While preamps all do the same thing they don’t all sound the same companies may use different component or even different technology to boost the sound, it could be solid state or tube, some add colour while others are transparent, some are single or multiple channels and even have some extra bundled features such as phantom power, polarity inversion, basic parametric equalisation or even compression and gating in some instances. However, with many aspects of music technology, while there are bargains out there to be had, generally speaking, the more you spend the better quality you get. Most any audio interface will have some preamps included and they mostly sound fine. That’s it really! Here’s a handy diagram that also includes a typical amplifier that would take that line level signal and boost it to speaker level, ready for a PA or monitor. In reality, all they do is convert an instrument or microphone level signal (quiet) into a line level one (louder), ideally without boosting the noise floor. Something that alluded (and many others) for years – I thought preamps were some magical “make it sound better” box. So, let’s take a look at some of our favourite channel strips and how we can approximate them within the box: But First… What is a Preamp? Coupled with the already well-modelled compression circuits and some other cheap and cheerful third party plug-ins, I wanted to take a look at achieving some of those sought-after channel strip sounds in your DAW without having to venture into the myriad of analog hardware or remortgage.
Cytomic the glue vs ssl heavy metal update#
Logic’s 10.4 update saw the introduction of Apple’s first proper foray into analog EQ emulation with their Vintage Collection. There are a plethora of companies cloning our favourite bits of kit but I want to focus on the alternatives for those of you who want to keep it in-the-box. However, if you’ve ever seen the prices classic EQs, compressors and channel strips are going for you’ll know they’re enough to bankrupt the average project studio. There’s nothing wrong with the sound for most purposes but if you’ve ever wanted to place your vocal, drums or guitar recording in a different era, or breathe life into an otherwise lifeless, flat take, then cooking up that signal path with some sexy seventies hardware might have been something you’ve considered. At some stage or another, anyone who records in a humble home studio might want to move beyond the sound of an economy microphone and audio interface.
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