This is a really great introduction to preamps, and the only thing I felt was missing was audio examples of the ways in which different preamps affect the sound of various inputs. I know that's probably beyond the scope of what you aimed to do here, but I think a companion video with examples like that would be instructive in a very helpful way.
i also love this guy. we are now a e-love triangle. and now i hear the music from the 80s playing (in my head) every time i see you falling i get down doo doo do do do do
Just discovered these. Very good indeed. Just the right amount of 'tech' talk and an easy pace. I don't mind learning by listening, but others might like a graphic or two along the way.
The average newbies will ask the same question. If all they have is an amplifier. Do I want a preamp? Or do I want a signal processor. I'm surprised you did not speak on that question. I heard it every day when I was selling audio equipment. Almost forgot, can i just use my mixer ?
Why do they keep being referenced as mic preamps, and always microphones are mentioned, making it seem as that’s the only device type that requires them?
Great question. I was hoping to learn something about preamp usage with guitars or other instruments. I knew a guy that had a customized Fender Jaguar with Humbuckers and a preamp built in. His Fender got VanHalen type of sounds. He was the guitarist for a band called " Driver" about 30 years ago.
Because almost everything that can be connected to it are a certain type of microphone. Vocal mics are a given, but guitar pickups can be considered as a type of microphone, since they take sound and turn them into electrical signal.
Uhh.. because .. 99% of the time you use it with a mic.. instruments go straight into guitar amps bass amps.. pedal etc. Each have their own preamp.. acoustic guitars have built in pre amps.. when you go buy a bass amp, or an acoustic guitar.. or anything that has a pre amp.. are you really looking for the pre amp specs???? No you are not you just what your instrument sound period.. but when it comes to recording, specifically with microphones (this why you would get a good pre amp) you start looking for low noise pre amps. Every other pre amp out there is not as relevant.
Have to agree mostly, as a chemical engineer minoring in biochemistry and polymers. Im PRETTY sure "engineer" has a vastly different description between all that and selling things
Great instruction, complete but not overwhelming. Consumer matching of mic and preamp is a black magic mystery. We need Sweetwater to recommend the perfect pre-amp for our chosen microphone. Thanks for being there for us.
I’ve recently discovered Sweetwater tutorial videos and have had a multitude of questions answered, that I’ve wondered about for years. Thank you guys so much for your expertise and excellent teaching skills.
I have a Mixer that works well with all my Instruments except for a Roland Octapad SPD-30 which is too quiet, or buzzes. Should I use a Pre-Amp before my Mixer?
Hey, I really like the song playing in the background at the beginning of this video. I can't find it in the description or the comments, I also tried shazam with no luck. Please let me know it would be much appreciated.!
I hate a regular Lavalier microphone but when I plug it in to the aux of mt radio, it doesn't hear the lavalier. Suggestions? I basically want to use it as a intercom in my taxi.
Hey there! You’re only going to need a transmitter with your microphone when using a wireless microphone system. The transmitter will send to its corresponding receiver, and the receiver will then be run into your preamp. If you have a wired microphone (most commonly used in studio settings), then you’ll just plug the microphone directly into the preamp with an XLR cable. There won’t be any type of transmitter needed. I hope this helps! Nick Pasquino, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 3230, nick_pasquino@sweetwater.com
thank you for the information...the video was very good...however after 5:00 the music started getting in the way of me focusing on what you were saying...you should keep it in mind for future recordings ...cheers
Hey, Paul! Thanks for your interest. Unless you’re using a microphone, a preamp would probably not make sense in your setup. When listening to music your audio source will be sent out of your DAC most likely at line level and is able to connect directly to the amplifier. If you think there is a reason you might need a preamp in your setup, though, feel free to message me and we can go through the specifics of your equipment and figure out the best setup! I hope this helps. Connor Smith, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1793, connor_smith@sweetwater.com
Hey! This is a really helpful video. Thanks for explaining so clearly. I’m using Rode NT1 condenser microphone and Focusrite Scarlett Solo audio interface along with Cubase 5 as my home studio setup. Do I need any additional preamp? Really appreciate your suggestions. Thanks a lot!
Another example could be a vinyl player that emits very low signal. It needs a preamp to boost it. Most home Hifi stereos comes with Phono input and a built in preamp.
