-format recording consoles.
Best Tube Preamplifiers for Vocals
Tube preamps are constructed using vacuum tubes or valves to increase the level of an electric signal. They are characterized for producing a rich, dense, euphoric sound provided by the saturation of the tube.
Let’s take a look at some of the top tube preamps available for purchase.
Universal Audio SOLO/610 Classic Vacuum Tube Mic Pre and DI Box
The design of the Universal Audio SOLO/610 came out of the classic 1960’s Putnam 610 tube recording console. This preamp unit has the same architecture of the preamp used in those consoles.
Artists ranging from Frank Sinatra to Coldplay, Van Halen to Pet Sounds, have been recorded using the 610 preamps.
Noted for their musical character and warmth the UA Solo/610 is considered by recordists and producers as one of the best mic preamps for vocals using vacuum tubes. This device is hand-built in the U.S.A. with the highest standards of quality that will last you many years.
The entire SOLO series comes with noticeable build features that are solid along with the audiophile components that are definitions of Universal Audio quality.
Its portable form factor makes it perfectly suited for control rooms and studio rooms, along with your desktop or on the stage.
With the SOLO/610 you’ll get alluring sonic characteristics with excellent tone giving an exceptional sound to your digital recordings.
It is also capable of reshaping vocals, providing round and huge definitions to bass sounds, punchy and fat definitions to guitars, bass, keyboards, and drum sounds.
Features
- It is equipped with impedance, level and gain selectors that provide tremendous tonal versatility.
- Legendary all-tube sound, at a project studio price
- Rugged steel chassis construction.
- DI features include Thru and Mic/Line level output
- The design is portable, making the SOLO/610 perfect for a control room, studio, stage, and desktop use.
- The level output of the mic/line is switchable.
- It has 61 dB of gain for microphones and 37 dB of gain for instruments.
- Includes +48 VDC phantom power to feed condenser microphones.
- Flat and low-cut filters switch.
- This device is hand-built at Universal Audio’s factory located in Scotts Valley, California, backed by 1-year limited warranty.
Testing the Universal Audio SOLO/610
Pros
- Good quality audio that has some valve flavor but is not exaggerated providing a detailed creamy tone with a natural warmth that only tube preamps can offer. Very easy to use.
- Highly portable.
- Very versatile.
Cons
- The duplicates recorded in this device are of poor quality.
- It only has an LED that shows that a signal is present but there is no metering to see the audio level.
- It is a bit bulky and heavy compared to other units.
- It could seem unattractive to some users.
If you are looking for a professional-grade studio mic preamp for vocals that can deliver the silky, vintage warmth of classic consoles and enhance any microphone or instrument with its iconic tones, the Universal Audio SOLO/610 is the perfect choice.
Thanks to its convenient form factor, the SOLO/610 can be used in the control room, recording studio, on stage, or on a home studio’s desktop.
Although this preamp is a bit pricey for a beginner that is starting a home studio, it is still at a price every serious project studio can afford.
Blue Microphones Robbie Microphone Preamplifier
The Robbie from Blue Microphones is a Class A tube discreet preamp that is capable of revealing the true tone of your vocals and musical instrument.
With the help of the Robbie, your recording process is graced with premium sound and innovative design.
Superior Design and High-Quality Components Reveal the True Tone of Your Voice
Every feature in this preamp was designed taking no shortcuts to deliver the absolute highest sound quality possible. All the electronics components used to build each unit are audiophile-grade.
From ultra-low noise metal film resistors with tolerances of 0.5% or less and polystyrene capacitors to the highest-quality discrete components from input to output.
The Robbie mic preamp ensures unmatched performance and has a signal path that is IC-free, therefore it is capable of delivering a superior quality of transparency and accuracy to your recordings every single time.
It is also known for its headroom of 34dB before clipping, therefore adding dimensionality and depth to your recordings and justifiably being referred to as the best mic preamp for vocals.
Features
- A mic/instrument preamp that is functioning on a single-channel tube.
- Frequency Response of 10Hz-100Hz.
- A maximum gain of 68 dB.
- Class A discrete architecture that does not have any integrated circuits.
- The THD of this device is extremely low and it is super quiet even at high gains.
- It has a headroom of 34dB before clipping.
