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

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).

USB microphone cable connects any dynamic microphone to USB port for recording

Review: The ART XConnect USB Microphone Cable provides an easy way to directly connect any dynamic microphone to your computer's USB port for convenient recording without any extra equipment. The output of the XConnect is a studio quality 16bit, 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz digital audio signal. No special drivers are required, just plug and play with your Windows PC or Mac.

Simply plug the XLR connector into your microphone and the USB connector into your computer. That's all there is to it. The first time you connect your XConnect to your computer, all the necessary drivers will be automatically installed and the cable will then be ready to use. The XConnect may be used with any recording software that supports USB audio devices.

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.

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-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.

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.

Ultra compact microphone modeling preamp

Review: Tubes can really warm up a signal fast, giving it depth and character. Thanks to digital VTC technology, the Behringer Minimic Mic800 emulates the tube warmth of a variety of tube mic preamps, all in one feather-light package.

This ultra-compact 9.5" microphone modeling preamp gives your vocals, guitars, bass or keys low-noise tube-like warmth both in the studio and on stage. It perfectly complements studio-grade condenser mics, and its ultra-flexible preamp modeling allows you to quickly optimize your recordings. You can choose between 16 preamp voicings designed for electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards, bass guitars, drums, vocals etc. The Mic800 is equipped with Behringer's sophisticated output limiter, which prevents the output signal from being distorted. A dedicated low cut filter eliminates unwanted noise such as floor rumble. Onboard +48 V phantom power and 20 dB pad are provided for utmost flexibility, plus a vintage-style VU meter enables precise level indication. Behringer's renowned ultra low-noise audio operational amplifiers provide outstanding sound performance. In addition, all Mini Series models can be stacked to create an ultra-compact signal processing solution.

3-channel microphone mono mixer, with UK version power supply

Review: You need to add 3 x mics to a mixer, which only has one available channel. Just insert a ProMIX between the mics and the mixer. Each mic channel on the ProMIX has both phantom power and low-frequency cut selectable via DIP switches plus a level control. The balanced XLR line output can be connected to a mic input on the mixer and headphones or a powered monitor can be connected to the phone/aux output. And if AC power is not available, the ProMIX runs on batteries as well.

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.

4-channel microphone preamplifier

Review: The market size for digital audio interfaces and computer based digital editing has increased in a massive way. With systems available at very low prices, more and more users are utilizing this technology.

One of the main problems with many of these systems is the input stage only consisting of unbalanced line inputs or very low (or no mic pre) gain structure for the balanced input stage and the unavailability of phantom power. The Q-Pre comes to the rescue with 4 channels of balanced input, with a full range of gain control from -20 dB to +40 dB and phantom power switchable for channel 1 and 2 (in pairs).

The unit is housed in a stylish extruded aluminium external chassis that can be rack-mounted using SM Pro Audio's Q-Rack rack-mount adaptor.

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.

Single-channel 12AX7 tube preamplifier/DI box

Review: PreSonus have been designing preamps for a long time, and they always focus on audio quality first. So when PreSonus decided to upgrade their popular TubePre V2, PreSonus focused on improving an already high-quality soundiwithout jacking up the price. Like the original TubePre, the new version is a fully professional tube preamp, with a dual-servo (no capacitors) gain stage that lets you boost the program signal to smoking hot levels without significantly increasing the background noise. Discrete components and high-voltage operation offer dynamic range and detail not found in other single-channel tube preamps in its class.

But the TubePre V2 provides an even wider palette of sound options, and a much more focused tube saturation, than the original TubePre. It has been upgraded to employ PreSonus' popular XMAX Class A solid-state preamp, which is followed in the signal path by a 12AX7 vacuum-tube stage. Twist the TubePre V2 Drive saturation control to add the "color" that only a hand-selected 12AX7 vacuum tube can deliver i from gentle warmth to total fuzz.

Housed in a rugged case, the TubePre V2 rear panel sports separate unbalanced, 1/4" instrument and balanced, XLR mic inputs and unbalanced 1/4" and balanced XLR line outputs. PreSonus have included all of the extras you need for professional operation including a high-pass filter, phantom power for condenser mics, polarity reverse switch, and a backlit VU meter.