Hey, MT Consultant! Thanks for your interest. The best preamp for you will largely depend on the budget, price range and form factor that you need. Most good quality interfaces, like the UA Apollos for example, will have relatively transparent and clean preamps. As far as external preamps you could look at things like the Grace M101, a Neve 1073 or a similar design like the WA73EQ (those both add some warmth and can color the output more or less depending on your settings, but have great clarity and transparency overall), or a Hazelrigg VLC preamp as a high-end example. Feel free to reach out to myself or your Sales Engineer to discuss options in depth and get it narrowed down! Connor Smith, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1793, connor_smith@sweetwater.com
I can always count on you guys for the most accurate information when it comes down to this information.!!! I'm still affected by your guys customer service thank you so much and please next time when I purchase something don't be so stingy with 🍭🍬🍭😉 thank you 😊
I've been having so much trouble with the particular setup I'm trying to work with and I've been lost for a handful of months at this point. I've watched, I've sat through, I've studied hours upon hours of content on a blogs, on videos, on PDF file user manuals and I have never heard this explained so clearly before seeing this video. I feel like I learned almost everything that this man needs to know, referring to myself, and yet I still want to find out more if that makes sense. Great job, another banger from sweetwater!
Great review! Question? I have a Yamaha MG 166cx. For some reason, when I plug microphones in, they are always on. And it doesn’t matter if I push the on off button, the microphone stays on. But, I can turn the sound off with the PFL button. Also, the faders don’t turn the volume up or down, I can only control the volume with the master. Do you know what this means?
Hey, Nick. Thanks for reaching out! It's Mickey from Sweetwater! With the Tascam 16x8, there are 8 preamps on the front, 2 line inputs on the front, and then 6 additional line inputs on the back. The world is your oyster in that situation. Really any preamp with analog out and the right cables will do it for you. These can range drastically from the OctoPre from Focusrite, to the Grace M108, and beyond if you need 8 Channels. In terms of finding the best choice for your use and budget, reach out to your Sweetwater Sales Engineer! Mickey Cushing, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 3024, Mickey_Cushing@Sweetwater.com
hmm... preamps sound exactly like what you would need to drive high impedance headphones, at least based on what they do, whether they could drive 300-600 Ω headphones is a different question
I am not an expert, but I think you would be better off using an audio interface that is made for guitar. One example would be the Behringer Guitar Link UCG102. I believe this unit is about $40 on Sweetwater.
On a Marshall Code modeling amp why do they call the pre amp the jcm800. But then later on it's got a power amp section. Why do I need these in a modeling amp. Just wondering. I can get it to sound great without knowing but I wish I knew.
Which is preferred? Do I need to hook up a female XLR to Balanced TRS 1/4 inch cord to my mic to hook up into the preamp? Or is my Female to Male XLR cord from my mic to my preamp good enough?
There's no difference. You need a 3 conductor cable and connectors. The only reason you would need to use a xlr to trs adaptor is if you don't have an xlr input.
@Sweetwater I have powered pa speakers I got from you . I'd like to use them in my movie theater. What kind of preamp or what ever do I need to hook my DVD player up to control the sound??
iam looking for a mic preamp , which can amplify an sm58 , which is not transparent preferably a 2 channel micpre with multiple options to color ofcourse not heavy on pocket
So im using a MXL 900 microphone paired with a Scarlett mini phantom power. Im just curious what direction I should go with my setup to get the best vocal yields in a small studio
can I use an guitar amp as an pre amp while sending an synthesizer sound through it and then catch the output signal that normally would go to the guitar amps speaker and record it in my soundcard?
Hey, it's my sales engineer! Nitish is awesome, always super helpful and knowledgeable.
😁👍
He is Indian!wohh!! Proud!
Nitish not Natish 😁😁😁
I want Natish to be my sales engineer too :(
@@TSC369 corrected 🙂
This is a really great introduction to preamps, and the only thing I felt was missing was audio examples of the ways in which different preamps affect the sound of various inputs. I know that's probably beyond the scope of what you aimed to do here, but I think a companion video with examples like that would be instructive in a very helpful way.
This guy is such a great teacher love these
i also love this guy. we are now a e-love triangle. and now i hear the music from the 80s playing (in my head) every time i see you falling i get down doo doo do do do do
@i Jamguitar ..yes?
Sweetwater has my business ever since I have been made aware of them. HIGHLY competitive prices and courteous and great sales folks.
No aggression ! At all...
