What to Upgrade First - Microphone or Mic Preamp

Affiliate link options below.

Please know that by using any of the links below helps me continue with the channel as if you choose to buy from any of the links below I will get a small commission.

[noki]

Always helpful Barry. Don't worry about those who hate. Usually it's just people that feel the need to put others down because they're not doing things themselves and need to justify why to themselves. Keep doing whatever it is you want to do in videos

[calvinyeh]

Thank you Barry for sharing these valuable mindset of upgrading gears!

[YorenM]

Amazing video man, thanks! Wish it was a bit longer ;)

[savoirfaire]

This video introduced a new concept for me: the importance of pairing mics with preamps.

[EndlessMeece]

In the video you did 2 weeks ago about preamps, you peered into my soul when you said (roughly quoted), "If you're still just starting out, it's likely you still haven't encountered microphone pre-amps yet in your journey."

You got me =(

I have a few dynamic mics and one AKG condensor for vocals. Had no idea I was missing a step until I saw that video.

I am not worthy!

[maximivanov]

Looking forward for your thoughts on microphone choice

[Handdu]

Seriously, simply outstanding information video. As a beginner, this type info is highly refreshing.

[tekkau]

This is very helpful . Now I can upgrade my mic confidently. Thanks a lot man !

[Shipwrckdntweetin]

And I call myself an audio/mic enthusiast and never came across your channel!🤬👊🏽
Good stuff. Thx for sharing with us.

[AMGOSUK]

Nice Vid -- "surely" is depends on what you have, what you are playing and what you are seeking to do -- but it all starts with the first tool in the chain - the Mic -- So I agree.
On Microphones - Studio recording of Vocal and Acoustic Instruments (xcl base and drums) - seek specs like Max. SPL <144 dB, S/N Ratio 79+ dB, and Sensitivity 10+ mV/Pa -- like the Newmann TLM 102 or KM 184. Or the KM 184+KMA for live. THEN look at the cables you are using, including their length and any interference. THEN the pre or the interface and how you bring the signal you are recording into your process.

[TheAudioCzar]

I agree with you Barry. I'd rather have a nicer mic into a interface preamp. Though a bit of a gear snob and don't use interface pres, it's very possible to get good results from interface pres. I was impressed with the Audient preamps when I reviewed the Evo8

[Audiophile_Maniac]

I am using a US$200 budget tube mic preamp (Alesis MicTube Solo) with a US$300 budget microphone (Rode S1 handheld). However, I swapped the stock tube for a US$200 Telefunken ECC83 vacuum tube. The budget microphone sounds like a US$1800 Microphone. My conclusion is upgrading to a tube mic preamp is more important!

[FerFonsek]

Then what would you choose for a first upgrade, do it all workhorse, good sounding mic

[LouisLuzuka]

*subbed* much love from Vancouver Canada you have really clean looking videos and sound is amazing :D

[beautifulknowledge]

Great topic!! Great advice!! Thanks again Barry!! I have a TLM103 with an Apollo twin and an MXL. Thanks for the short video lol 😂

[shahrozattari]

You're the best sir..❤️❤️
From Pakistan

[toddgreenwood]

Love the ending. GOOD-BYE to you too.

[Weonlyknewoneway]

Upgraded from scarlett 2i2 to Rme babyface pro fs, Sony C100, arturia 1073 plugin, softube cl1b, and auto tune pro X

[BobbyCrane]

I have a TLM 103 and a 610B preamp, I also will sometimes use the UAD unison Neve 1073.

Should I go with a real neve preamp next? Or get the U87?

Please help me 😅

[ThemFuzzyMonsters]

Transducers are always the most important elements: mics & monitors.