Ask a dozen engineers about their favorite console or microphone preamp for vocals, and you’ll get a dozen different answers. Everybody hears things differently, and we all have different preferences, so the topic of “best” mic preamps for vocals is subjective and highly debatable.
I’ve probably heard more standalone preamps (not counting all the consoles I’ve used) than most engineers. Sometimes, I am startled by the differences I hear. The sonic variations between preamps, while less pronounced than between microphones, are heard in subtle details I’ve described with words like “smooth,” “dry,” “relaxed,” or “brittle.” Some preamps make the singer sound more three-dimensional, while others seem to flatten the original source. I’ve heard some that bring out harmonics and some that bring out the low range, even though they all measure the same in terms of frequency response. Like every engineer, I have my favorites for certain applications. Here are some of the mic preamps Sweetwater sells that I really love on vocals — preamps I’ve used for recording vocalists over several decades, plus a few new favorites.
Note: At Sweetwater, we know there’s no such thing as “best” when it comes to music gear. Every player and artist has unique tastes, which is what makes selecting gear so fun! The items on this list feature some of our favorite products from top manufacturers to help you start your buying journey! Explore these recommendations and dive into Sweetwater’s massive collection of gear on our online store. For personalized picks and expert advice, please contact our knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700!
- API 512 Microphone Preamp
- Shadow Hills Industries Mono GAMA 500 Series Microphone Preamp
- Great River NV Microphone Preamp
- AEA RPQ Microphone Preamp
- Daking Mic Pre Microphone Preamp
- Millennia HV-3 Microphone Preamp
- Chandler Limited TG Microphone Preamp
- Manley VOXBOX Tube Channel Strip
- Neve 1073SPX Microphone Preamp and EQ
- D. W. Fearn VT Microphone Preamp
- Grace Design m501 500 Series Microphone Preamp
- Warm Audio WA-MPX 1-channel Tube Mic / Line / Instrument Preamp
- Rupert Neve Designs Newton Channel Strip
API 512 Microphone Preamp
I’ve worked on dozens of API consoles over the years. APIs are among my favorite consoles of all time. If you need a vocal sound that is crisp, clear, and very forward and in-your-face, then an API preamp is what you’re looking for. If you need a single channel, then there’s the API 512c microphone preamp that works in 500 Series racks or the API 512v 500 Series discrete microphone preamp with variable output control and 3:1 transformer tapping. The classic API 3124V microphone preamp contains four channels of that famous API preamp sound if you need more channels in a single rack space.
Trivia: Legendary drummer Paul Leim, whose career includes working with such high-profile artists as Billy Currington, Faith Hill, Dolly Parton, and Lionel Richie, was listening to his drums through a variety of 24 different preamps during one of my preamp shootouts, and he stopped me at the API and said, “That one. Which one is that? THAT is what the drums sound like when I’m sitting there playing them.” High praise indeed.
Shadow Hills Industries Mono GAMA 500 Series Microphone Preamp
Many 500 Series preamps try to emulate previous incarnations of rackmounted preamps, but few tread completely new ground. The Shadow Hills Industries Mono GAMA is probably the most capable 500 Series mic preamp I’ve encountered in terms of sonic diversity. On a jazz record, I used a vintage Neumann U47 mic into the Mono GAMA to get a full, rich, Sinatra-esque sound. And having the different transformers makes it easy to pick exactly the right preamp sound. This preamp is a winner, and everyone with a 500 Series rack should own a Mono GAMA.
Great River NV Microphone Preamp
If I had to pick a one-size-fits-all preamp that has personality but works for just about everything, then it would be the Great River ME-1NV for desktop. When tracking vocals on dozens of singers — with mics ranging from the Shure SM7B cardioid dynamic vocal microphone to an AEA R84 passive ribbon microphone and with condensers such as the large-diaphragm Neumann U 87 Ai or Telefunken ELA M 251E mics — this preamp will not disappoint. If you need stereo and don’t have a 500 rack, then there’s the single-rackspace Great River MP-2NV 2-channel microphone preamp.
Trivia: For the last dozen years, 95% of the electric guitars I’ve tracked have been recorded through a Great River MP-2NV. It absolutely rocks. Because it offers lots of gain, output drive control, and impedance and loading that are both switchable, I can get any sound I want out of it. I use it on brass, drums, and percussion, too. But if you record electric guitars, then you need to get one of these preamps.
AEA RPQ Microphone Preamp
The AEA RPQ3 2-channel ribbon microphone preamp and EQ really delivers when it comes to an open, honest sound that makes vocals shine in a track. I’ve used it on lead and background vocals with ribbon mics and condensers, and it sounds great. Add in the fact that it has 85dB of gain, a low-frequency cut to clean up the mud from proximity effect, and the high-frequency CurveShaper to open up the top, and it makes a great, all-in-one vocal chain — especially if you don’t have a premium EQ on hand. And if you only need a single channel, then there’s the AEA RPQ500 Series 2 mic pre.