The TubePre V2 is more than a mic preamp, though. Thanks to its separate instrument and mic inputs, it also serves as a dynamite direct box (DI) for guitars and basses. And it's small enough to carry almost anywhere, although you also can screw-mount it to a standard rack tray.

So if you are a fan of PreSonus' original TubePre, you're going to love the improved TubePre V2. And if you are checking out the TubePre for the first time, your ears are in for a real treat. Then check out the amazing low priceibut sit down first because you're in for a shock. Because with PreSonus, big sound does not have to cost big bucks.

2-channel tube/solid-state preamplifier

Review: PreSonus' popular Class A XMAX preamps are widely lauded for their clarity and transparency. The tube preamps are beloved for their warm, smooth sound. With the Blue Tube DP V2 dual-path mic/instrument preamp, you get both types of high-quality sound in one unit.

Now PreSonus have improved on the classic unit with the BlueTube DP V2. The solid-state path now feeds PreSonus' top-of-the-line Class A XMAX mic preamplifier with 80dB of variable gainian upgrade from the original BlueTube DP's solid-state stage.

The tube path features a 12AX7 tube that operates on voltages double that of other preamplifiers in its class, producing lots of headroom and big tone. PreSonus have done an assortment of other tweaks as well. The result: the BlueTube DP V2 offers lower noise, more high-end clarity, and an even smoother tube sound than its predecessor.

You still get all the secondary features you expect in a professional-grade preamp: 48V phantom power, an 80 Hz high-pass filter, -20 dB pad to control hot input signals, and a polarity-reverse switch. Each channel has an illuminated VU meter so you can visually monitor your input levels. A Tube Drive control provides a wide range of sounds: when it's clicked off, you're using the solid-state preamp for quiet, transparent amplification; when it's engaged, your signals flow through the tube preamp, and you can achieve anything from gentle warmth to edgy distortion.

With 2 x combo mic/instrument inputs, the half-rackspace BlueTube DP V2 is a great choice for guitars and basses as well as for vocals. Singer-songwriters can run their vocal through one channel and their guitar through the other, feeding both to the PA ino guitar amp needed. It also serves as a DI box, thanks to balanced XLR and unbalanced 1/4" outputs, and is housed in a new, rugged, 1/2U case.

Try the BlueTube DP V2 as a front end for a DAW, too; sure, your recording interface might already include preamps, but few of them give you both tube and solid-state operation.

PreSonus have also updated the preamp's compact, rugged enclosure; it has more rounded edges and looks modern and sleek. It can be used as a desktop unit or it can be screw-mounted to a standard rack tray. And despite the improvements, PreSonus deliver the BlueTube DP V2 for essentially the same price as the original BlueTube DP.

So get the new and improved version of the most versatile, best-sounding mic/instrument preamplifier in its price range: the BlueTube DP V2.

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.

8-channel microphone preamps + A/D converter

Review: With 8 channels of Focusrite microphone preamplification, 8 VCA-based Red 3-derived compressors and built-in 24bit/96 kHz digital inputs and outputs, the OctoPre MkII Dynamic is Focusrite's feature-rich expansion upgrade for any digital audio workstation. It's equally an ideal expansion for any analogue or digital console, or hard disk recorder.

Digital inputs and outputs let you make the most of often-neglected ADAT I/O; ideal for expanding the number of mic pre inputs on your interface or for providing analogue monitoring from any digital ADAT feed.

With this entire package fitting into a single 1U chassis complementing Focusrite's Saffire PRO range, and all controls adjustable from the front fascia, OctoPre MkII Dynamic sets the standard for modern, compact, multi-channel recording expansions.

The OctoPre MkII Dynamic features the best internal clock generator in its class, with a jitter performance of +/- 20PPM. Its on-board BNC Word Clock input and output can supply a master-clock-grade sync signal to other digital devices in your system, or it can connect to an external clock generator, where its built-in JetPLL jitter-attenuation circuitry ensures the highest audio quality is maintained.