7 Best Mic Preamp For Vocals – [Cheap Budget Picks]

You have got a microphone? It’s good.

But do you know that there is something more than just getting a microphone for recording vocals? Yeah, it’s the best mic preamp for vocals.

Preamps are being used by many musicians for different purposes. What a preamp can provide you is setting a specific channel for recording vocals clearly or for delivering loud sound with an ultimate gain in different concerts etc.

Finding an ideal and best mic preamp is not an easy task as it requires a lot of research and testing. You have to take a look at features like budget, features and positive ratings. Fortunately, it is already done by us.

Keeping this thing in mind, we have decided to compile a list of best mic preamps for you in 2022.

Now, that all things are clear, let’s get to another important part, that is reviewing some of the best mic preamps.

Best Mic Preamp – Updated and In-Stock Picks

Name	Frequency Range	CHANNELS	Price
1. Dbx 286s	20Hz to 20kHz	1	Check Price
2. Behringer Ultragain Pro	100Hz to 200kHz	2	Check Price
3. Behringer Xenyx 502	19Hz to 20kHz	4	Check Price
4. Nady MM2424 Stereo	20Hz to 30kHz	12	Check Price
5. Mackie PROFX12V2	15Hz-20kHzv	12	Check Price
6. Rockville RPM109	10Hz-100kHz	8	Check Price
7. Rockville PPA20	5Hz to 30kHz	1	Check Price

1. Dbx 286s – Best Mic Preamp For Vocals 2022

The first best mic preamp on our list is a very famous one. dbx 286s is an ideal preamp used by many professional musicians to record their vocals with clarity and without any distortion.

This microphone preamp has got classic compression from the brand itself which is able to produce a perfect sound for many musicians or singers.

The mic comes with tunable frequency. De-Esser is able to reduce down the sibilance to avoid high-frequency distortion for perfect sound quality.

The enhancer it has got increases the frequency’ details and definition sufficiently so that one can easily hear the vocals with ups and lows. Frequency response is from 20Hz to 20kHz.

The inputs and outputs it has got are TRS which are two in number and XLR which counts as one. The output is also one in number and is of TRS type. The voltage that this preamp uses is 120 VAC for 60Hz mic and 100 VA for 50 Hz mics.

Some pros and cons are as follows:

 

2. BEHRINGER ULTRAGAIN PRO – Best Mic Preamp For Professionals

Another best mic preamp for vocals capable of recording song or other sounds with perfect clarity is Behringer Ultragain Pro. The preamp has got an ideal construction with many features to offer in an ideal price range.

The best preamp for vocals comes with an ultra-low noise feature which helps to keep the microphone away from any type of distortion. The preamplifier also contains 12Ax7 tube for an ultimate gain and beats experience.

The mic input of this preamp has been separated from all other options so that it might not cause any issues.

On the other hand, ultra-wide bandwidth is also available. The frequency range is from 100Hz to 200kHz so as to facilitate a singer or studio recorder in a best possible way.

Different bandwidth and level controls allow a person to increase or decrease the gain according to his wish and will. Fully parametric EQs are also available for adjusting the frequency level.

Some ups and downs offered by the best mic preamp for vocals are as follows;

 

3. BEHRINGER XENYX 502 – Amazon Number 1 Selling Mic Preamp for Vocals

Behringer Xenyx 502 is a beast available in the market. The best mic preamp for vocals is the number seller on Amazon as it comes in a very cheap price range. The preamp comes with many features to offer as well.

Behringer has got a premium and ultra-low noise while recording vocals. It keeps the sound away from background noise and from distortion at the same time. The high headroom along with a mixer plays an important role in providing perfect clarity.

In order to produce a warm and musical sound, special Neo Classic “British”, 2 Band EQ is present which enhances the level of sound and helps to create a loud sound in concert or in a studio.

The complete preamp includes main mix, stereo CD/tape, and a separate headphone output as well. Headphone outputs are there if you want to hear what you are saying easily.

The only problem it has got is a noisy mixer which may create some problems for people who want very reduced noise while they are recording vocals.

Some pros and cons are as follows:

 

4. Nady MM-242 4 Stereo – Best Stereo Mic Preamp

The next best preamp for vocals is yet again available in a very reasonable price range. Nady MM-242 is a four stereo preamp that offers a lot of quality features in an affordable budget. The preamp comes with durable construction and assures reliability as well.

There are eight mono inputs available for controlling individual volume and two outputs are also present so as to manage the master volume easily.

There are two important modes available in this preamp. One mode is stereo that uses four inputs and is linked to a single output. Other four inputs are also connected to the second output in same fashion. In mono mode, all eight inputs are routed to a single output.

The construction is as we discussed. The preamp is made up of steel which is heavy-duty and offers reliability at the same time. The pots are also ultra-stable with high-quality jacks.

