The 10 Best XLR Mic preamps (2023 reviews)

We consider a xlr mic preamp to be a worthy investment in the long run. We are here to help you choose the right one for your needs from all the best available products in market today.

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Our Top Picks:

Best Overall: Buy: Triton Audio XLR Mic Preamp READ REVIEW

Best For podcast: Buy: IK Multimedia XLR Mic Preamp READ REVIEW

Best For home Studio: Buy: ART XLR Mic Preamp READ REVIEW

Best With XLR Output: Buy: Donner XLR Mic Preamp READ REVIEW

Best For The money: Buy: rolls XLR Mic Preamp READ REVIEW

Best For stream: Buy: Coda music technologies XLR Mic Preamp READ REVIEW

Best With Condenser Mic: Buy: Rodyweil XLR Mic Preamp READ REVIEW

Best For Professional singer: Buy: Windlim XLR Mic Preamp READ REVIEW

Best For Live Sound: Buy: Veeleiz XLR Mic Preamp READ REVIEW

Best Sound Quality: Buy: Warm Audio XLR Mic Preamp READ REVIEW

Best Overall: Triton Audio XLR Mic Preamp

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The triton audio xlr mic preamp is capable of outshining several other preamp featured in this list in overall features. The Triton audio fethead Phantom model, which does NOT block the voltage, is the one to use. It plugs right into the mic and into the preamp, and works just as well either way using the Shure SM7B. It has one big drawback plus does the job pretty well. The preamp is nestled in a small draw string bag, with the Triton logo printed on it.

The preamp would not work without phantom voltage, which the solo provides, so all is well. The fit and finish is very good and the tactile feel, the way it solidly clicks in place releases, is excellent. The fethead is an amazing purchase if you need the extra boost in gains without sacrificing too much in terms of audio quality.

• Perfect tone and no background noise at all
• Must have for acoustic only instrument with dynamic mic
• Adds more than enough db for any dynamic mic

Best For podcast: IK Multimedia XLR Mic Preamp

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Not everyone likes to purchase preamp for their daily usage, but the ik multimedia xlr mic preamp would be an anomoly. Whether you have iphone, ipad, or android devices, this recording interface will work on all (even with digital cameras), and make your vocals and instruments shine. This is designed for an XLR input from a microphone. It's readily recognized when paired and the connecting cable feels designed for long, reliable use. The iRig Stream also supports "Loopback" which acts like virtual cable to send your system audio into your recordings when enabled.

This can also supply Phantom Power to Condenser style microphones. It allows adjusting the microphone input levels. There are bright lights on top of the unit so you will always know when it is on, and when Phantom power is engaged. It works well for simple recording (using it from your phone as interface with a good microphone) or even streaming.

• Excellent audio quality and compact design
• A great portable, versatile interface with good sound quality
• Works great with clubhouse, instagram, zoom and many more top apps

Best For home Studio: ART XLR Mic Preamp

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Compared with other preamp in this category, the art xlr mic preamp has a convenient design. This is the best product for amplification for passive Mics without adding noise. It has virtually no sound of its own, but lets the sound of the source come through cleanly. It adds an 80 Hz filter to remove environmental rumble from HVAC fans, etc. The casing is solid as a rock and the quality of sound you can achieve with this are great. It produces very clean, noise free amplification and a level line out to plug into either a computer soundcard or an audio interface. It can drive a dynamic mic nicely and even better with a fethead if needed.

It has an xlr and a 1/4” input and output, so you can use this for mics or electric instruments. The high pass filter really does very little and the limiter is weak.

• Truly a nice pre-amp and boosts signals quietly and efficicientlly
• A must-have for any small budget home studio musician
• One of the new comers and featured product

Best With XLR Output: Donner XLR Mic Preamp

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Next on the list, we've got yet another preamp that manages to win our hearts. It's the donner xlr mic preamp and it's widely considered as preamp that has the most suitable features. The Donner Microphone Preamp is a great choice for anyone looking to enhance the performance of their dynamic microphone. It comes with the help of the donner rb-1 microphone preamp booster, both smooth vocals and acostic instruments can be exactly recorded by your dynamic microphone. In terms of sound quality, it delivers a significant boost in gain without introducing any unwanted noise or distortion, resulting in a clean, professional sound. The resulting sound is clear, clean, and professional, making it an excellent choice for recording vocals or other instruments. It protects from accidental damage and additionally improves its ability of signal receiption.

The Don unit has a strap at the bottom and a velcro strip in the box "see picture" that enables you to strap the preamp to a mic stand if desired. It is made well, sturdy with good plugs and cables that seat nicely.

• A compact and affordable microphone booster
• Works great for boosting quiet dynamic mics
• Adds the db you need to your weak preamp for dynamic mics

Best For The money: rolls XLR Mic Preamp

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We know from years of feedback from readers, customers and amazon sellers, what most people want in a convenient and appropriate preamp. The rolls xlr mic preamp is exactly that - it's a simple preamp that hits all the right notes. The Rolls model MP13 microphone preamplifier (pre-amp) is a unit dedicated to a single simple task. The power supply output is a regulated 12VDC, which the preamp doubles to 24 volts for the phantom supply. It works well for pc/laptop microphone volume control. The preamp comes with a 'universal' power supply that should work with any AC supply voltage worldwide.

