How important is choice of mic pre-amp?

This post was first published in Aug 2014 at projectstudiohandbook.com/PSHforum

This week we have once again been asked for advice on buying a mic pre-amp. We have some forthcoming videos planned on microphone recording technologies, but our existing video "Differentiating mic-pre amps" is a good place to start. Find it at .. http://www.projectstudiohandbook.com/vi ... video.html

There has been a growing body of opinion that maintains that mic-pre amps are the most important part of the microphone recording signal chain. This is simply not true. Providing your mic-pre amp is working correctly, you will almost certainly find it is the LEAST important part of the chain. All these are far more important ..

Location (room acoustics)
Choice of mic
Positioning of mic
Quality of source sound or performer (are those guitar strings ancient?)

Almost all modern transparent design microphone pre-amplifiers have a wide frequency response and dynamic range, low noise floor and will perform well. This includes those built into even the most modest audio interfaces, mixing desks and voice channel strips. The fact of the matter is that modern hi-quality components are cheap and plentiful.

The primary reasons for buying more expensive, vintage or boutique designs are ..

Ergonomics - more controls and features allow matching with a wider range of mics (ribbon mode, impedance control, trim and gain controls etc)
Form factor - stand alone, portable, rack mount, part of a channel strip etc
Slow slew rate - which smears transients, thereby softening detail and creating a more "organic" sound (typical of the older electronics found in the Neve 1073)
Valves/tubes in the circuitry - which add harmonic distortion, often called coloration or warmth

It's important to acknowledge that whilst differences between the most transparent modern designs and vintage valve designs are the most obvious, even these can be hard for the untrained ear to discern.

We're certainly not saying that we should disregard the important role a mic pre-amp plays, but remember it is only one part of the signal chain.

Thanks for reading.
FairFax