Confused about Preamps

[JBr33zyMusic]

I understand that Preamps change the mic's quality but I don't understand how to connect it to a mixer. What would I need to do that? I have an Alesis Multimix 6 usb and I was looking at the MAudio DMP3. What exactly would I need?

 

[Steenamaroo]

Ok, According to their site, your unit has "Six 1/4-inch line-level inputs, and two XLR inputs with gain trim"

The xlr inputs go through built in preamps, while the line level inputs do not.

Your dmp3 has a line level output, so you connect its output to one of the six line inputs on your multimix.

The signal is balanced so you're looking for a TRS cable.

 

[JBr33zyMusic]

So I plug my mic into the pre amp, then take the TRS cable and connect it to my interface?

 

[Bobbsy]

Yup. The pre-amp does exactly what it says on the tin...it amplifies the microphone level signal (generally around -50 to -60dBu) up to line level (around 0dBu) which you can then plug into any live level input on a mixer or interface. This would be with a TRS to TRS cable on the vast majority of pre-amps, mixers and interfaces though there are occasional exceptions.