2 Ways To Connect Microphone Preamp to Audio Interface

In this video, we'll show you two effective methods for connecting a microphone preamp to your audio interface. Understanding these connections can greatly improve your sound quality, whether you're a musician, podcaster, or content creator.
MICROPHONE PREAMPS THAT WE LOVE:
► Golden Age Project Pre-73 MKIV - currentprice.io/pre73_mkiv
► ART Tube MP Studio V3 Tube - currentprice.io/mp_studio_v3
► Black Lion Audio Auteur DT - currentprice.io/auteur_dt
► Fredenstein V.A.S. MicPre - currentprice.io/vas_micpre
PRICING FOR EQUIPMENT FEATURED IN THIS VIDEO:
► Shure SM7B Dynamic Microphone: currentprice.io/shure_sm7b
► Neat King Bee II Condenser Microphone: currentprice.io/king_bee_ii
► Golden Age Project Pre-73 MKIV: currentprice.io/pre73_mkiv
► Universal Audio Volt 276 Audio Interface: currentprice.io/volt276
► Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro Headphones: currentprice.io/beyer_dt_990
► XLR Cable: currentprice.io/xlr_cable
► TRS Cable: currentprice.io/trs_cable
► XLR To TRS Cable: currentprice.io/xlr_trs
► Mic Stand: currentprice.io/desk_stand
► Rode PSA1+ Boom Arm: currentprice.io/psa1_plus
► Quality Acoustic Treatment Panels: currentprice.io/soundpanels
These are affiliate links, and I may earn a commission from Amazon (and others) on qualifying purchases.
BLOG POST WITH MORE INFORMATION:
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XLR CABLE BUYER'S GUIDE: kettnercreative.com/buyers-gu...
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CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Introduction
0:30 - Equipment In The Video
1:20 - Pricing & Specs
1:40 - Balanced vs Unbalanced Signal
2:37 - Mic Level vs Line Level Signal
4:02 - Two Ways To Damage Equipment
5:04 - Connect Microphone Preamp To Audio Interface
5:40 - Option 1: Balanced 1/4" TRS Cable
7:44 - Option 2: XLR to 1/4" TRS Cable
8:40 - Final Thoughts
STUDIO EQUIPMENT:
Editing Computer: currentprice.io/16_mpb_m1max
Camera: currentprice.io/sony_a7iii
Lens: currentprice.io/sigma_24_70
Headphones: currentprice.io/nth-100
Studio Monitors: currentprice.io/adam_t5v
Studio Subwoofer: currentprice.io/adam_t10s
Video Recorder: currentprice.io/ninja_v
Key Light: currentprice.io/keylight
Fill Light: currentprice.io/keylight_air
Uplight: currentprice.io/astera_ax5
Truss: currentprice.io/truss_black
SOFTWARE & TOOLS:
Final Cut Pro: geni.us/qW5K
MotionVFX Plugins: geni.us/5SFH6w
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Epidemic Sound: geni.us/eiPf1G
Envato Elements: geni.us/ENFErA
Tubebuddy: geni.us/Md6v
VidIQ: geni.us/dqUyD
Riverside FM Podcast Software: currentprice.io/riversidefm
GeniusLink: geni.us/vss0P
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[@alecmao9449]

Fixed my problem immediately,thank you so much!!!!!!!!

[@matthewcole6456]

Video straight to the point, answered all of my questions, “yes but why?” questions.

[@operasinger2126]

Thank you for this great explanation! I think the last cord you used is female XLR to TRS. Not Male XLR to TRS.

[@Stewsdrums]

I sure am glad I subscribe to your Channel. I think you very much for breaking down what you are describing for people that or trying to learn like with the balanced and unbalanced cables you are a great teacher thank you very much

[@pastilance1]

Damn, I've been doing this wrong all along. Thanks for sharing the knowledge with us

[@erickblue5259]

Thank You So Much!

[@bryanmurphy5308]

Thank you for this! I’m using a Golden Age Pre-73 into a Focusrite Clarett 2pre with an RE20. With the pre-73 all the way I’m finding myself needing more gain. Should I use the Clarett or something like a Cloudlifter instead?

[@divi3407]

Can I get an answer please to this one, why would you want an unbalanced TS cable? Does it serve any kind of purpose that a balanced cable wouldn't? Examples?

[@scot_smith]

Any chance you can compare the 2 ways being external preamp into the interface combo jack/preamp circuit vs a direct line input? Many say to do the latter for better sound quality but since my interface (SSL2+) only has the combo jacks I can't test myself to see if there is actually an audible difference. I guess you would need a Volt 4 or Scarlett 4i4 or the like for this test

[@kettnercreative]

You want to use the 1/4” input on the SSL2+. It’s not about quality, it’s about properly matching the line level output of your preamp to the line level input of your interface.

[@scot_smith]

@@kettnercreative Thanks for the reply, yes my question was about quality and if there is, as some say, a difference in direct line inputs vs the combo input (of course using the line in). I have heard a few people say there is a difference but have not found any actual tests. (edit: so when I saw the title of the video, these are the two ways I was hoping would be compared and contrasted is all)

[@giuseppedesimone1859]

If an audio interface got max input of 16dbu could be dangerous incrementing the gain and the +db of the preamp?

[@adoniusridley314]

how do you connect your mic preamp to your mixer if your your mixer only has xlr inputs

[@kenethdelmundo8946]

That was so expensive ✌️

[@millies1264]

Wow thank you for this. I’ve been hearing that this would not bypass the volt’s preamp, but I didn’t want to get their top model, which has line inputs on the back. I guess I can start shopping for my first preamp or channel strip!🙏🙏🙏🫶