Channel Strip vs. Mic Pre Amp

  • Thread starter Thread starter fin13
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fin13

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Hi guys.

Been a while since I've been on here...

I want to upgrade my mic knowledge since I seem to be getting heavier in to them of late. Wondering if someone can help me or direct me to the right place.


Trying to figure out what a "Channel Strip" is and how it's different from a "Microphone Preamp".


If someone could point me in the right direct to understand this in layman's terms that'd be great...

Thanks so much,
JennyFin13
 
A mic preamp is required to amplify the signal from a microphone to a level suitable for use with other gear. These are be built into lots of equipment, and can also bought as standalone units.

A channel strip is a single unit will generally include a mic preamp, as well as some signal processing sections (e.g. EQ, gate, compressor).

The name comes from the idea that its like a single strip from a big analog mixing console, which would also include an input stage (preamp) plus some processing.
 
Channel strips are convenient in that they give you access to all their various functions - mic pre, eq, compression are typical examples - without having to patch in or out. The big downside of them is that should any function fail, you lose the use of the entire unit while repairs are being made. Give me separate boxes for separate functions everytime.
 
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Ruskin speaks sooth. One thing with a channel strip- if you buy cheap, it has to suck. Too many circuits...While there are some attractive multi-function cheap boxes that look good, like ART, the cheapest channel strip I've seen that was worth buying is the Joemeek twinQ. It works for me, within its limitations. (and mine). It's a dual channel strip, which is handy for stereo recording. The Avalon 737, though it will get picked on by some of the high and mighty, is a lovely channel strip that almost any studio would use on something.
If you want to see the high end, go to Mercenary.com and do a search on "channel strip".
PMI Audio builds another channel strip, Toft ATC-2. I consider it an equivalent of the twinQ, but with a different sound. The twinQ is sort of bluesy, and the ATC-2 has more of that Grace101-"just the facts. Ma'am", sort of sound. The only time I wish I had the Toft is for remote stereo recording, especially Classical and Early music. The Joe meek is a pretty good basic vox box.-Richie
 
I wanted to say thanks a lot for all the help. Very appreciated! I learned a lot from the few posts...I can now say I know the difference and know what to look for.

Thanks again :)
JennyFin
 
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