Check Out The Robbie
Pros
- The Robbie is very easy to use.
- It is one of the quietest tube preamps on the market.
- It produces a high quality of audio and boosts your record levels very nicely without adding any noise to the signal while smoothing out the sound, but not dramatically.
- It is very versatile.
- The device combines the best aspects of solid-state but in a tube mic preamp architecture.
Cons
- Some users have complained that at this price range it should include signal level monitoring as well as equalization.
- It is a big unit not too easy to carry it around.
- If not using good quality microphones with this preamp, you are not going to get the full sonic value out of this device.
This high-quality mic preamp for vocals and instruments combines the best aspects of solid-state and tube preamps providing to you the benefits of both.
The preamp is equipped with the ECC88 twin-triode tube input that is highly discreet and helps in delivering a rich, warm and detailed tone; while the solid-state output that is electronically balanced helps in ensuring that a pure and stunningly clear sound is produced.
If you are looking for a great mic preamp for vocals that offers a wide-open sound and don’t have $6000 to spend, get the Robbie which is an amazing preamp with amazing price.
ART Tube MP Studio V3 Valve Voiced Tube Mic Preamp with Limiter
The Tube MP Studio V3 from ART is a small tube preamp capable of producing sounds with warm and fat qualities while also being able to maintain a signal path of exceptionally low-noise.
Although the primary function that this device serves is that of a microphone preamp, the Tube MP is highly versatile to handle any type of sound sourced from instruments.
Affordable Preamp With a Lot of Features to Offer
The qualities that make this device the best affordable tube mic preamp for vocals available in the market include phase reverse-switching, variable gain and a phantom power of +48V.
This device makes use of the V3TM technology, also known as the Variable Valve Voicing technology, that is inherent of ART devices and is capable of contouring tones from any kind of source instantly.
This preamp comes with 15 preset switchable voicing plus a flat selection. Each selection is factory preset using a different degree of tube warmth, output limiting, and equalization.
The presets are Neutral, Vocal, Guitar, Bass, E-Keyboard, E-Guitar, Vocal (warmth), Valve, Multi, Vocal (warmth and OPL), Acoustic Guitar (warmth and OPL), Piano, Bass, Acoustic Guitar (OPL), Percussion, and Limit.
It would be a good idea to try all presets with different microphones to listen to different sonic characteristics that can be obtained with this device.
Features
- It can provide good quality preamplification for instruments, line-level sources, and vocal microphones.
- The device contains an Output Protection Limiting feature.
- Variable Output and Input gain controls.
- 1/4” and XLR Input and Output.
- This device also contains a switch for phase reversal.
- This device functions excellently in the form of a Tube DI.
- It contains a +48VDC phantom power.
- Chassis is made of steel construction.
- A small footprint makes it convenient for portability.
- A total gain of 70 dB along with a fat, smooth and warm quality of sound is available with the hand-selected 12AX7A featured in this device.
Pros
- It is very easy to operate.
- It is conveniently portable.
- The presets in this device are well designed.
- The overall sound of this device is of good quality.
- The price is very low for being a tube preamp.
Cons
- It doesn’t have an option for balanced-jack output.
- It is mass-produced so components are not handpicked for a unique tone.
- Some users have complained that there could be some noise when cranking the volume all the way up.
- Being that this preamp uses a low voltage tube circuit, it doesn’t offer the same flavor of warmth as a high voltage tube found in more expensive preamp units, but still delivers a good tone.
The presets in the Tube MP Studio V3 have been designed by some of the leading sound engineers in the industry.
You get instant preamp settings that have been designed for keyboards, acoustic and electric guitars, drums, bass guitars, vocals, and a lot more.
Along with the V3 technology, this preamp also makes use of the output protection limiting in order to protect the component that is next in your signal path from being clipped and overloaded.
The ART Tube MP Studio V3 would make a good choice for a beginner with a limited budget.
ART ProMPA-II Two Channel Discrete Class-A Microphone Preamp
The Pro MPA-II microphone preamplifier introduced by ART is a 2-channel tube mic preamp that boasts of a lot of valuable features, making it amongst the best affordable tube mic preamps for vocals.
It is equipped with all the necessary professional features that are required to provide a serious sound upgrade to your home recording studio or your project studio.
