Microphone preamps raise a low-level microphone signal to a usable line or converter level while adding gain, headroom and the character of the input stage. Compare available gain, equivalent input noise, input impedance, phantom power, pad, polarity or phase, metering, transformer or valve stages and any built-in EQ or compression. The catalogue includes standalone, rack, 500-series and multi-channel designs, so confirm the format and connections before purchase. A preamp should match the microphone’s output and the rest of the recording chain without adding unnecessary noise or gain stages.