What is a mic preamp?

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PokerDude422

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Ive been reading up on recording techniques and I keep reading about how I should use a mic pre amp. What exactly is it and what does it do?
 
It takes the small signal from a mic and amplifies it to line level. Line level is what all the other equipment in the studio runs at line level.
 
is it neccessary for recording if you can edit it to be the right level on the computer?
 
PokerDude422 said:
is it neccessary for recording if you can edit it to be the right level on the computer?

every mic will need a preamp. the stock sound card on your computer has a "mic in" with a generic preamp in it.
The output level of a microphone is too low for your gear to use (and your speakers to reproduce)...so you need to boost it louder.
 
PokerDude422 said:
Ive been reading up on recording techniques and I keep reading about how I should use a mic pre amp. What exactly is it and what does it do?
A MIC PRE IS A NECESSITY!!! NOT AN OPTION!!!
 
thanks for the tweak link ill check that out, and i am still kinda confused on the pre amp thing, is a soundboard considered a pre amp or what?
 
PokerDude422 said:
thanks for the tweak link ill check that out, and i am still kinda confused on the pre amp thing, is a soundboard considered a pre amp or what?

anything that has an amplifer in it can be considered a preamp.
it amplifies the signal BEFORE passing it on somewhere else.

A guitar plugs into an amplifier
Your speakers have an amplifier in them
Microphones need an amplifier
 
bennychico11 said:
anything that has an amplifer in it can be considered a preamp.
it amplifies the signal BEFORE passing it on somewhere else.

A guitar plugs into an amplifier
Your speakers have an amplifier in them
Microphones need an amplifier

well thats pretty simple, thanks
 
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