Tritonaudio FetHead - Studio Preamplifier

Product Information

Despite having a name that is reminiscent of an energy drink, McBoost delivers a robust boost with impeccable presentation. It boosts any low-level microphone you hurl at it. The price tag may pinch a bit, but it’s what you pay for the highest possible standard and most stable in-line boost. It has been integrated with the FET technology that is responsible for amplifying analog and digital signals. Having said that, it will be able to yield clean signals with improved sensitivity, low noise, and better transient response. When the phantom power is toggled on, the Cloudlifter will transform the phantom power into 25dB of gain without adding any disruptive or cranking sound.

The Durham MKII has a small footprint and is a more affordable alternative to CL-1. If 20 dB is enough gain for your needs, it has an excellent value-to-cost ratio and high-quality gain to offer. Although the Cloudlifter CL-1 is a great product, there are other options to consider. Whether you’re looking for a solution at a lower price point, require more gain than a Cloudlifter provides or you need some additional features, hopefully this roundup has given you some ideas and helped you to decide which one is best for your needs. It also features a dedicated buffer amp to give you a consistent +28 dB gain boost regardless of the connected load. Moreover, it does a great job at rejecting RF and electrical interference, which makes it desirable for on-location use. VerdictFor the sake of a fair experiment, the variable element will be the activator, and the controls will be the interface (Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2 nd gen) and our microphone of choice (Rode Procaster which does really benefit from the boost of a device like these). When you add a mic activator or outboard preamp into the mix though, you can get a lot more clean gain meaning that the preamp on your interface can be turned down to a really low level, getting rid of a lot of the noise as a result. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 will power the SM57 but the gain needs turning up close to max. By using an external preamp in combination with it, you can get much more clean gain. Do you Need a Preamp for the Shure SM57?

If you have read our previous articles, you will know a bunch about the Cloudlifter already, however with a product this popular, its specs bear repeating. One of the biggest fears of using a plug-and-play solution for passive ribbon and dynamic mics is getting enough additional gain. Despite its small size and ability to attach directly to your microphone, FetHead’s ability to increase the loudness of any sound input, whether for music or videos, should not be underestimated. Specs The construction is all metal and the XLR connectors are gold plated for the most reliable signal connection. Here are the specs: Mic level on the other hand is generally a much weaker signal and as most microphones output at mic level, amplification is required. As mentioned earlier, dynamic microphones like the Shure SM57 tend to require more of a boost than condenser mics. This is because the diaphragm of a dynamic mic needs more sound volume to move and because it’s that movement which produces the electrical signal, the small amount of movement that you get with a dynamic mic means that a weaker signal is generated. With an inteface like the 2i2, you may need to almost max it out. When you do this, you risk introducing noise. Some preamps are noisier than other so it’s up to you what’s acceptable with your particular setup.

TritonAudio FetHead In-Line Preamp Overview

Despite not being a traditional preamp, Cloudlifters have become a recognizable name and device for a reason. Using this low noise solution to increase loudness is a game-changer for low output microphones. Cloud Microphone’s Cloudlifters offer a powerful effect at a lower price point than many competitors. Compact amplification with a direct-to-mic design that provides protection for older passive microphones. The preamp is designed with an active circuit that is powered by phantom power or the console. In particular, it has cutting-edge JFET circuitry, which is carefully selected to preserve the natural sound of the mic and help protect the tone. Made of high-quality steel, it can also help protect older ribbon microphone styles that can be damaged by phantom power. Its portability makes it the perfect choice for the artist on the go. Performance