M-Audio Audio Buddy Budget Microphone Preamp - Preamplifier Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a great preamp for the price. Small, rugged, looks good too. It comes with two channels, each one taking either XLR or 1/4" instrument inputs. The XLR is low impedance, the 1/4" is high impedance. Sound output is uncolored and quiet. Signal is strong and clear.
If you have a microphone with a 1/4" plug, switch to an XLR cord instead -- the low impedance on the XLR input means you'll get a much stronger and clearer signal. Plugging in a guitar works well except for noise from the cord and guitar itself which only shows up when using distortion effects via computer software. You can use a noise gate or notch filter between your guitar and the preamp if necessary, then follow up with a software noise gate to remove hiss. This is not necessary for just chorus, flanger, or reverb software effects...then the AudioBuddy is perfect. If you want distortion, just mic your guitar amp...place your mic three or four inches away and set the preamp gain.
Unfortunately, the supplied phantom power is only 41V instead of 48V so it might not work with some condenser microphones. That's why I'm giving it four stars instead of five. I haven't tried any condensers yet to know which ones work with the AudioBuddy and which do not. If you already have an external phantom power supply, then no need to worry.
My setup is a dynamic mic into preamp into 12" powerbook's line-in jack. You can do stereo recording this way with the proper cord, just a 3.5mm stero male to two 1/4" mono male. Recommended microphone would be anything between $60 and $100 such as the Shure SM57/SM58 or the cheaper condensers like Behringer B1 or MXL990 (although I have heard people using these condensers with the Audio Buddy, I haven't tried them yet myself...but will soon).
Overall I am happy with this preamp. It is more reliable than a tube preamp and has less noise as well.

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M Audio Audio Buddy Microphone Preamp; You won't find a better preamp for a price like this! The M Audio Audio Buddy is an extremely quiet, phantom powered dual mic preamp and direct box, designed to accurately interface mics and guitar to line level PC sound cards. If you're looking for a whole lot of preamp on a tight budget, you'll see where the popular Audio Buddy gets its name. Affordability and performance make the Audio Buddy one of the most popular mic preamps in home recording today. You get professional microphone support along with line inputs impedance-matched for ideal performance with electric guitar and bass. Simply put, the Audio Buddy is a workhorse mic preamp that sounds great and won't hurt your budget. M Audio Audio Buddy Features 2 independent XLR, fully balanced inputs 2 alternate, independent 1/4 inch unbalanced inputs Separate gain controls for each of the two preamplifiers Individual signal and clipping LEDs for each of the preamplifiers XLR phantom power can be switched on and off for both of the Mic preamps Phantom power LED indicator Dual purpose independent 1/4 inch balanced TRS outputs Super-small size Extremely quiet preamp With the tremendous proliferation of PC based recording systems there has arisen a new need to interface mics and guitar to line level PC sound cards. Introducing Audio Buddy, the ultra quiet, phantom powered dual mic preamp and direct box. Audio Buddy is the perfect companion piece for any digital audio system. It's the ideal audio gateway for recording the two most significant, non-line level instruments: microphones and electric guitars. AmericanMusical.com is an authorized dealer of M Audio products.

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Studio Projects VTB1 Variable Tube Studio Mic Preamp Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a budget preamp, but probably the best in the price range.
It is made to go especially well with the Studio Projects C1 mic.
But it has all-round applications, including guitar and bass as well as mics.
It's HOW you use it (with caution & restraint on vocals, somewhat
less restraint on Git & bass), that counts most of all.
Watch distortion/noise levels carefully, as with ANY preamp,
avoid extreme settings on most vocals (except special FX), & you should do well.
The tube blend "smooths-out" detail somewhat. I don't use it
on vocals much, just git & bass, where it often works well.
The fact about preamps is this:
The biggest, and cheapest, improvement in sound, with preamps in general,
is going from NO preamp to just USING a preamp.
In other words,
moving from NO preamp to say, A VTB1, used skillfully with your
modest studio cardioid condenser mic, will get you at least 50 to maybe
80% of the way to "great fidelity". (Those are my "fuzzy numbers" for illustration).
It's Getting up to 95-99% fidelity that takes the real $$$$$$$$$$$, and names
like Avalon, Neumann, Telefunken, Manley and Grace start popping up.
But the SP VTB1 gets the job done for the home recordist without big buck$,
but maybe a reasonably decent condenser mic or 2,
and the patience and focus to use 'em effectively.

