With so many fantastic software synthesizers out there, one reason some people go with hardware synths is to capture some of that analog mojo. Lots of synthesizers sound great with their outputs plugged directly into the inputs of your audio interface. However, if your instrument doesn’t sound as meaty recorded as it does in the room, one way to get even more of that old school mojo is to run the outputs of the synth through a standalone mic preamp, especially one that offers a distinctive sonic coloration. Examples would include certain tube preamps, Neve- and API-style preamps, vintage-style preamps, and more. You may be surprised how much more depth and color you can get routing a synth — of any type; analog, digital, or virtual — through a preamp. It may be just the sound you’re looking for!