Tritonaudio FetHead - Studio Preamplifier

Product Information

Being a dynamic mic, the SM57 does not need phantom power. Although it shouldn’t damage it, it’s advisable to have phantom power switched off when using this mic. What’s the Difference Between a Shure SM57 and an SM58?

In short, Fethead does what it supposed to do. It boosts SM7B gain without affecting the sound, allowing for the mic gain on my iD4 interface to stay on the good lever. Constructed mainly of surface-mount components, the DM1 is designed to add a fixed 28dB of gain, using a very low-noise Class‑A design, and on paper the specifications look very impressive (more on that below), but no distortion figure is quoted. In subjective tests, the DM1 seemed quiet and clean, delivering plenty of gain for low-output passive ribbon mics, but after a few practical tests such as this, we decided that Hugh should introduce the DM1 to his Audio Precision test set, to see just how good it is on a technical level. When the phantom power is toggled on, the Cloudlifter will transform the phantom power into 25dB of gain without adding any disruptive or cranking sound. There is some argument about what these devices actually are. They serve some of the same functions as a preamp, but many refer to them as mic activators. Either way, they add much-needed gain for artists with low output mics searching for slightly higher loudness.As we’ve already covered, all microphones need a amplification from a preamp to bring them up to the correct level. We’ve also established that some mics output a stronger signal and that dynamic mics generally need more amplification than condenser mics. The Durham MKii by Cathedral Pipes looks more like a Cloudlifter in construction than a FetHead does in that it doesn’t plug directly into your mic. 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. Given this high-end build, it can work in multi-room studios, auditoriums, and large recording rooms, even if the cables are long. This is because the preamp amplifies the signals, so the length of the cables won’t make a difference. Whereas if you’re a band director or live podcaster who performs in spacious auditoriums, the ability to place a Cloudlifter along the chain to reduce noise and boost your noise floor is invaluable.

Beginner podcasters are best off with a simple USB microphone. One that you connect to your computer and are ready to go. If you want your Shure SM57 to perform to the best of its ability, you need to give it some gain. For most, an inline preamp like the Cloudlifter or Fethead will be a great choice – they’re portable, convenient and low cost.

Comparing the Fethead vs Cloudlifter

Because Cloudlifters offer a drastic, almost night-and-day difference with a certain type of passive mic, many audio professionals swear by them. With an inteface like the 2i2, you may need to almost max it out. When you do this, you risk introducing noise. Some preamps are noisier than other so it’s up to you what’s acceptable with your particular setup. Made of high-quality steel, it can also help protect older ribbon microphone styles that can be damaged by phantom power. Its portability makes it the perfect choice for the artist on the go. Performance Offering a massive +28db gain boost, it’s also the winner in terms of the raw gain it provides. You’d just need to make sure it wasn’t too ‘hot’ of a signal for the mic and mixer/audio interface combo you’re looking to pair it with. The last thing you want is to have to move too far away from the mic to avoid clipping as your audio quality will suffer as a result. In most cases though, this shouldn’t be an issue but it’s worth keeping in mind when researching your options. When testing various microphones with the FetHead, TritonAudio noticed a significant improvement on every source. When paired with a readily available 57 you'll hear an increase in response and a broader frequency range. However, the FetHead really shines when matched with microphones such as MD441s and Shure SM7Bs.