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The Studio Projects VTB1 is an outstanding, full-featured tube mic preamp at a knockout price! The Studio Projects VTB-1 is the ultimate in low cost mic preamplifier technology. Incorporating true class A/B switching, the VTB-1 is a totally discrete circuit. Unique to the VTB-1 is the 'Tube Drive' - a variable drive to a 12AX7, that lets you blend as little, or as much of the Tube Drive as you want. This gives the VTB-1 the most flexibility of any mic preamplifier in it's price class - from a pristine solid state sound, to any combination of Tube Drive you choose... even hard distortion for guitars and bass! The Studio Projects VTB-1 is a real 'must-have', and the perfect mic preamplifier for any microphone! Studio Projects VTB1 Features 48 Volt Phantom Power Phase Reverse Variable Input Gain Control On Detented Pot 1/4' D.I. Jack On Front Panel High Pass Filter Descrete Solid State Class A/B Design TRS Insert Mic/Line Switch VariableTube Blend On Detented Pot Meter Read Select Between Input and Output level Switchable Impedance between 50/200 Ohm 5 position LED metering XLR mic input Balanced outputs on XLR and 1/4' External AC Power Supply For extreme Low Noise Operation (Included) Output Gain Control On Detented Pot Studio Projects VTB1 Applications A superb vocal mic pre with warm transparent character Great for use as a Tube DI Box Great for production, broadcast, and voice over work Perfect for the professional and home project studio A quality vocal mic preamplifier suitable for all vocal styles AmericanMusical.com is an authorized dealer of Studio Projects products.

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ART Tube MP Project Series Tube Preamp Review

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(More customer reviews)The ART Tube MP Project Series Tube Preamp is a wonderfully hot-rodded version of Tube MP's original standalone mic preamp. It adds an 80 Hz filter to remove environmental rumble from HVAC fans, etc. The four LED input meter is very helpful in setup. My primary use of this unit is for soft-sell TV and Radio voiceovers, in which case I do not use the limit function as I keep the input fairly low to achieve a transparent sound. However, when doing imaging work for sports and oldies stations I crank up the input and engage the limit function for a nice, clean, more present output. In all instances, the mix of tube and solid state amplification processes give me a clean sound that is the rival of preamps costing many times more. I reccomend the TUBE MP Project Series preamp to anyone who wants to have a beautiful, warm sound within a budget.

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The Tube MP Project Series is a professional quality audio interface that lets you connect microphone, instrument, and line level signals to a mixer or other audio input. This hybrid design is the latest in a long line of ART tube preamps. ART took their Tube MP series and updated every aspect of the design, inside and out, while still maintaining a compact, reliable, and cost effective product. From the new all-aluminum stackable chassis to the precision LED level metering circuitry, they have improved virtually every aspect of our already successful Tube MP series.

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ART Tube MP Project Series Microphone Preamp Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This preamp is really a great value. Is it of a professional studio quality? No. But it produces very clean, noise free amplification and a level line out to plug into either a computers soundcard or an audio interface. The tube aspect of the pre is subtle but it's there. There are better solid state pres on the market but I can assure you that this pre is better than your onboard pre on either your interface or mixer. You'll notice an improvement over the warmth and smoothness of the tone you produce. I use this pre for both dynamic mics (SM57) and condensers (Golden Age Project FC1 Mk.ii)

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The ART Tube MP Project Series is a professional quality audio interface that lets you connect microphone, instrument, and line level signals to a mixer or other audio input. The Tube MP Project Series' hybrid design is the latest in a long line of ART tube preamps. They took their legendary Tube MP series and updated every aspect of the design, inside and out, while still maintaining a compact, reliable, and cost effective product. From the new all-aluminum stackable chassis to the precision LED level metering circuitry, ART have improved virtually every aspect of their already successful Tube MP series. The new ultra low noise discrete microphone preamp front end has an extremely flat and wide frequency response and handles a wide range of input signal levels with a minimum of coloration. This gives you a very clean and neutral sound with a wide variety of signal sources. The high impedance 1/4-inch instrument input bypasses the microphone preamp circuitry to maintain a clean signal path. ART uses a high quality 12AX7A tube inside to add warmth to musical dynamics and the power supply is external to keep AC line noise and hum back at the wall. ART Tube MP Project Series Features Extremely low noise discrete front end Up to 70dB of clean, musical gain High output signal drive capability Fast FET limiter to prevent overload Switch selectable input impedance Precision LED metering Built-in low noise, +48V phantom power supply XLR and 1/4-inch inputs and outputs Phase invert switch High cut filter switch Variable input and output controls Compact, stackable all aluminum chassis The input Gain control and switch help you to maximize your input dynamic range as well as control how hard you are driving the tube. Input impedance is switch selectable to optimize your microphone's response right on the front end. These two features are a must when trying to g

