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The term microphone preamplifier can either refer to the electronic circuitry within a microphone, or to a separate device or circuit that the microphone is connected to. In either instance, the purpose of the microphone preamplifier is the same.




Technical detailsEdit



In addition to providing gain for the microphone signal, a microphone preamplifier as found in a sound mixer or as a discrete component typically also provides power to the microphone in the form of Phantom power.

In useEdit

A microphone is a transducer and as such is the source of much of the coloration of an audio mix. Most audio engineers would assert that a microphone preamplifier also affects the sound quality of an audio mix. A preamplifier might load the microphone with low impedance, forcing the microphone to work harder and so change its tone quality. A preamplifier might add coloration by adding a different characteristic than the audio mixer's built-in preamplifiers. Some microphones, for example condensers, must be used in conjunction with an impedance matching preamplifier to function properly.



  • Ballou, Glen; Gene Patronis; Mahlon Burkhard (1987). "Amplifiers". Handbook for Sound Engineers: The New Audio Cyclopedia. Indianapolis, Indiana: Howard W. Sams & Co. ISBN 0-672-21983-2.