Microphone preamps & interfaces

AudioLink Series XLR to USB cable, connects to any dynamic microphone

Review: The MicLink makes it easy to direct-connect any dynamic microphone to USB for mono recording. The AudioLink Series USB-audio cable outputs studio quality 16bit/44.1 kHz digital audio thanks to its internal analog-to-digital conversion system. The MicLink connects plug-and-play to your Mac or PC for an all-in-one USB audio solution.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEQxXbaD_wY

Single-channel tube microphone preamplifier

Review: Add warm, vintage tone to any mic or instrument with the Mictube Solo preamplifier. Ideal for any recording or live setup, the Mictube Solo features an easy-to-use control layout and one of the most classic sounding, lowest-noise vacuum tubes, the legendary 12AX7. Aside from the tube, the Mictube Solo features a minimized circuit path, so it preserves the essence of the signal coming from the microphone faithfully.

The MicTube raises the level of any mic up to line level, adding as much or as little of the tube's signature sound as you like. 2 knobs and 4 buttons are all you need to optimize the Mictube Solo for virtually any setting. You'll find a -20 dB pad switch for mics with hotter outputs or louder sound sources. A phase reverse switch helps you optimize multi-mic setups, and the Mictube Solo provides +48 volt phantom power for any condenser microphone.

In additional to a standard 3-pin XLR jack for microphones, the Mictube Solo also gives you a 1/4", high-impedance DI jack for in plugging guitars and basses. Separate Gain and Drive (vintage) controls allow you to dial in the perfect blend of level and tone, and a vintage-style VU meter is perfect for keeping an eye on things. Professional XLR and 1/4" outputs complete the professional package.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TF7LeDwympk

Microphone amplifier with phantom power

Review: Sometimes you need to connect a low-impedance or condenser microphone to something which does not support it, such as a high-impedance mixer input, a PC sound card, a powered speaker or possibly an instrument amp. Situations like this call for a mic preamp like the MicroMIX to act as an interface. Simplicity and economy are important factors. A level control and a simple overload indicator such as a Clip LED will also help you to keep the signal clean.

2-channel microphone preamplifier

Review: The ART Pro MPA II is an affordable high performance microphone preamp.

The ART Pro MPA II can be configured for dual mono or stereo operation with selectable mid/side mic support, summing the adjacent channel, to decode left/right signals.

Each microphone input circuit, with selectable 48V phantom power, features variable input impedance which can radically vary the overall performance of any high quality dynamic or ribbon microphone.

The Pro MPA II can operate at either a low or high plate voltage on the 2 integrated hand-selected 12AX7 tubes for wider variation of preamp tone and performance. Large back-lit analog VU output meters display output levels while multi-colored LED arrays show tube gain.

Housed in a standard 2U space rack-mountable steel chassis, with CNC routed black anodized aluminum face panel, the Pro MPA II is designed to deliver years of reliable operation in the studio, production facility, or on the road for live sound reinforcement.

2-way mic splitter

Review: The ProSplit provides one direct output and one transformer isolated output from a single microphone. Applications include sending the direct output to the main or front-of-house mixer, with the second isolated output being sent to a monitor or recording mixer. The direct output passes phantom power from the main mixer to the microphone for use with condenser microphones.

The ProSplit includes a ground-lift switch on the isolated output to reduce noise due to ground loops between connected equipment. For versatility the ProSplit also features an attenuator pad switch on the input that can be used to alternately connect a preamplified (line-level) signal to the 2 microphone-level ProSplit outputs.

Microphone controller

Review: Use the SPLITComPro to split or combine balanced low impedance microphone signals.

As a splitter: the SPLITComPro provides one direct-coupled output and one isolated output from a single microphone. Applications include sending the direct output to the main or FOH mixer, and the second isolated output to a monitor or recording mixer. The main mic output passes phantom power from the main mixer to the amin mic input for use with condenser microphones. The Phantom power is blocked from passing to the isolated mic output.

Aa a combiner: The SPLITComPro provides one output from 2 microphone inputs. The phase switch can be used to invert the relative phase of the isolated mic input. Applications include dual micing of percussion instruments, choirs, and instrument amplifiers. The Phantom power passes through each output to their respective input, (main to main, isolated to isolated), however the phantom power is blocked from passing between the main and isolated signal paths. Only the audio passes between the main and isolated signal paths (it is present on all inputs and outputs).

Professional Tube microphone preamplifier

Review: The ART Tube MP Original Microphone Preamp is the world's most popular external tube microphone preamp. Whether you are working with a digital computer or analog recording system, the Tube MP's TEC award-nominated design will allow you to obtain professional recording studio results. The hybrid design of the Tube MP allows it to add warmth and fatness to a signal while maintaining exceptionally low-noise and high quality.

Its primary application is to be used with a microphone. However it's also an exceptional direct box, impedance matching, amplifying and improving the sound of any instrument plugged into it.

