Product Review - Magneto Audio Labs VariOhm

Slate Pro Audio Fox | Media

Dual-channel Microphone Preamplifier

These media files accompany the Slate Pro Audio Fox review that appeared in SOS November 2011.

Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter

Audio Examples

Neve 4081

Four-channel Microphone Preamplifier

Neve believe that there’s scope to bring classic designs up to date — and that’s exactly what they’ve done here, taking their revered 1081 mic preamplifier as the starting point.

Radial Tonebone PZ Pre

Acoustic Instrument Preamp

James Dunkley is on the case of the Radial Tonebone PZ Preamp.

Drawmer HQ

Preamplifier & D‑A Converter

Can a preamp and D‑A converter successfully straddle the pro-audio and hi‑fi markets? Drawmer believe it can...

Studio Projects VTB1

Microphone Preamplifier

This hybrid mic preamp can go from solid‑state clean to valve warmth — and for a surprisingly low price, too. Is there a catch?

Dave Hill Designs Europa 1

Microphone Preamp

This novel preamp design features a variable impedance and slew rate — which opens up a whole new world of possibilities from your mic locker...

MC AudioLab TP1tp

Valve Microphone Preamp

Can Sicilian manufacturers MC AudioLab bring a touch of Mediterranean magic to your recordings with their new boutique preamp?

Manley MicMAID

Mic & Preamp Switcher

The patchbay remains the cornerstone of most commercial studios, but using one to patch mics into different preamps can be risky — which is where the MicMAID comes in...

T-Rex SpinDoctor

Valve Preamplifier

Is a high-quality valve preamp in a programmable pedal just what the SpinDoctor ordered?

BAE 1073 MPF

Dual Solid-state Preamp

There are now several Neve 1073-inspired preamps available — but they’re not always 100 percent faithful to the original design. How close does this new contender from BAE come?

Focusrite Octopre MkII & MkII Dynamic

Eight-channel Microphone Preamps

With upgraded mic amps and A-D conversion in their MkII versions, do Focusrite’s latest eight-channel preamps still lead the way at this price point?

Empirical Labs EL9 Mike-E

Microphone Preamplifier & Compressor

Empirical Labs, purveyors of some of the most versatile compressors around, apply their dynamics expertise to a mic preamp.

Benchmark MPA1

Dual-channel Microphone Preamplifier

Benchmark strive to make their products exactly that: something against which the competition should be judged. So how does their new preamp measure up?

AEA RPQ

Dual-channel Microphone Preamplifier

AEA have tweaked the design of their TRP ribbon-mic preamp, already something of a favourite, to create a device that’s much more versatile — and without compromising on quality.

A-Designs Pacifica

Two-channel Microphone Preamplifier

Striking a useful balance between the transparent and the characterful, this high-quality, US-made preamp design brings versatility to the studio and some colour to the rack...

PreSonus DigiMax D8

Eight-channel Mic Pre & A-D Converter

Presonus combine their respected analogue and digital technology in this affordable ADAT-equipped preamp.

SPL Rackpack

Modular Preamp & Processor System

Sound Performance Lab have developed an enviable reputation for their hardware products, and now you can buy more for less with their modular rack system.

Audient Mico

Dual Microphone Preamplifier

With two channels of mic preamp, a phase-alignment control, digital outputs and clean signal path, the Mico offers you an awful lot of Audient for the money.

Universal Audio Twin-finity 710

Hybrid Microphone Preamplifier

Which is best, tube or solid state? When it comes to investing in a preamp, that’s a question you may no longer need to ask...

Golden Age Project Pre 73

Microphone Preamplifier

This highly affordable device is based on the circuitry used in Neve’s legendary 1073. So can you really get a classic vintage preamp sound on a budget?

Arsenal Audio R20 & R24

Microphone Preamplifier & EQ

This new brand by revered high-end equipment manufacturers API is much more affordable than their established lines. So there must be a catch, right?

Grace Design M201

Microphone Preamplifier

Regular readers will know that our Technical Editor isn't prone to excessive use of hyperbole — so when he calls a product "awesome", "stunning" and "sublime", it's probably time to sit up and take notice...

Thermionic Culture Rooster

Valve Microphone Preamp & EQ

Is this latest addition to the Thermionic Culture flock something for the company to crow about?

Focusrite ISA One

Mic Preamp

The ISA preamp range has graced professional recording facilities the world over — but this classy single-channel model is within reach of the home and project studio.

Synchronia Sound Skulptor

DIY Mic Preamp System

The DIY approach to audio equipment needn't mean bargain basement, and if you apply this principle to high-end vintage gear it might just save you a small fortune — without compromising on quality.

Sebatron VMP 2000eVU

Valve Mic Preamp

Australian company Sebatron aim to start building their brand in the UK with this 'character' preamp.

SSL XLogic VHD Pre

Four-channel Mic Preamp

Some people love the sound of SSL's modern consoles, while others prefer the 'dirt' of their older models. The VHD Pre aims to offer you the best of both worlds...

Aphex 207D

Dual-channel Mic Preamp

Can a two-channel preamp at this price really give you the best aspects of tube and solid-state circuitry?

Focusrite Liquid 4 Pre

Four-channel Convolution Preamp

The manufacturers proudly claim that this is "the most flexible four-channel preamp in history." And it's no idle marketing boast...