Input Versus Output?

An important thing to consider when buying a preamp is the input vs. output gain. It is better to choose a preamp that has a better output gain because preamps with a high input gain tend to distort the signal. As the ultimate goal of using a preamp is to boost sound quality, the usage of the latter is contradictory to that goal and should be avoided.

Tube Or Solid State? What’s The Difference?

One point that always seems to divide people is whether they should use a tube or solid state preamps. People who use tube preamps says they are among the most reliable devices on the planet and give the audio signal a better feel by smoothening sharp sounds. On the other hand, people who use solid state preamps say that the tubes have to be replaced periodically and also claim that these preamps have low distortion and offer better control over bands such as bass and treble.

Then there are hybrid preamps that provide the best of both worlds i.e. they have both tube and solid state components. This makes the task of choosing a preamp even more challenging, and I advise you closely to consider the pros and cons of every type of preamp before making your choice.

Single Or Multi-Channel Preamps?

Furthermore, the debate between which is better when it comes to the number of channels supported by a preamp still wages on. Some people prefer single-channel preamps because they need just one microphone for their recording purposes. On the other hand, others prefer dual-channel preamps because they have two mic preamps in one enclosure. Multichannel preamps are the go-to choice for professional studios because they need to mix more sounds together.

Basic Preamp Versus Channel Strip?

It is also important to understand whether you need a basic preamp or a channel strip. For those of you who are unaware, a channel strip is any preamp that has additional signal processing circuitry integrated into its core. A channel strip allows you to amplify the output of an audio signal to your desired level. The preamp you choose must also have the signal processing tools you need. Generally speaking, all channel strips come with essential signal processing tools like an audio enhancer and a compressor. However, there are only a few that offer options like background noise cancellation and suppression and signal modulation. To make things easier for you, I have compiled a list of the best microphone preamps.