A microphone preamp is used to amplify a low input voltage signal into high voltage signal, which can be used for various applications. It helps in increasing the gain of a microphone and makes the output more stable. A microphone preamp is also called mic preamp or sometimes mic pre. There are two basic types of microphone preamps: Solid state mic preamps and tube mic preamps. They both are used in different applications depending on their specifications.

Solid state microphone preamps use transistors or opamps for amplification. These preamps are generally more noise resistant than tube preamps. They are even resistant to their own self-noise. They are more transparent and cleaner than a tube preamp. Due to its transparent quality they lack a definitive sound which is present in the tube version. Solid state mic preamps have undergone evolutionary changes and have come out stronger each time. They produce low distortion and are highly stable.

Tube mic preamps are generally more expensive as compared to solid state preamps. They are a natural choice for vocalists as it helps to improve the tone quality, and helps in achieving a more natural and audio compression. Since no two voices are same, capturing the uniqueness in each voice with clarity is a tough job. But using a tube preamp the sonic character of the voice can be captured to enhance the vocal quality. The noise level is increased a bit, but it is inconsequential when you consider the sound quality. The sound from a tube preamp is characterized by its warmth, presence and clarity. Tube preamps should not be used in places where authentic reproduction of sound is required unless you are using class b Circuitry.

Some Tube Microphone Preamps

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Art Pro Channel Tube Mic Preamp    US $200.00

Vintage Sony Sra 3 Sra3 Tube Mic Line Preamp Recording    US $350.00

Art Pro Channel Tube Mic Preamp And Compressor With Eq    US $111.49

Bellari Rp220 Dual Tube Mic Preamp Rp 220 Proaudiostar    US $369.95

Art Pro Mpa 2 Channel Tube Mic Pre Amp    US $200.00

Art Tube Mic Gtr 2 Channel Pre Amp Perfect Condition    US $205.34

Universal Audio 2 610 Dual Tube Mic Preamp    US $1,300.00

New Presonus Studio Channel Tube Recording Mic Pre Amp    US $299.00

Presonus Tubepre Tube Mic Preamp New Extras    US $129.00

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The nature of distortion is what makes sound from two mic preamps different. Solid state circuits can sometimes run out of headroom when power supply voltage falls below output voltage. This results in a wayward distortion. In tube circuitry distortion makes the instruments more musical as they also produce primarily even harmonics as primary distortion do in tube preamps. Tube circuits always generate a certain amount of harmonic distortion. Low pass filtering of the sound leads to generation of what ids known as "tube warmth". Some preamps use a hybrid version, where both the preamps are used. The solid stage preamp is followed a by a tube stage, which helps in achieving better sound quality

Solid state pre amp helps drummers and guitarists and they need fast transient response times from their equipments. Solid state preamps tend to jump from low distortion to high distortion, which can be a good thing for drummers. If maintained at a maximum level, it can provide outstanding performance. Acoustic guitars require quality preamps and a solid state preamp is a better option. Tube preamps, basically transformerless, are more suited for vocalists. A tube preamp with warm midrange and smooth high frequencies often works best. One of the main applications of tube mic preamp is as a processing channel for microphone.

Both tube and solid state preamps when properly designed according to the needs your specification and budget can provide excellent results. If individually they cannot provide the output, then hybrid preamps can also be used.

There are many different methods employed to achieve this voltage amplification that is performed inside the microphone preamp and each one has an impact of the signal or sound quality that is a result. Many microphone preamps are vacuum tube based, transformer based, or even based on transformer less op amp designs. Some mic preamps even use a combination of technologies and offer the ability to switch transformers in and out of the signal paths needed. Each design has it own use and is a personal choice as to which sound is preferred.

The Micphone signal can never be improved upon rather it can only be degraded by the least amount, Which is why Class A equipment made only with the highest quality components are so highly sought after. The desired effect is to bring the microphone level up with the least amount of noise, static,  and unpleasant coloration as possible.

Many audio interfaces come with preamps built into them but they are created with cost savings in mind which often produces and inferior flat sound that is dull and lifeless. These differences may seem subtle to the untrained ear or when compared with an inappropriate monitoring source (such as head phones or a stereo system). Once multiple tracks are recorded with different instruments and all are played together the subtle differences become night and day transformations and each tracks dull and lifeless sound becomes amplified by the next track. This is the primary reason many home recording enthusiasts become discouraged and are unhappy with the results they achieve. By purchasing a professional quality microphone preamp they are in effect lifting the veil from their music and sound quality.

Originally Microphone Preamps were confined in large mixing consoles made by such companies as Neve, Amek, Api, Focusrite and others. As digital recording has become more prevalent the need for stand alone high quality microphone preamps has also increased. Many companies offer great class A equipment these days for much less than the large mixing consoles. These external mic pres come in a number of different channels or number of preamps for simultaneous mic recording. Common configurations include single channel, 2 channel (dual), 4 channel (Quad), and 8 channel preamps.

With the ability of over dubbing, just 1 single channel botique microphone preamp is needed and each and every track that is recorded from vocals to guitar to bass can all benifit from the superior sound quality of that preamp.  Purchasesing a nice used microphone preamp is almost always a better decision than buying an equally priced new unit. One can often score deals on vintage equipment that has been restored or mixing consoles that have been parted out and racked into dedicated preamps.