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ART Tube MP USB Project Series Tube Microphone Preamp With USB Review

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(More customer reviews)I got this preamp from B&H at a decent price. It came with USB connectivity for easy link-up to PC. I have not tried this yet, but it only adds a few dollars in price to the base ART Tube MP Project Series Preamp and should be worthwhile.
The tube circuit is quite good, adding noticeable warmth to the sound. The built-in phantom power supply works well with condenser mics. The gain and volume controls are flexible and the output is reasonably strong for such a small unit. Both the input and output ports accept either the XLR and 1/4" plugs, with the latter taking precedence when both are connected. Other than the phantom power and 20db gain buttons, there are four more controlling impedance, filter, limiter and phase, giving this little unit complete functionality of a preamp. Overall, a great value.

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The ART Tube MP USB is a professional quality audio interface that lets you connect microphone, instrument, and line level signals to audio inputs, digital audio workstations as well as standard analog devices. ART took the legendary Tube MP series and updated every aspect of the design, inside and out, while still maintaining a compact, reliable, cost effective product, and added a USB output. From the new all-aluminum stackable chassis to the precision LED level metering circuitry, ART has improved virtually every aspect of the already successful Tube MP series and added USB connectivity. ART Tube MP Project Series USB Features USB Interface Output Extremely Low Noise Discrete Front End Up to 70dB of Clean, Musical Gain High Output Signal Drive Capability Fast FET Limiter to Prevent Overload Switch Selectable Input Impedance Precision LED Metering Built-in Low Noise Phantom Power Supply Compact, Stackable all Aluminum Chassis XLR and 1/4 inch Inputs and Outputs Phase Invert Switch High Cut Filter Switch Variable Input and Output Controls USB (Universal Serial Bus) is a common hardware interface used for quick and easy connection of peripherals like the ART USB TUBE MP. The TUBE MP features a single Type B USB peripheral connector on the rear panel for outputting audio over USB to your computer. One of the nice features of USB is its Hot Swapping capability, allowing the Tube MP to be connected and disconnected without turning your computer off. The ART USB TUBE MP is fully USB 1.1 compliant, operating under Windows 98SE or newer, and Mac OS 9.1 or newer. The new ultra low noise discrete microphone preamp front end has an extremely flat and wide frequency response and handles a wide range of input signal levels with a minimum of coloration. This gives

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PreSonus Tubepre Single-Channel Vacuum Tube Mic Pre Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a great starter preamp.
When i first started recording i was using an akg perception 200 and tascam 122L. the 122 is a decent interface but is almost too transparent for its own good. All of my vocal recordings sounded lifeless and detached.
I purchased this inexpensive preamp and found that it certainly did add the subtle harmonics needed to liven up the tone.
I read online that many people thought that while this preamp is decent for the price, merely switching out the stock chinese vacuum tube can really enhance its tone. So I went to G***** C***** and purchased a replacement russian made groove tubes preamp tube and WOW, It really did make a huge difference!(the entire tube switching process took me about 4 minutes, i had never done such a thing before but it was very easy)
So while this is a nice little preamp, a simple $20 upgrade took the quality way above and beyond what you get out of the box.

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The TubePRE is the highest quality vacuum tube preamp in its class. Loaded with PreSonus award winning dual servo preamplifier, the TubePre affordably delivers low noise tube warmth for vocals, guitars, bass guitars, synths and sound modules. The TubePre noticeably outperforms preamps in low cost mixers and recording interfaces making it an easy choice for anyone desiring to enhance their recordings with the magic of tubes.

