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Description

A preamplifier, also known as a preamp, is an electronic amplifier that converts a weak electrical signal into an output signal strong enough to be noise-tolerant and strong enough for further processing, or for sending to a power amplifier and a loudspeaker. Without this, the final signal would be noisy or distorted.

Which comes first, compressor or preamp?

I have a PreSonus Bluemax compressor, and just got an M-audio DMP3 preamp. This is my front-end (such as it is) for a home DAW setup. I would only be using the Bluemax on vocal tracks. My question is this...do I run the mic ( a Groove Tubes GT1) into the preamp first, then compression? This seems the logical method to me, but I'm not sure.

preamps for noobies

I'm pretty new at this recording stuff, but I really want to get a halfway decent sounding home studio for rock n' roll going on at my place. I plan on purchasing a digi 002 soon. I have heard that the built in pre's are great on this, but i really don't understand anything about preamps at all. Could anyone give me some advice about this, and any advice that you may have for my studio?

Focusrite ISA 428. Preamp myths and expectations. Help!

So I have a PreSonus Eureka and an ART Pro channel. They're ok, but all of the true professionals I know are telling me to stop wasting money on these prosumer gear, and instead buy a couple real pieces.

I'm considering purchasing the Focusrite ISA 428. Am i really going to hear a difference in my mixes send stuff through this instead of the Eureka?

2nd preamp

I've got a Millennia STT1 and have been trying the Avalon 737 as a second preamp. I only record vocals and acoustic guitars (mics: Brauner Valvet and Neumann TLM 103). But the 737 gets bashed quite a bit in most forums. Next to the Millennia it pales a bit on all fronts (preamp, eq, certainly comp) and it also does not provide sufficient variation I think.