Daking Mic Pre Microphone Preamp
This all-discrete (utilizing separate op-amps, not ICs), Jensen transformer–equipped Daking Mic Pre IIT 2-channel microphone preamp is a longtime favorite of mine on acoustic guitar and piano, and this mic preamp sounds equally sweet on vocals. It’s a great choice if you need a great-sounding single-rackspace preamp with a built-in hi-Z input and variable highpass filter. If you just need preamps, then Daking makes the Mic Pre 4T microphone preamp, a 4-channel preamp-only version. Or, take a look at the 2-channel Daking Mic Pre II, which is the same preamp but without output transformers.
Millennia HV-3 Microphone Preamp
Combining the sound of the classic 8-channel Millennia HV-3D/8 and HV-3R mic preamps (I’ve owned both) is the Millennia HV-35 500 Series, a great transparent preamp for vocals or acoustic instrument recording. If you need a preamp that adds nothing but gain — with little to no personality of its own — then the Millennia is the one for you. This unit adds useful features, such as a highpass filter, ribbon mic switch (+10dB), and hi-Z instrument input. It’s also great on drums, strings, percussion, and orchestral instruments. The Millennia has been one of my go-to preamps for decades.
Chandler Limited TG Microphone Preamp
The Chandler Limited TG2-500 Series microphone preamp circuit traces its lineage back to the EMI TG12428 preamp used in recording and mastering consoles at EMI / Abbey Road Studios in the ’60s and ’70s. The TG2-500 uses discrete components and transformers for a sound that’s smooth and open yet has the punch you’ve heard on hundreds of classic records from that time period. For rock or even intimate, personal vocals, this preamp sounds amazing.
Trivia: I used the Chandler Limited TG Channel MKII microphone preamp and EQ for years on vocals, electric guitar, and snare. The combination of this preamp circuit with the beautiful passive EQ makes dialing in a vocal or guitar tone a breeze.
Manley VOXBOX Tube Channel Strip
The Manley VOXBOX tube channel strip is a must-have preamp for lots of engineers. With its beautiful preamp section combined with a limiter, a de-esser, and EQ all in a hefty masterpiece of engineering, it’s a great solution for anyone looking for fabulous sound in a single box. Built with Manley’s excellent US craftsmanship, meticulous design, and attention to detail, this unit is a delight to behold and to record through. I’ve enjoyed it every time I’ve had the pleasure of using it.
Neve 1073SPX Microphone Preamp and EQ
That infamous “Neve sound” has inspired so many artists, producers, and engineers and needs no introduction. The classic, revered Neve 1073 sound is right here in the Neve 1073SPX microphone preamp and EQ. It’s simple and straightforward with loads of gain, 3-band EQ, and input and output transformers — you’ll plug your mic or instrument into it and startle yourself with your newfound engineering prowess. The first time I recorded through a Neve 8068 (the console was fresh off the boat from the UK) was an eye-opening experience — I set the gain and sat back, realizing, “So THAT’s how they get those amazing records to sound like that! Well, alrighty then . . . ” It’s way easier than you thought . . . with a 1073.
D. W. Fearn VT Microphone Preamp
The dual-channel D. W. Fearn VT-2 is one of those preamps that you buy once and use for the rest of your life. All of the gear that Doug Fearn builds falls into that category. The vacuum-tube signal path, custom transformers, gold contacts on the connectors, hefty aluminum chassis, fire-engine-red paint job . . . no expense has been spared. And the sound? Absolutely gorgeous. Pair it with the D. W. Fearn VT-5 stereo tube equalizer, and you’ll have an unparalleled stereo front end.
Grace Design m501 500 Series Microphone Preamp
I’ve recommended the single-channel Grace Design m501 500 Series microphone preamp to lots of friends who are starting home studios because it’s clean, compact, and sounds good on everything. If you need one great preamp channel, then this is the perfect place to start. This solid-state preamp features a DI (hi-Z) input, a ribbon mic mode, and 75dB of gain — enough gain for every application.
Warm Audio WA-MPX 1-channel Tube Mic / Line / Instrument Preamp
Not many people these days remember working on Ampex 300 tape machines from the 1950s. While I first worked on one in the 1970s, they were built like tanks, and many are still in service today but at a premium price. The reason they’re still in service is that they sound great — especially the preamp. That’s why Warm Audio decided to reintroduce the preamp section to a whole new generation in the Warm Audio WA-MPX 1-channel tube mic / line / instrument preamp, with lots more features than the original Ampex 351. This tube-driven unit features 90dB of gain, a DI input, a switchable tape saturation circuit, CineMag transformers, and even phantom power. For vintage sound with contemporary reliability, the WA-MPX is definitely the ticket.
Rupert Neve Designs Newton Channel Strip
The Rupert Neve Designs Newton Channel strip combines the sound of an RND preamp with a 3-band EQ and compressor. Add in a sweepable highpass filter plus options for Silk RED / BLUE textures and custom transformers, and this Class A channel strip will accomplish whatever vocal tone or texture you want to achieve. It really is a Swiss Army knife for tone.
Shop for Mic Preamps for Vocals at Sweetwater
So, what is your favorite vocal preamp? Are there any preamps you are eager to try? If you need help picking a vocal preamp (or, like me, a plethora of preamps) to fit your tastes and budget, then reach out to your Sweetwater Sales Engineer at (800) 222-4700.