Yeah. Greg Lanning is awesome!
Great explanation. I find recording equipment really confusing so videos like these that are simple and straightforward are very helpful.
This was so clear and very very helpful. Thank you for your direct and no frills style.
Fantastic tutorial... Nitish reminded me of my Physics professor in college. Keep at it, Nitish. You've got the flair for it.
Just discovered these. Very good indeed. Just the right amount of 'tech' talk and an easy pace. I don't mind learning by listening, but others might like a graphic or two along the way.
Thank you! 😎🙌
Well explained! "I actually understood everything he said."
Had a great experience ordering stuff from these guys
My mom doesn't need pre-amp... :D
hahahahaha
@tubenshaft You little shafter.
Prenup is more correct
@@87bloom 😂😂😂👍
Very well written, very knowledgable! Learned a lot!
I knew they were official when I heard that awesome beat in the background
Finally, an explanation that makes sense!
Very clear and usable guidelines. I'm much more informed than I was before coming here. Thanks!
The average newbies will ask the same question. If all they have is an amplifier.
Do I want a preamp? Or do I want a signal processor. I'm surprised you did not speak on that question. I heard it every day when I was selling audio equipment. Almost forgot, can i just use my mixer ?
Bought a lot of stuff from Sweetwater. Never heard of this guy !
Do you live in India?
@@atisanskari9814 same question
My fav sales guy!
Excellent tutorial. I was desperately looking for it. I just started looking at the sound as important as video. Just bought some equipment.
What a tremendous presentation: clear, simple and accessible. Thanks ! I’m now well informed.
Good explanation thanks
Excellent explanation!
Why do they keep being referenced as mic preamps, and always microphones are mentioned, making it seem as that’s the only device type that requires them?
Ikr
Great question. I was hoping to learn something about preamp usage with guitars or other instruments. I knew a guy that had a customized Fender Jaguar with Humbuckers and a preamp built in. His Fender got VanHalen type of sounds. He was the guitarist for a band called " Driver" about 30 years ago.
Because almost everything that can be connected to it are a certain type of microphone. Vocal mics are a given, but guitar pickups can be considered as a type of microphone, since they take sound and turn them into electrical signal.
Tony Fedor damn they rock! I’m sure my dad knows about them. But holy shit!!!
Uhh.. because .. 99% of the time you use it with a mic.. instruments go straight into guitar amps bass amps.. pedal etc. Each have their own preamp.. acoustic guitars have built in pre amps.. when you go buy a bass amp, or an acoustic guitar.. or anything that has a pre amp.. are you really looking for the pre amp specs???? No you are not you just what your instrument sound period.. but when it comes to recording, specifically with microphones (this why you would get a good pre amp) you start looking for low noise pre amps.
Every other pre amp out there is not as relevant.
That was really informative Nitish, thankyou so much, I've learnt so much today
sales engineers is a ludicrous term
Eh, no. Perhaps you don't understand the concept? Not all Engineers are socially inept nor are all Sales people technical savvy.
I’m a thermal kernel expansion engineer. You may know me as a popcorn vendor.
@@h879xx😂😂
Have to agree mostly, as a chemical engineer minoring in biochemistry and polymers. Im PRETTY sure "engineer" has a vastly different description between all that and selling things
Thank you, for sharing these precious knowledge 😊👍
SO HELPFUL. Thank you!
Thanks man! You made it easy to understand and went into details without being boring!
Very helpful explanation! Thanks!
Excellent video! Thank you!
Superb video. Thank you!
Is software based preamp ie vst3 comparable to hardwares based preamps? Pros and Cons? 😊
Great instruction, complete but not overwhelming. Consumer matching of mic and preamp is a black magic mystery. We need Sweetwater to recommend the perfect pre-amp for our chosen microphone. Thanks for being there for us.
Very clear explanation of preamps. Just curious. When Sweetwater gives you a title of sales engineer, does that mean you have a PE designation?
Never knew Sweetwater was so on top of it. These videos are awesome.
Well done
Can we just use only microphone & preamp for recording vocal?
That was helpful, now I feel like I don’t really need the preamp interface bey focusrite the Scarlett should be good enough
Sweetwater - thank you for all of the great videos - very helpful!!
😊👍
I’ve recently discovered Sweetwater tutorial videos and have had a multitude of questions answered, that I’ve wondered about for years.
Thank you guys so much for your expertise and excellent teaching skills.
