Preamps / Channel Strips

Focusrite's latest product is an updated version of one of their '80s classics. Is it even better the second time around?

This state-of-the art- multi-channel mic preamp, designed by the celebrated George Massenburg, is light on frills but heavy on quality.

The fashionably vintage exterior of this US-made dual-channel preamp is matched by an all-valve interior. Hugh Robjohns gets a retro perspective.

Paul White tries the hybrid sound of SPL's new dual-channel precision microphone preamplifier.

TC Electronic's latest innovation is a dual-channel mic preamp/channel strip with comprehensive digital processing.

Can this intriguing little box really emulate the recorded sound of many of the world's greatest guitar amplifiers?

It's a Focusrite, Jim, but not as we know it! Is it possible to deliver Focusrite quality at such an aggressively low price?

Many mic preamps are marketed on the strength of the sound they claim to impart to your recordings, but the Event EMP1 is designed to sit as unobtrusively in your signal path as possible, amplifying quietly to itself. Hugh Robjohns investigates...

Oram are not a company to do things by halves; their Octasonic, as the name suggests, features a whopping eight channels of professional-quality mic amplification. David Mellor finds it's eight times a preamp....

TL Audio's Ivory range of affordable valve-based processors continues to expand. Big game hunter Paul White strikes (c)amp and bags the lates two in the herd... (SOS wishes to point out that no elephants were harmed during the writing of this review.)

David Mellor warms to TL Audio's new mid-range valve voice processor.

Can an expensive valve microphone preamp like this one really make that much diference to the quality of your recordings?

Tyneside-based DACS have been building high-quality equipment for people on a one-off basis for years, but now they've launched a range of equipment that anyone can buy. Hugh Robjohns explains why he'd rather buy British.

Two channels good, four channels better — but 4-channel preamps are thin on the ground. Hugh Robjohns has succeeded in sniffing one out.

Pro quality at an affordable price? Hugh Robjohns inspects a preamp with a prestigious name.

Richard Waghorn tests the TL Audio PA3001 alongside some of the best mic preamps available and discovers a good combination of price and performance.

Thinking of buying a new microphone? Maybe you should consider investing in a dedicated mic preamp instead, to improve the clarity and definition of your recordings without breaking the bank. Dominic Hawken plugs in the mic he likes and checks out the new contender from dbx

Drawmer's 1960 series leaps into the digital age with the launch of the 1962, which combines a specially designed low-noise preamp, variable tube coloration and audio-sweetening tools with an optional 24-bit output stage. Paul White celebrates the year of the tube.

Hugh Robjohns takes a look at yet another studio unit designed to partner the new generation of digital 8-tracks, this time from a company new to the UK market.

Some mic preamps are used for the audible effect they produce on recordings, while others are chosen simply to amplify your mic signals as cleanly as possible. Paul White checks out at the third unit in Focusrite's affordable Green range, and finds a quality mic amplifier that falls into the latter category...

ART have followed up their single-channel Tube MP valve mic preamp by developing two more tube designs for both the project studio owner and the audio professional. Paul White huddles round to warm his signals...