Best Mic Preamp for Vocals 2023
Vocal recording is arguably the most crucial part of the music process, and having the best mic preamp for vocals can improve the quality of your vocal recording. It’s easy to get lost in what gear you need, so I’ve put together this post to help you out! Here are some of the best mic preamp for vocals that will fit your budget and give you enough power for any studio mic.
You should be able to get a great sound quickly and easily switch between different mics without having to re-dial in your settings. There are many factors that go into getting the perfect vocal sound – but it all starts with the input! So if you’re looking for some guidance on how to choose your next preamp, read on…
Focusrite ISA One
Listen to the quality that’s been tried and tested by the world’s best producers. The Focusrite ISA One is a portable, high-quality interface with vintage Focusrite microphone preamplifier technology updated for today’s digital world.
The ISA One is packed with features. The perfect combo of rugged metal design and all-in-one versatility, plug into the Focusrite ISA One to achieve great vocal sound anywhere you go. That’s why the ISA One ISA my pick for the best mic preamp for vocals!
- Input: Microphone / Line / Instrument
- Insert
- Line Out / DI Out
- Headphone Out
- VU Meter
- High Pass Filter
- Optional 192 kHz AD Converter
- 48V Phantom Power
Editor's Pick
DBX 286s
The DBX 286s is a studio-quality vocal mic preamp in a compact, easy-to-use format that opens up limitless possibilities for your vocal recordings. At the heart of this powerhouse is one world-class gain stage, de-esser, enhancer, compressor, noise gates, all with manual controls and effective shielding from electromagnetic interference for exceptionally clean sound quality. It also boasts high headroom, ultra-low distortion, even when driven hard – perfect for when you want to capture singing performances at their natural peak volume without excessive noise or clipping.
- Input: Microphone / Line
- Insert
- Line Out
- De-Esser
- Enhancer
- Compressor
- Expander / Gate
- High Pass Filter
- 48V Phantom Power
Best Budget
The DBX 286 competes with the higher-end preamps at about half the price, which makes it my pick for the budget-friendly choice of best mic preamp for vocals.
Art Pro MPA II
The ART ProMPA II is some serious gear. Features include variable input impedance for two microphone inputs, selectable mid/side mic support, and dual mono or stereo operation capability. It’s going to give you a whole new perspective on sound recording.
If you’re looking to take your recordings up a notch without breaking the bank, this is going to be the perfect addition to your studio!
- XLR Input: 2 Microphones
- Line Input: 2 Instruments (6.3mm Jack)
- Line Out (Jack and XLR)
- VU Meter
- High Pass Filter
- 48V Phantom Power
Best Dual Channel
What is the best mic preamp for vocals?
There are a lot of consumer-grade microphones that work perfectly fine with just an audio interface, but if you want to improve the quality of your vocal recordings, then it may be worth investing in a mic preamp. I’ve highlighted three top-rated models for vocals above.
To summarize, the Focusrite ISA One Mic Preamp is my favorite option because its sound clarity will help capture every nuance of your voice with absolute accuracy – but if this price tag is too steep for you, there are cheaper alternatives available. It just depends on what features are most important to you as an individual singer or podcaster. Tone-wise I think that DBX 286s makes a great budget option. However, if you need dual-channel capabilities, then go for the Art Pro MPA II.