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ART Tube MP Studio Mic Preamp Review

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(More customer reviews)+ REVIEW +
This is really an excellent little preamp for the money. It's quiet as a mouse, built like a sherman tank, and has some nice little features like an output limiter, phase reverse, a -20db pad, and of course, 48V phantom power for your condenser mic. Great for boosting a quiet source like an electric guitar or a condenser mic, but don't expect it to give you crazy tube warmth like you'd find on higher end units. It's more like a DI box with just the slightest bit of tube character. I've used this thing for vocals and guitar mostly, and in both cases it provides super silent amplification of my signal. My only complaint is that it doesn't push the signal quite as hard as I'd like to get a good level going into my DAW (Garageband or Logic 8).
+ COMPARE TO: Presonus TubePre +
PreSonus Tubepre Single-Channel Vacuum Tube Mic Pre
The only thing keeping me from recommending it over something like the PreSonus TubePre (despite the fact that I gave the TubePre 3 stars instead of the 4 I've given to the ART) is that it's hard to get a high enough level out of the ART -- I've maxed out the volume controls for both input and output with my AT4040 ($300) mic. In contrast, the Presonus TubePre provides a little more gain and allows you to control the amount of signal being sent to the tube via a separate "drive" knob. This is nice because you can boost the signal using the solid state portion, and then add the tube in as desired to color the sound a bit.
+ HOW TO: Replace the tube +
This can be a bit intimidating to some people but it's super easy and you'd have to be pretty clumsy to do any damage. Tubes are meant to be swapped -- they're engineered in such a way that they're very easy to replace. If you don't like the way the MP sounds out of the box, replace the cheap piece of junk tube it comes with. Try a Sovtek 12ax7 or any of the JJ tubes, either of which will cost about $12 at your local music store or Guitar Center. To install it, just remove all of the screws and unscrew the hex nuts around the line level input jacks. Gently rock the top part of the unit it opens like a book. Be careful because there is some wiring near the "spine" of the "book" and you don't want to rip it apart. Rock the tube back and forth until it comes out. Don't be afraid to apply counter pressure and tug on the tube fairly hard to get it moving -- you won't hurt it. Pop the new tube in, put the screws back in, and you're ready to rock. If you're freaked out by the process, as someone at a local guitar shop to give you a hand but don't let them charge you more than $5 because replacing a tube is really not a difficult task.

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The original Tube MP made pro-caliber tube preamping available to ordinary musicians and home studios. The MP Studio goes a step further by adding a VU meter for better level control and ART's OPL (Output Protection Limiter), which controls and maintains the output peak signal to protect hard-disk recording systems and soundcards. The VU meter reflects the impact of the OPL circuitry when it is activated, which allows more effective fine tuning of the audio signal. It is a valuable tool for recording in project and home studios and can also function as a DI box with impedance matching and preamplification for line-level sources. Includes a 3-year warranty.

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Behringer MIC100 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier with Limiter Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I use it to record vocals and guitar into an audigy 2 zs sound card using an SM58 mic. The sound is good enough for getting my ideas down and making songs demos. To expect something noise free at this price is just stupid.
If you want high end quality you are going to have to pay for it.


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Tubes can really warm up a signal fast, giving it depth and character. Though transistors have succeeded the technology, many musicians agree that tubes deliver superior sound. BEHRINGER's TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC100 gives anything from microphones to acoustic or bass guitars that vintage tube vibe in a dependable, affordable package.

Put A Little Tube In Your Tone The MIC100 is perfect for studio and live applications. The balanced 1/4" TRS and gold-plated XLR inputs and outputs give you maximum flexibility in either scenario. It derives its personality from a hand-selected 12AX7 tube with UTC technology for superior tube character and low-noise operation. The MIC100 is great for eliminating the "dull" sound of standard digital recorders and sound cards. And thanks to onboard +48 V phantom power and 20dB pad, it can also add warmth to condenser microphones. When used as a high-end DI box, you get outstanding signal integrity.
Two cool vintage-style knobs control gain and output. There's also a switch for phase reverse and a limiter to prevent overloading the MIC100. An 8-segment LED meter provides accurate monitoring of output levels.
XLR or 1/4-Inch The MIC100 features balanced inputs and outputs, with both 1/4-inch TRS and gold-plated XLR connectors.
What's in the Box Behringer MIC100, Power Supply, User's Manual

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