preamp

Many modern solid-state preamplifiers have eliminated the traditional input-coupling transformer altogether, and in many cases the output coupling transformer as well. This not only saves space, weight and money, but also offers a more direct route for the signal to … Read More

There are two basic types of electronic circuit topographies utilized for analog signal processing; solid-state (transistorized) and vacuum tube. The debate over which style sounds better will go on forever, but what it boils down to is taste and practicality. … Read More

A good preamplifier will have plenty of headroom. In other words, it won’t distort or change its tonal character if it is suddenly required to handle an instantaneously loud signal. The preamp should sound clean and unencumbered, regardless of the … Read More

The more gain a preamplifier is called on to produce, the harder it is to keep noise down. Even with modern electronic advancements, designing ultra-low noise preamps is no easy trick. Manufacturers need to invest a considerable effort in the … Read More

Ribbon microphones need to be mated to preamplifiers with suitable input impedance. An impedance mismatch will degrade the performance of any ribbon mic.  A ribbon microphone needs to be paired with a preamplifier that has high enough input impedance that … Read More

Ribbon microphones produce low level electrical signals and need preamplifiers with enough gain to amplify that signal without degrading it.  The preamplifier you use needs to have enough gain to amplify the microphone to a suitable level to efficiently drive … Read More

All ribbon microphones, regardless of brand, share certain fundamental characteristics and have similar preamplifier requirements. The only exceptions are active ribbon microphones, which are similar in operation (but not in sound) to modern phantom powered condenser microphones. The two most … Read More