Mic Preamp question...

[Tyler22]

Hi,
I am looking to upgrade my microphone soon and I just have a question for you guys.

Is a mic preamp really necessary for recording?

If I understand correctly, all a mic preamp does is amplify the mic signal for better processing.

Well if I am already getting a good signal can I just go without a mic preamp?

I am Using a MXL 990 for recording right now, and I am plugging it into a Digitech XV400. The VX400 is supplying the phantom power for the mic.



One more thing, what is a great microphone to get for about $600. And would a mic of that price be much better than the MXL 990? Thanks a lot.


M-Audio Delta 44
Cubase SX 3
MXL 990
Digitech VX400

 

[scrubs]

I can't find where that digitech has phantom power, but I'll take your word for it. Essentially, you are correct in saying that a preamp primarily supplies gain. Since your digitech does that, it contains a preamp section for the mic. So, no, you don't need an additional preamp for recording if the gain from the digitech is sufficient. Quality of amplification is another issue, and wholly subjective.

 

[LeeRosario]

Is a mic preamp really necessary for recording?
If I understand correctly, all a mic preamp does is amplify the mic signal for better processing.

Well if I am already getting a good signal can I just go without a mic preamp?

Well if your getting signal without a preamp, then chances are there's a preamp somewhere in that signal flow. And not just in the studio, but throughout your home.

You'll find them in consoles, various types of mixers, car stereos, home audio...the best preamp known to man is the very ones in our ears. Historically, the preamp was the greastest thing since slice bread, man!

You can't hear a signal like that without a preamp. In very basic signal flow theory, you're going to see a preamp towards the begining of the life of that signal. The most basic (and cleanest) being from mic, straight to preamp.

The preamp is obsolutely essential to boosting that signal. The mic can only receive that acoustic information and turn it into an electric charge.

But that charge will be too small to work with. The preamp is the obsolute critical step to boosting that charge into something we can hear clearly. That's what we call "line level".

The worst "working" preamp in the world will have problems with just about everything in that process. Distortion, noise, buzz, hum, loss of clarity, loss of dynamic range. The better ones, well you get the picture.

You're gonna need a preamp, if you don't already accidently have one.

 

[chessrock]

...the best preamp known to man is the very ones in our ears.

... Unless, of course, you're deaf. Which, I suppose, is stating the obvious.

My ears have a Spider in them. Cransesong.

.

 

[DavidK]

And would a mic of that price be much better than the MXL 990?

Depends on the mic The MXL 990 is OK, it's not particularly a good mic but it works. It sounds like you are in a box.