For professional audio quality, a 25dB gain is also available. However, there are some issues in output levels which is not very satisfying for many users.

Some pros and cons are as follows:

 

5. Mackie PROFX12V2 – Best Mic Preamp Under 500

Mackie PROFX12V2 is a 12-channel mic preamp used for recording vocals to produce a professional level audio quality. The best mic preamp for vocals has got some serious features and that’s why it is only managed by professional studio recorders.

There are 6 low-noise mic preamps available to add more clarity and loudness in the vocals you are recordings. ReadyFX effects offer 16 different effects including delays, reverbs, choruses and much more.

Aux input is also available which monitor the mixes and offers you to listen what you are saying without creating any problem.

With the help of 12 different channels, you can connect 12 different mics at the same time. The best preamp for vocals also includes 3-band EQ for adjusting different frequency levels easily.

In order to maintain a low-frequency response, 100Hzlow-cut filters are available that can manage the ups and gains easily. Hover, this version of Mackie fails to deliver a warm sound which might be an issue for many concert singers.

Some pros and cons are as follows:

 

6. Rockville RPM109 – Best Mic Preamp Under 400

Rockville RPM 109 is yet another addition to our list of best mic preamp in 2018. The preamp offers many features in an expensive price range. Besides having such a high price range, it has got very less negative reviews which shows the type of trust people are putting on this Bad Boy.

There are 12 channels available in this preamp which allows you to connect 12 different microphones to it easily. On the other hand, it has been powered at 4800w as well.

In case you are using condenser microphones, the best mic preamp for vocals offers 8 different inputs in this regard so that the mics cannot cause any distortion issues.

Features like switchable stereos and adjustable frequencies are also available to make things easier for studio recorders.

The audio that this preamp provides is clear from any noise or distortion. The sound is really professional. The best mic preamp for vocals has been given many positive reviews from people who are actually enjoying it. There are no un-ignorable defects as per reported by many happy users.

Some pros and cons are as follows:

 

7. Rockville PPA20 – Best Cheap Mic Preamp for Vocals

The last best mic preamp on our list is yet again from Rockville. It has also got some prominent features in a very affordable price range. In case you are wondering about the construction quality, it’s awesome as always.

The best mic preamp for vocals offers loud sound with clarity and a reduced distortion as well. There is a special low-cut crossover control feature available which helps a recorder to cut specific frequencies according to his will and wish.

All other controlling features like volume control, bass control, and treble control are available within the preamp. You can easily adjust them according to the type of vocals you are recording.

Frequency response of the best mic preamp for vocals is from 5Hz to 30kHz. There are certain options available that allow you to adjust the highs and gains of frequencies as well.

However, an issue arises which is a ground hum whenever you start this device but it only occurs when you plug in the preamp in adopter.

Some pros and cons are as follows:

 

The Final Word

Mic preamps are used for removing any type of distortion from the vocals. They offer many controlling options so that you can adjust them easily. We have tried our best to list down the unbiased reviews of some of the best mic preamps available in an affordable budget range. Now, the final decision is upon you.

However, if you are still worried, our top 3 preamps according to the professionals are as follows:

1. dbx 286s as it is “Amazon’s Best Choice” preamp.
2. Nady MM-242 4 Stereo as it has got a very reasonable price.
3. Rockville RPM109 if you want a long-term investment.

So, better buy one that suits your needs and budget and rock your vocals as soon as possible.

How to Choose a Best Mic Preamp for Vocals?

There are many important factors that one should consider before buying an ideal mic preamp in a reasonable budget. Some important factors according to our professional team are as follows:

Price Range

Before buying a best mic preamp, make sure that you have got enough budget to cover up all expenses. Preamps can range from as low as a 100 bucks and as high as f400 or 500 bucks. So, make up your mind that how much can you spend on a preamp and take your move according to it.

How Many Channels?

Another most important question is about how many channels you need in a preamp. Channels usually mean that how much mics you are going to use with a single preamp. If you have got only one YouTube microphone, you should probably go for a single channel preamp.

However, if you intend to go for multiple mics, there are two, four, six and eight channeled preamps available for you in different price ranges.

Preamp Types

There are different types of preamps available. The most popular and famous microphone model is the one with either a tube, a hybrid or a solid state. It largely affects the overall result of the output sound as well.

For instance, preamps with tubes are more harmonious, ones with solid sates are able to produce a digital sound.

Hybrids can include the features of both tube and solid state preamps. However, you will need to spend a bit more in order to buy the best hybrid preamp.

Ins and Outs

It is also an important point to consider. Aside from the common inputs and outputs for the gaming microphones, there are other ins and outs available as well. For instance, hi-Z direct input.

If you are getting confused about ins and outs, just try to make sure that you have got enough outputs that can easily contain all the mics that you have got.