Tritonaudio FetHead - Studio Preamplifier

Product Information

One thing to remember is that these gain boosters need phantom power, just like condenser microphones. Even though your SM7B doesn’t need extra power, you need your phantom power when you connect it to FetHead.

Like the FetHead, this is a simple plug ‘n play device. Audio-wise, the performance is top-notch and the device does not add any noise or coloration. If you are looking for a unit to drive long cable runs, the DM-1 outperforms the competition with the ‘lowest in class’ output impedance. In case you are still unsure of just what is on offer with each product, we have compiled the most important specs into two convenient lists for you to come to compare further. It can be used for recording in rooms with harder surfaces and higher ceilings (such rooms have challenged acoustics).Your Fethead Germanium will latch straight onto any XLR equipped microphone, or anywhere else in the signal path between microphone and preamp/mixer.The electronics are housed in a robust metal chassis with a balanced female XLR input and a balanced male XLR output, rugged enough for use at home, in the studio or on tour. The Durham MKII has a small footprint and is a more affordable alternative to CL-1. If 20 dB is enough gain for your needs, it has an excellent value-to-cost ratio and high-quality gain to offer. Your Fethead will latch straight onto any XLR equipped microphone, or anywhere else in the signal path between microphone and preamp/mixer.The electronics are housed in a robust metal chassis with a balanced female XLR input and a balanced male XLR output, rugged enough for use at home, in the studio or on tour.

Unlike the CL-1 the FetHead can be plugged in at any stage of the signal flow. This is a major advantage as this means you can use the device with just one XLR. Those who enjoy the equipment side of podcasting though may be more drawn to the GAP Pre-73 Mkiii for the lovely warm sound it produces. Whichever you choose, all of these options will do a great job of giving your SM57 the additional is gain it requires. Frequently Asked Questions Does a Shure SM57 need phantom power? The Dynamite DM-1 from sE Electronics is closer to the FetHead in styling than any of the other options and is another direct-to-mic option unlike the Cloudlifter, the Durham and the McBoost. The FetHead was designed to boost the audio signals by over 20dB before it hits the mic-pre, promising cleaner recordings and less gain.McBoost is rugged, compact, and almost twice as heavy as others on this list. It features an all-steel case with powder coating that is clearly built to last a lifetime. It also features hand-matched transistors and dual FET class-A circuits for optimal performance.

The Triton Audio FetHead is an economical, portable, and easy to use alternative to a Cloudlifter. It does exactly as advertised, and it does that as well, if not better, than the competition at a significantly lower price point. I highly recommend it to anyone who doesn’t want to pay extra for bells and whistles and just needs to cleanly boost their mic signal. It’s worth noting here that the 48v phantom power will come from an existing preamp. This can be confusing – if you already have a preamp which is able to provide the phantom power for an activator to work, why would you need an activator in the first place. Keep reading, all will be revealed! What is an outboard microphone preamp? McBoost provides 26 dB of ‘variable clean gain’, which means it has a rotary knob on the front panel to set the level of gain between 100%, 50%, or variable. The circuit and electrical isolation ensure that it does not add any noise or tone color i.e. transparent operation. The Cloudlifter has a solid fan base and has become one of the go-to gain boosting devices for pairing with a low sensitivity dynamic mic.Dynamic microphones such as this though do require more gain than a typical condenser mic but with gain can come noise and with noise comes more clean-up work in post, so it’s important to select a good preamp with a decent amount of clean gain. Weighing just over half a pound (.25 kg) and designed to attach right to your microphone, the FetHead’s compact design makes it versatile. This lightweight construction does not sacrifice power or durability.

The scarlet all-metal casing houses class-A FETs with gold-plated XLR connectors that yield a neutral and balanced sound. Being a direct-to-mic activator, the DM-1 plugs directly into the microphone thus eliminating the need for a second XLR cord. Performance These features do some at a cost though and makes the McBoost a more expensive alternative to the Cloudlifter but if those features are important to you, it could still represent good value. I had this microphone for years, and it served me well. I didn’t record much in the past, so I was okay with boosting the volume afterwards. However, as I started my Youtube channel and used the microphone more, the gain started to get annoying.Although intended as an instrument mic, Shure’s SM57 makes for an excellent low cost dynamic podcasting microphone. In some circles, it’s even regarded as a viable Shure SM7B alternative. And there is a reason for it – the microphone sounds great, it is relatively cheap, you don’t need a pop shield because the capsule is a safe distance from the top. It’s versatile, and it can take a lot of volume without distorting the sound. Cathedral Pipes have adopted the built-in circuit from “Seville” – one of their bestselling active ribbon microphones – to create the Durham MKII. That ought to vouch for the fact that it has enough juice for ribbon mics. Performance I’d like to make a casual reference to the MartiAudio Booster, Royer dBooster, Sanken HAD‑48, and a handful of other options that could have qualified as a viable alternative to the CL-1.