If you're relatively new to recording, your rig may consist of a few mics, an interface, and not much else. But how can you make the signal coming from those mics sound richer, fuller, and more like the professional recordings you're trying to match? A proper external mic preamp is a wise choice.
You likely know that at least a few, if not all, of your audio interface's channels come equipped with a preamp already. But depending on their quality, built-in preamps can be less-than-ideal. A dedicated mic pre—which you can still use in conjunction with your existing interface—will often give you higher-quality sound, lower noise, more gain, and more additional features than those found on your interface.
In the video above, we look at 15 affordable preamps you can find on Reverb, while explaining some of the key terms, characteristics, and distinctions you'll come across in your search for the perfect preamp for your needs.
For more information—and to find all of the preamps featured in our video—check out our brand-new preamps buying guide.