The Pro MPA-II features variable impedance for the input that produces flexible flavors, allowing you to use the vast variety of tube tones that are perfect to suit your microphone. It comes with mono, dual and stereo supports.
It also contains a mid/side mic switch that allows you to take advantage of its flexible features that are capable of handling projects with different recording setups and requirements.
Features
- Variable input impedance to support flexible voicing of microphones. The range is from 150ohms to 2400ohms.
- The plate voltage of this device is selectable.
- The device has two big VU signal meters.
- This unit is known for its low level of noise.
- Discrete Microphone Preamplifier with Class A Input.
- The total harmonic distortion of this device is extremely low.
- The frequency response can go from 15Hz to 120kHz depending on the plate voltage selected.
- It has an input jack for instruments that is additional and is front-mounted.
- Thanks to its two channels it supports Mid/Side Miking Technique.
- The total available gain is 75 dB.
- Adjustable high pass filter from 10Hz to 200Hz removing boomy low frequencies.
- You can select according to your tastes from the operational stereo/dual output controls.
- Supports automatic input selection for instruments.
Pros
- It is an affordable, good-quality preamp that delivers excellent results when recording vocals or instruments.
- The basic sound quality is very good.
- M/S decoding, Variable Input Impedance, etc. are some of the most useful features available.
- Variable drive and a switchable valve voltage provide you with different warm sound options.
Cons
- Some users have complained that the gain on this unit is not enough when used with certain microphones such as ribbons.
- Although the sound quality is very good, the build quality is not the best, there is room for the manufacturer to improve the build quality.
If you consider all the features the MPA-II has to offer, you would realize that it is an excellent choice if you are looking for an affordable tube mic preamp for vocals.
Not only is this preamp perfect for the production and recording of clear sound, but it’s also one of the few tube preamps in this price range that allows to run the tubes at different voltage to shape the sound.
It’s extreme versatility and unique features is what keeps it a notch higher than its competitors.
Keep in mind that this mic preamp for vocals is of relatively low cost. It would never match the transparency and full retro tube magic sound that some of the more costly, high-end preamps would.
Still, it is a great option for home recording studios or for beginners that don’t have the budget to get a higher-end unit but still want to get some of that sound magic that only vacuum tubes can deliver.
Best Hybrid Preamps for Vocals
Built around vacuum tubes and solid-state circuits these preamps can provide sound characteristics from both types of preamps. They are a good option for both home and professional sound recording studios.
Universal Audio 710TFD Twin-Finity Single-Channel Microphone Preamp
If you are a lover of the drive and punchy tones of solid-state preamps as well as the warm, vintage tone that only tube preamplifiers deliver, then the 710 Twin-Finity from Universal Audio will prove to be the best hybrid mic preamp for you.
This device makes use of the best aspects of both worlds and allows you to blend the two distinctive tones in a comprehensive fashion.
The 710 is equipped with a FET mic preamp as well as a tube preamplifier circuit, both of Class A variant. It is also equipped with a knob dedicated to tone blending, that allows you to blend the solid-state sounds with the tube sounds in a continuous manner so as to help you achieve your signature sound.
In other words, this preamp is 100% solid-state and 100% tube with the option of using one or the other, or even better, blend both sounds to get something unique.
It also features dual controls for gain stage manipulation, which allows you to turn up the gain and add the vintage effects to your mix.
The 710 is a tool that allows you to create art with your sound, all with the help of the components that have been assembled in the half-rack compact chassis.
Features
- This pre has solid-state tone blending/phase-aligned tube features.
- There are dual controls for gain stage manipulation, in order to add a vintage coloration to the sounds recorded through this device.
- The device is equipped with the JFET DI that has an impedance of 2.2M ohm ultra hi-Z.
- It has a gain of 70dB.
- Phantom power of +48VDC,
- 15dB pad to decrease high volume signals.
- 75Hz high pass filter to reduce boomy sounds.
- Polarity inverse switch.
- This device has XLR Line Output and Input and an XLR mic Input located in the rear panel.
- A rackmount kit of 19” is included with this device that is perfect for 1 or 2 units.
- The Universal Audio 710 is designed and built in the U.S.A. dedicating their legendary craftmanship, heritage and build quality to each one of their products.