Hey Nitish! Greetings from Canada! You're cool dude. Namaste.
I'm looking for a video on how to connect everything together to hook up to my pc. The EVRE20
I have a Mixer that works well with all my Instruments except for a Roland Octapad SPD-30 which is too quiet, or buzzes. Should I use a Pre-Amp before my Mixer?
WRONG ! A preamplifier DOESN'T amplify. The clue's in the name. It's BEFORE the amplification. The Power amplifier, amplifies. WOW 🤣
“mint, I’ll post that”
Outstanding!
ace explanation
Hey, I really like the song playing in the background at the beginning of this video. I can't find it in the description or the comments, I also tried shazam with no luck. Please let me know it would be much appreciated.!
I hate a regular Lavalier microphone but when I plug it in to the aux of mt radio, it doesn't hear the lavalier. Suggestions? I basically want to use it as a intercom in my taxi.
does preamp automatically add gains or we have increase gain manually in the mixer
Thank you
What is the intro/background music called,
Great teacher! Hope he does more of these videos!
Very helpful
If I have a preamp and want to record, do I still need an audio transmitter?
Hey there! You’re only going to need a transmitter with your microphone when using a wireless microphone system. The transmitter will send to its corresponding receiver, and the receiver will then be run into your preamp. If you have a wired microphone (most commonly used in studio settings), then you’ll just plug the microphone directly into the preamp with an XLR cable. There won’t be any type of transmitter needed.
I hope this helps!
Nick Pasquino, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 3230, nick_pasquino@sweetwater.com
thank you for the information...the video was very good...however after 5:00 the music started getting in the way of me focusing on what you were saying...you should keep it in mind for future recordings ...cheers
You sir, are awesome. Thank you.
I like the nerdy stuffs so I like it 🤣🤩🤩
Can I request Nitish to be my sales engineer? I feel I'm well taken care of watching this video.
YO! what is that song you're playing in the background and where can I get it?
Seriously I would love to know
@@beztheking2246 seriously
Thanks very helpfull.
Which preamp has no overdrive or distortion? I have overdrive and distortion pedals
I have passive bookshelf speakers, dac, and amp for personal office music. Does a preamp add any value?
Hey, Paul! Thanks for your interest. Unless you’re using a microphone, a preamp would probably not make sense in your setup. When listening to music your audio source will be sent out of your DAC most likely at line level and is able to connect directly to the amplifier. If you think there is a reason you might need a preamp in your setup, though, feel free to message me and we can go through the specifics of your equipment and figure out the best setup!
I hope this helps.
Connor Smith, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1793, connor_smith@sweetwater.com
Damn. Engadget needs to get in touch with Sweet - they're too focused on mobile and could do with fresh content like this.
Nitish, you are a lovely man.
Thanks Nitish but (Sound noob here) So a pre- amp adds clean gain, while a good amp adds ... clean gain too ?
Hey! This is a really helpful video. Thanks for explaining so clearly.
I’m using Rode NT1 condenser microphone and Focusrite Scarlett Solo audio interface along with Cubase 5 as my home studio setup. Do I need any additional preamp? Really appreciate your suggestions. Thanks a lot!
your Scarlet solo already has one :3
Which sound cards can bypass the internal pre to make use of an external pre?
what the best interface for Rode NT-1a ?
I already knew most of this, but it was presented so well I stayed and watched. Great job!
Another example could be a vinyl player that emits very low signal. It needs a preamp to boost it. Most home Hifi stereos comes with Phono input and a built in preamp.
Wow this video really helped me realize I am WAY in over my head...This is really might take me years to understand lol
Which mic preamp i should get it for clean and clear voices?
Hey, MT Consultant! Thanks for your interest. The best preamp for you will largely depend on the budget, price range and form factor that you need. Most good quality interfaces, like the UA Apollos for example, will have relatively transparent and clean preamps. As far as external preamps you could look at things like the Grace M101, a Neve 1073 or a similar design like the WA73EQ (those both add some warmth and can color the output more or less depending on your settings, but have great clarity and transparency overall), or a Hazelrigg VLC preamp as a high-end example.
Feel free to reach out to myself or your Sales Engineer to discuss options in depth and get it narrowed down!
