Let's get one thing straight right away. You can't go wrong with either of these USB microphones. If you want a mic for broadcasting or recording a podcast, both the Audio Technica AT2020 and the Blue Yeti deliver. They are easily the two best options when it comes to overall value for money. But which is better? That is not so easy to answer. Each microphone has … [Read more...] about Blue Yeti Vs AT2020 (Which Is The Better USB Microphone?)
Preamps
Behringer XENYX 1202FX Review (Versatile Budget Mixer With Preamps)
A mixer is always a good thing to have. Whether you are a vocalist or you play any type of instrument, it's always a good idea to have a small mixer in your collection. A small, versatile budget mixer can come in handy for building a home studio setup and can also work well for smaller live gigs. Eventually, you'll want something more advanced, but as a beginning or … [Read more...] about Behringer XENYX 1202FX Review (Versatile Budget Mixer With Preamps)
Warm Audio TB12 Review (An Incredibly Versatile Preamp)
Some people prefer a very specific sound and they use that sound in all their music. Others like to switch things up. The Warm Audio TB12 is a preamp that allows for both. It can give you that warm vintage sound or a more transparent sound, with the switch of a button. Moreover, you can easily remove the operational amplifiers and swap them out for any other … [Read more...] about Warm Audio TB12 Review (An Incredibly Versatile Preamp)
Grace Design m101 Review (The Best Value Mic Preamp)
The Grace Design m101 is one of the best microphone preamps available that still sells for a reasonable price. Is it cheap? Definitely not. It is pretty expensive, actually. But it delivers such great sound and is so simple to use, that it is a great value, despite the high price. Finding the right microphone for your needs and to satisfy your tastes is … [Read more...] about Grace Design m101 Review (The Best Value Mic Preamp)
Focusrite Scarlett OctoPre Review (Best 8 Channel Preamp For The Money)
Microphone and instrument preamps have come a long way. It's pretty amazing, the amount and quality of features they offer these days. Even single-channel preamps and channel strips have some great features, in addition to great tone qualities. For singers or those who mic up their acoustic instruments, preamps are pretty much mandatory. They also come in handy for other … [Read more...] about Focusrite Scarlett OctoPre Review (Best 8 Channel Preamp For The Money)
Golden Age Project Pre-73 Jr Review (Budget Preamp With Classic Sound)
Many consider the Neve 1073 the best preamp ever made. But it's expensive and hard to find. The Golden Age Project Pre-73 Jr was designed to mimic the classic sound of the 1073, but to do so at a much lower price. And it comes close. It is a basic unit, with few features and controls. But it adds a very distinct tone to your sound that you can't get elsewhere … [Read more...] about Golden Age Project Pre-73 Jr Review (Budget Preamp With Classic Sound)
ART TubeOpto 8 Review (Best Multi-Channel Preamp For Warm Tones)
If you are serious about recording music, you need a preamp. But knowing which one you need is not easy. Take the ART TubeOpto 8, for example. It is a great preamp with a ton of features, impressive sound quality and an amazing price. But for many, it would be a bad purchase. That is because it is a tube preamp. This adds a vintage warmth to your tone. This type … [Read more...] about ART TubeOpto 8 Review (Best Multi-Channel Preamp For Warm Tones)
DBX 286S Review (Affordable Mic Preamp That Does Everything You Need)
Great preamps cost a ton of money. At least that's what manufacturers of expensive microphone preamps want you to believe. And there is some truth to it. As usual: you get what you pay for. If you spring for a professional level model like the Avalon VT-737SP, you get professional level sound quality and complete control over that sound. But you can pay a lot less … [Read more...] about DBX 286S Review (Affordable Mic Preamp That Does Everything You Need)
Avalon VT-737SP Review (Is This Channel Strip With Preamp Worth The Cost?)
A great microphone is not enough. Neither is a quality guitar or other instrument. Without a great preamplifier, or a channel strip that contains a great preamp, spending money on a good mic or instrument is a waste. And if you want to get the best possible sound, you need the best possible preamp. And that conversation inevitably turns to the Avalon … [Read more...] about Avalon VT-737SP Review (Is This Channel Strip With Preamp Worth The Cost?)
Preamplifier Vs Amplifier (What’s The Difference And Do I Need Both?)
The terms sound similar, but the two devices perform different functions. If you're setting up a studio, whether professional or just for fun at home, you have undoubtedly come across the terms amp and preamp. And naturally, you're wondering what the difference is. More importantly, do you need one, or both, of them? Good preamps and amps are not cheap, so you … [Read more...] about Preamplifier Vs Amplifier (What’s The Difference And Do I Need Both?)