Pros
- The UA 710 is the best mic preamp for vocals that can blend solid-state and tube sounds without the problem of phases interrupting or deteriorating the process.
- The drive of this device is variable, with options of pure and clear to distorted sounds.
- It can also be used as a premium quality DI for instruments.
Cons
- There are no separate drive controls for the two different signal paths available in this device.
The main purpose for Universal Audio to design and create the 710 was to add tonal versatility and sound inspiration that is missing from generic preamps found in audio mixers and audio interfaces.
This vocal preamp is a great choice if you are the lover of solid-state and tube sounds and allows you to blend both in a continuous and uninterrupted fashion so as to create a unique sound that can become your signature.
PreSonus BlueTube DP V2 2-channel Mic/Instrument Tube Preamp
The PreSonus BlueTube DP V2 is a hybrid preamp that has two stages, the solid-state stage, and the tube stage.
If the solid-state is selected the resulting sound is clean and quiet nothing different than the result you would get from a regular solid-state preamp.
The solid-state stage was designed by Presonus to provide low noise, flat frequency response, and low harmonic distortion.
If the Tube drive option is selected, the tube stage kicks in providing different sonic characteristics depending on how hard you drive the gain.
The overall sound using the tube stage is thicker and warmer but keeping the clarity and crispiness of the high frequencies.
By adjusting the gain, you can get a more saturated sound without too much roughness in the highs. This setup would be great for rappers using a condenser microphone because the sound would be more powerful giving you the right timbre for the songs.
The setup can be also useful for guitar, bass, and any other acoustic instruments where a saturated semi distorted sound is required yet keeping it clear in mid and high frequencies.
The BlueTube DP V2 is a dual-channel that can be used as a mic/instrument preamp, or as a direct input for instruments.
The tube used on this preamp is the 12AX7 high voltage tube circuit which is responsible for the range of clean to pleasingly distorted sounds that this device can produce.
The DP V2 is a dependable preamp for vocals and instruments, that can help you with your recordings or live performances.
Features
- The Presonus BlueTube DP V2 allows you to dial into a massive range of tones thanks to its hybrid circuit configuration.
- The XMAX Class A solid-state preamp can produce a clear and clean sound.
- With its massive 80 dB gain this preamp works good on dynamic, condenser, and ribbon microphones. Just make sure to have the phantom power turned off when connecting a ribbon mic so that it doesn’t get damaged.
- It has +48VDC switchable phantom power.
- Hi-Z concentric instrument inputs that are present on both channels allow you to be able to directly plug your bass or guitar into the device.
- Switchable high-pass filter rolled off at 80Hz to help decrease boomy sounds.
- The unit also has a switchable pad of 20dB that allows you to accommodate high signal levels, active pickups, and sound sources that are extra loud.
- Phase issues can now be fixed at the source with the help of the polarity reverse switch found on this device.
- You can easily monitor your levels with the help of the LED indicators and VU backlit meters.
- It is perfect for tabletop usage due to the 1/2U rugged rack-mountable chassis.
Pros
- This preamp provides a very good audio quality for the price.
- It helps warm-up the tone of vocals while giving enough punch and drive.
- This device has some bonus features with the availability of the variable tube flavoring.
Cons
- Some people have mentioned that the tube that it comes with is not the best tube, the good news is that it can be changed with other tubes with the same electrical characteristics from other brands.
- It could be noise with some dynamic microphones.
This preamp is a good choice for vocals and at this price range is delivers good features and excellent sound.
It is highly portable and if you are a lover of solid-state or warm tube distortion tones or anything that happens to fall within this range, then this device is the perfect fit for you.
Conclusion
Preamplifiers are a key piece of equipment in any recording studio whether is for home or professional use.
This is the first equipment where your signal comes in to be prepared and enhanced so that it can be used by the audio interface or the rest of the equipment in the audio chain.
Choosing the right preamp will make all the difference in your recordings. The preamps suggested in this article will meet or exceed your expectations when recording your vocals.
The suggested devices include top of the line, mid-range, and affordable priced units from the three categories: solid-state, tube, and hybrid mic preamps for vocals.
These suggested products have been around for many years and have been used repeatedly in professional recording studios as well as in-home studios producing high-quality sound recordings.
