Transformer vs. transformerless pre-amp

[crawdad]

I keep hearing these terms in regards to pre-amps, but they are meaningless to me. What is better? A transformer based pre (or mic) or a transformerless style. Or is it an apples and oranges type of thing. Are they by nature two different sounds?

I won't understand electronics terms, but I do know that a transformer basically changes something (voltage, impedance,. etc) so I would imagine that a really good transformer on a pre-amp would maintain the bandwidth of the signal. Beyond that, I am lost, folks.

Since I keep hearing these terms, it would be great for me--and others who don't know either--to hear the answer to this question. I send extreme thanks and gratitude in advance to any brave souls who can help to increase my understanding!

 

[chessrock]

Transformers color the sound. Good transformers will more often color it in a good way, and bad ones will usually color it in a bad way.

Transformerless preamps are usually noted for their accuracy and transparency.

 

[TexRoadkill]

Transformers are robots in disguise!

 

[notCardio]

Good one Tex!

Megatron is lying low, disquising himself as a Chinese microphone factory! Where are the Dino-bots when you need them?

Sorry, couldn't resist.

 

[Sonixx]

here's several...

transformers reject RF much better than transformerless inputs.

transformers exibibit certain non-linear loading characteristics that some mics like which give a characteristic sound that you just can't get otherwise (NEVE)

transformers are generally less transparent

transformer-less can be more sterile

 

[crawdad]

Thank you to all for the responses. I have a better idea now, at least from a shopping standpoint. I can see too that one of each would be desirable.

At this point, I have a goal to increase the quality of my studio and the tracks I cut. The first step was to round out my mic locker, which I've done, except for a pair of ECM8000's. My next purchase will be a Meek MQ3 (MQ3?). After that, I'm after a real transparent pre, so it will probably be a transformerless design. Then, I will be done with equipment buying for a while (he said with a foolish certainty!) Knowing the differences between the types of pre's helps a lot.

 

[Speeddemon]

Re: Good one Tex!

Megatron is lying low, disquising himself as a Chinese microphone factory! Where are the Dino-bots when you need them?

Sorry, couldn't resist.

I thought their adversaries were called Autobots?

How 'bout them Dinoriders? With that Krull-guy. He sounded that like the "Claw" from Inspector Gadget. "Go go gadget Mic Preamp!"

cheerz

 

[cordura21]

[OT] TexRoadkill...

Transformers are robots in disguise!

man, you made me laugh a lot!

Transformers, more tham meets the eye...