Without looking at a particular piece of gear such as a recorder, Disc, Tape, etc, there may be Mic Inputs and line outputs. Most likely the Mic Input is designed to take a Dynmaic Mic of which has enough output, to drive the circuts to full output without any extra amplification.

When, or if using a Condenser Mic, of which doesn't have enough output to drive the circut enough without extra amplification you will need a preamp to raise the signal up enough to record without gross distortion.

Circut design has changed little over the years. Where a Mic is used the circuts still are designed to use a dymanic mic. The Pre Amp is used when a device such as a Condenser Mic is used to increase the output of the mic. Some devices that use a Mic may have what is known as Phantom Power, of which is basically a Pre Amp for Condenser Mics. A Pre Amp should not change the signal but only increase it up to the level the device can use.

So, no an expensive preamp will not make you sound better! But if I was selling you a preamp, of course the expensive one that costs twice as much is twice as good! Circut designs were developed years ago and are pretty much the same today. Three different Companies may make the exact same pre amp and charge 3 different prices for them!

Last edited by Ray E. Strode; 02/22/12 01:42 PM.
Ray E. Strode