Microphone Preamps Explained

This series is designed for those who are new to using microphone pre-amps and want to know about all the common features and controls found on mic pres, as well as how to set them up. It also touches on how the components and circuit design varies between units, and gives some sonic examples between an inexpensive “all-in-one” mic pre / audio interface and more expensive stand alone mic pres.

Videos

• Intro to Microphone Preamps (17:18) - Designed for the beginner, Scottie gives you a crash course on Mic Preamps. Learn all about what they do and how to hook them up.

• Why Microphone Preamps? (03:03) - Scottie now turns the videos over to his friend and colleague Brian Zieske's and his pro studio, where Brian talks more about preamps, how to use them, and why this link in the recording chain is so important.

• Features (02:45) - Go deeper into what exactly a microphone preamp does, and take a look at their features and functions.

• Impedance (04:49) - Learn exactly what this term means, as well as hear the what different impedance settings make on your microphones and their sound.

• You Get What You Pay For (05:35) - Discover why people spend $1000 or more on a piece of hardware that just makes things louder. Watch and find out!

• Types of Preamps (02:57) - Preamps come in all types of flavors. Brian goes over each type of preamp, their differences, and what you can expect from using the different types of preamps.

• Mic Pres on Electric & Acoustic Guitars (13:49) - Now take a listen to an electric and acoustic guitar through various microphone preamps, and what each does to their sound. (High quality monitoring or headphones recommended.)

• Mic Pres on Rhodes & Synths (12:24) - Experience what different mic pre amps sound like on a Fender Rhodes piano and a Roland Juno 60 synthesizer. (High quality monitoring or headphones recommended.)

• Mic Pres on Bass & Vocals (09:28) - Bass and Vocals are next, and microphone preamps really make a big difference on these 2 sources. See and hear the sounds! (High quality monitoring or headphones recommended.)

• Mic Pres on Drums (05:40) - Now you?ll finish up the preamp critical listening videos with everyone's favorite, the drums. (High quality monitoring or headphones recommended.)

• Gain Structure (06:27) - Wrapping it up, you'll learn why proper Gain Structure is one of the most important parts of the recording process, and how it's often overlooked. After watching you'll know how to properly set your mic pre's gain level to maximize your recording signal and get a great sound.