Connor Smith, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1793, connor_smith@sweetwater.com
I can always count on you guys for the most accurate information when it comes down to this information.!!! I'm still affected by your guys customer service thank you so much and please next time when I purchase something don't be so stingy with 🍭🍬🍭😉 thank you 😊
Dear Nitish,
Is audio technica LP120 TURNTABLE WITH DENON AVR needs a preamp?
Pl guide
I've been having so much trouble with the particular setup I'm trying to work with and I've been lost for a handful of months at this point. I've watched, I've sat through, I've studied hours upon hours of content on a blogs, on videos, on PDF file user manuals and I have never heard this explained so clearly before seeing this video. I feel like I learned almost everything that this man needs to know, referring to myself, and yet I still want to find out more if that makes sense. Great job, another banger from sweetwater!
Great review!
Question? I have a Yamaha MG 166cx. For some reason, when I plug microphones in, they are always on. And it doesn’t matter if I push the on off button, the microphone stays on. But, I can turn the sound off with the PFL button. Also, the faders don’t turn the volume up or down, I can only control the volume with the master. Do you know what this means?
To much information just get to the point and you it would be easy ?
I record off a tascam 16x08 DAW and wondering which preamp I should get for recording drums?
Hey, Nick. Thanks for reaching out! It's Mickey from Sweetwater! With the Tascam 16x8, there are 8 preamps on the front, 2 line inputs on the front, and then 6 additional line inputs on the back. The world is your oyster in that situation. Really any preamp with analog out and the right cables will do it for you. These can range drastically from the OctoPre from Focusrite, to the Grace M108, and beyond if you need 8 Channels. In terms of finding the best choice for your use and budget, reach out to your Sweetwater Sales Engineer!
Mickey Cushing, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 3024, Mickey_Cushing@Sweetwater.com
@@sweetwater awesome thanks! another quick question would i need a mixer for the tascam?
hmm... preamps sound exactly like what you would need to drive high impedance headphones, at least based on what they do, whether they could drive 300-600 Ω headphones is a different question
If I'm using a Amp Simulator on my PC I have the use a preamp right? Isn't that the only option in that case? (Guitar, not microphone)
I am not an expert, but I think you would be better off using an audio interface that is made for guitar. One example would be the Behringer Guitar Link UCG102. I believe this unit is about $40 on Sweetwater.
On a Marshall Code modeling amp why do they call the pre amp the jcm800. But then later on it's got a power amp section. Why do I need these in a modeling amp. Just wondering. I can get it to sound great without knowing but I wish I knew.
Somebody explain it to me like I’m a 5 year old
No
Which is preferred? Do I need to hook up a female XLR to Balanced TRS 1/4 inch cord to my mic to hook up into the preamp? Or is my Female to Male XLR cord from my mic to my preamp good enough?
There's no difference. You need a 3 conductor cable and connectors. The only reason you would need to use a xlr to trs adaptor is if you don't have an xlr input.
Yes
@Sweetwater I have powered pa speakers I got from you . I'd like to use them in my movie theater. What kind of preamp or what ever do I need to hook my DVD player up to control the sound??
Thanks for sharing lots of info!
iam looking for a mic preamp , which can amplify an sm58 , which is not transparent preferably a 2 channel micpre with multiple options to color ofcourse not heavy on pocket
Great we need more studio lesson .
I was expecting a different accent. Thank you so much for this.
So it’s possible to connect a amplifier to my Apollo twin?
What it’s mean a converter? 😅
Good job Nitish!
I'm tempted to buy from you guys just because you make great videos as well, keep it up please 👍
Def buy from them cause they will help answer your questions if you buy it from them.
Why do you keep changing the video angle so fast? and the background music is too loud.
Wow. Boring! All we needed to know is what it does, in one sentence. We did not want to be an electronic engineer!
So im using a MXL 900 microphone paired with a Scarlett mini phantom power. Im just curious what direction I should go with my setup to get the best vocal yields in a small studio
1st thing i did was get acoustic treatment. The same gear will sound way better.
Wow, this is SUPER helpful!
We're glad you found it so helpful! 😎🤘
Do you know if EV 50m stick PA system has preamp built in?
can I use an guitar amp as an pre amp while sending an synthesizer sound through it and then catch the output signal that normally would go to the guitar amps speaker and record it in my soundcard?
You will probably get noise but it can get u a specific color
Nitish!!! epic video!!
i try to run from 4 track recorder to mixer with rca to 1/4 left an right it not loud at all do i need to use a rca pre amp