The advantage of doing it this way is that you can also plug a regular pair of mono headphones OR stereo headphones into this jack. There are no extraneous bells and whistles, but it just does its job well. It has good, flat response. It will drive stereo headphones but be aware that only the left channel will have sound. This device is great for those needing to record on the go or change locations often and don't want to lug around a bigger interface or mixer.

• A quality item for musical application
• Great all-in-one solution for a powered (condenser) mic with amplification
• Level control is smooth and quiet
• Microphone signal / +5 volts / common-ground

Best For stream: Coda music technologies XLR Mic Preamp

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We know from years of feedback from readers, customers and amazon sellers, what most people want in a convenient and appropriate preamp. The coda music technologies xlr mic preamp is exactly that - it's a simple preamp that hits all the right notes. It's a beast of an alternative to the cloud lifter. The stealth microphone preamp is compact and has a matte black finish that pairs perfectly with industry. It will reduce noise while adding microphone clarity. It works well with an SM57 and a guitar amp. It provides 28db of clean gain. It will make your dynamic or ribbon microphone louder, but keep in mind you will need to have an interface that can provide with 48v phantom power. It is easy to install and overall well made. It will only work on dynamic or ribbon microphones, not condenser ones.

• Stealth in-line mic preamp, active booster for dynamic and ribbon microphones
• Standard microphones for a minimal and stealth aesthetic
• Fantastic inline preamp that is clean and adds extra juice to sm7b
• External power necessary which is always a plus

Best With Condenser Mic: Rodyweil XLR Mic Preamp

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We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention rodyweil xlr mic preamp for regular usage. Yeah, this microphone preamp has 48V phantom power and can work with condenser mic and dynamic mic. It has two-channel inputs, allowing you to boost one condenser mic and one dynamic mic at the same time. It has an xlr balanced output that can be connected to an audio interface or other professional audio devices. It is compatible with various microphones, including sm7b, sm58, 55sh, and others, whether they are dynamic or condenser microphones.

Both of those two mic pre are all great, tiny noise, sounds clean, and this mic pre is adjustable, better for home studio recording and podcasting. This provides a nice quiet gain for your dynamic. Very clear sound, it can be a large number of times the expansion of the sound, the main sound is still native, installation and carrying are very convenient, the most practical purchase. It is great for beginners and a great value for your money.

• Simple to set up, easy to use
• Well built, solid, look forward to really putting it thru its paces
• Very clear sounding, and enough gain to abuse for nefarious purposes
• Includes decent basic instructions, and a proper power supply

Best For Professional singer: Windlim XLR Mic Preamp

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Windlim has been making great preamp for years, thanks to a combination of clever design and appropriate materials. If you’re a podcaster or radio brodcaster, a simple one-channel preamp could meet your needs. It is a device that takes the output of a microphone (low in terms of nominal level) and amplifies it to line-level, a standard used by pretty much all professional audio gear. By amplifying the mic's signal, the mic preamp maintains the natural sound of your microphone.

The dynamic microphone amplifier is well built and once you plug in your xlr cables (not include), a microphone preamplifier will link to the output side, the hiss of any kind or audio illusion are significantly reduced. It provides +25 db of clean, transparent gain for studio-quality sound. It is suitable for all passive dynamic microphones and ribbon microphones with no transfer of phantom power. This mic booster works great with no additional noise.

• Safe for all passive dynamic& ribbon microphones
• 25 db of clean gain boost
• Delivers what they promise

Best For Live Sound: Veeleiz XLR Mic Preamp

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The Veeleiz mic preamp is a powerful tool for anyone who wants to take their audio recording to the next level. Whether you're a musician, podcaster, journalist or vlogger, the Veeleiz xlr preamp can help you achieve a professional sound that rivals the quality of top broadcasting networks like npr. It is perfect for live sound or studio recording and looking for a mic preamp for vocal. The aluminum housing not only helps protect the preamp from environmental noise but also provides physical protection against accidental drops or impacts, so you can confidently drop that mic.

The Veeleiz preamp booster provides the perfect balance of gain and clarity, capturing the nuances of voice without adding unwanted noise or distortion. It is designed from pleasant touch & feel materials. Whether in a professional recording studio or out in the field, the veeleiz preamp can be easily swiped out from your boom arm in seconds, making it much easier to move around and adjust your setup as needed.

• Good sound and quiet, with plenty of gain
• One of the new comers and featured product

Best Sound Quality: Warm Audio XLR Mic Preamp

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We know from years of feedback from readers, customers and amazon sellers, what most people want in a convenient and appropriate preamp. The warm audio xlr mic preamp is exactly that - it's a simple preamp that hits all the right notes. If you’re looking for a preamp to actually improve and shape your signal instead, you will most definitely you will love the wa12 mkii black. This unit is built rock solid too. It maintains vocals good plus it is great value for the $$$ especially for this class of preamp. You can get vintage sound by increasing the gain and decreasing the output, and get a clear and crispy sound by decreasing the gain and increasing the output. It can also be driven into mild saturation at much higher gain levels.

You’re gonna love this product, there’s so warm they’re hot and if you know how to turn these Dials on this machine, people are going to say “wow” this sounds so much better.

• Excellent value for the home studio
• Single channel microphone preamplifier and di with xlr, balanced and unbalanced inputs
• Good brand reputation