Variable voiced tube mic/instrument preamplifier

Review: Whether you're working with a computer, hard disk or digital multi-track recorder, the Tube MP's TEC award nominated design will allow you to obtain professional results at an affordable price.

The ART preamps offer warm tone, useful features and are innovatively designed. ART's line of Tube MP products add presence, clarity and fullness to any signal and is exceptionally low-noise. The ART Tube MP Studio V3 features V3 Technology (Variable Valve Voicing), which provides optimized reference points to begin the recording process. The V3 delivers a wide variety of settings designed for various microphones and DI inputs, including guitars, basses, keyboards, synths, electronic drums and much more. Don't settle for a copy-cat look-alike.

Go with the real thing, the Tube MP by ART.

Tube preamp and optical compressor, can be used as a mic/line preamp or as a DI (direct) box

Review: The Tube MP/C (PreAmplifier/Compressor) is a multi-purpose tool for audio engineering and recording. 2 x independent circuits featuring a tube-based analog preamplifier and a VCA-less compressor with optical gain reduction control are housed in one, convenient desk-top chassis. Used as a mic/line preamp or as a DI (direct) box, the Tube MP/C is designed to work seamlessly with any recording, sound-reinforcement, or electronic instrument setup. ART's Tube MP/C circuitry is a hybrid design utilizing the latest, most advanced, solid-state and tube technology.

The preamplifier's active balanced solid-state input provides extremely low noise and excellent common mode rejection. The 14" high impedance input prevents loading of any connected device making the Tube MP/C perfect for DI or line level applications. The preamplifier's second stage 12AX7a tube runs on a regulated DC voltage providing an additional 20 dB of gain.

The compression circuit features a VCA-less design and utilizes optical electronics (Vactrol) coupled with a 12AX7a vacuum tube gain stage for superior musical performance.

The specificaiton of the Tube MP/C:

CMMR: > 60 dB @ max gain
Equivalent input noise: -128dBu typical (A wtd., shorted XLR balanced input, gain @ max)
Frequency response: 30Hz - 60 kHz +/- 1 dB balanced output, 20 Hz - 60 kHz +/- 1dB 1/4" output
Input impedance: 1M Ohms 1/4" input, 5K Ohms XLR input
Input/output connections: input: XLR balanced or 1/4" balanced. Output: 1/4" unbalanced XLR balanced, transformer isolated
Maximum gain: +80 dB (balanced in-out, +64 dB (unbalanced input, balanced output)
Maximum input level unbalanced (Inst): +15 dBu, balancd (mic): +10 dBu
Maximum output level: +19 dBu (line mode)
Output impedance: XLR: <600 Ohms, 1/4": <300 Ohms
Low cut filter: -3 dB @ 70 Hz, 6 dB/Octave
Phantom power: switch selectable, +48V DC, filtered, current limited
Chassis type: all aluminum black anodized with integral rubber sides
Power requirements: 9V AC @ 1000mA (external)
Attack time: <1 ms (limit), 20 ms (comp.)
Release time: 150ms (fast), 20ms - 3s Program dependant (Auto)
Total harmonic distortion: <0.1% @ max gain
Tube type: hand selected 12AX7a
Compressor slope: 2:1 (comp.)/11:1 (limit)
Dimensions: 44.5mm H x 150mm W x 165mm D
Weight: 1.32kg
Notes: 0 dBu = 0.775V rms.

Project Series 2-channel preamplifier/computer interface with 2 x XLR cables

Review: The USB Dual Pre is a full-featured high quality dual portable preamplifier and computer interface packed into a compact rugged case.

It is designed to work over a wide variety of applications from remote field recording to desktop/studio tracking. Each of the 2 low noise input channels has up to 48 dB of clean gain with signal present and clip LED indicators. Inputs can be either XLR balanced or 1/4" TRS. Each of the 1/4" TRS outputs is buffered low impedance balanced.

The USB Dual Pre is powered via the USB bus. An internal 9V battery, or optional external 12V power supply (or any combination of USB, battery & power supply) can be used depending on application. When running powered by battery alone, you should expect in excess of 50 hours of operation with phantom power off. Battery life will drop to approximately 20 hours (depending on microphone) when phantom powering is engaged (still enough time to get through an average session).

The built-in low noise +48V phantom power supply allows you to power up to 2 microphones as well as the preamplifier when running from any power sources including the USB bus.

For monitoring, a 1/8" TRS mini headphone jack with level and monitor mix controls on the rear allow for latency free local monitoring of the inputs while recording as well as playback monitoring of the USB bus. The monitor mix is also routed to the 1/4" TRS balanced outputs. This lets you use the 1/4" outputs as either preamplifier outputs or as the monitor feed to your powered monitors.

The USB interface is fully compliant with the USB 1.1 specification and uses USB adaptive mode for playback and USB asynchronous mode for record. It will work with the USB audio device drivers built into Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP/Vista and Apple OS9.1/OSX computers with native USB support. No special drivers are needed.