Preamps are an essential part of professional audio recording. The preamp boosts the minuscule signal created by a microphone to a level you can actually use. Preamps are in many audio consoles and external processing equipment. This will make your life as a recording engineer easier and make your creations sound with quality.

Set your input The first thing you need to determine is whether you’re using a mic or line input. A mic input will typically be an XLR cable plugged into a microphone. The mic signal needs a huge amount of boost to get to a workable level, make sure your are using the right choice. This signal is already loud so it doesn’t need boosting. A preamp is still useful on a line input, though, because it can add color and character to the sound.

Gain adjustment The gain is the main factor for the signal level. Increase the gain until you get a good level on the preamp, and then check the level on the recording source, such as a computer (DAW) or a tape machine. There is probably a meter or LEDs on the preamp that will give you an idea of the output level.

Fine tuning Many preamps have a gain with fixed increments and another knob or controller called fine gain or trim. Use this to dial in the level to precisely where you want it.

External filter or EQ Many preamps feature some form of equalization. Sometimes you will find a filter that cuts out low frequencies. You may also have a low cut and high cut, which allows you to cut low frequencies and high frequencies in a specific range. Some High-end preamps come with a parametric EQ built in.