Preamps vs. Channel Strips: What’s the Difference?

For a beginner, outfitting a new recording studio presents many challenges. First off, you will need a basic understanding of the concept of signal flow and the role of various components in the signal path. In this article, we’ll define two terms you will certainly come across, “preamp” and “channel strip,” and highlight the differences between these two popular categories of gear as well as other equipment configurations that also contain a preamp. But first, we’ll go over signal chain basics and then proceed to the finer points of how your workflow requirements should dictate whether you equip your studio with preamps or channel strips (or some combination of the two). Without further ado, let’s dive into the difference between — and advantages of — various component configurations and which might be right for you.

Signal Chain Basics

After the microphone at the beginning of the signal chain, the audio signal is fed to the “mic preamp” (common name for a microphone preamplifier), which amplifies the low-level mic signal (usually somewhere between -60dBu and -40dBu) to line level (+4dBu for pro audio equipment), which is roughly 1,000 times louder than mic-level signals. At that robust amplitude, your signal is ready to be processed and sent on its way down the signal chain to the analog-to-digital converter for recording. To understand the concept of signal flow, it’s helpful to visualize a traditional recording console, which includes multiple channels, each delivering complete signal processing and routing options. After the preamp, a console channel offers equalization (EQ) to shape the sound and possibly a compressor to contour its dynamics. It will also have an output fader (or knob) to control the level going to your recording device. A “channel strip” is simply a single such channel (or multiples) in a rackmount chassis.

Preamps, Channel Strips, and Audio Interfaces

Preamps are available as standalone devices with no additional functionality, whereas channel strips have a preamp and processing such as EQ or compression. The preamp is also the basic building block of audio interfaces. If you only need a simple, desktop digital audio workstation (DAW) setup to record yourself playing one part at a time, then an affordable 2-channel audio interface and a computer — along with a good microphone or two — will do the trick. A stereo (2-channel) audio interface will have two preamps to handle mics and electric instruments like guitar, bass, or keyboards plugged into its DI (direct injection) input jack. In your favorite DAW software, you can record multiple tracks, apply EQ, compression, amp simulation, and effects and mix and master your music in the digital domain. This is the most popular and cost-effective way to record for solo artists and composers worldwide. But, if you’re recording a band, you will need a more sophisticated setup that employs standalone preamps or channel strips (if not a full-blown console). We should note that many modern standalone preamps and channel strips also offer DI inputs; some can handle line-level as well as mic-level sources.

A Myriad of Preamp Options

From very affordable to high-end and esoteric, Sweetwater carries a large selection of single-, dual-, four-, and eight-channel preamps. On the high end, you can’t go wrong with the no-compromise equipment made by Rupert Neve Designs and Rupert’s original company, Neve. Neve is a name that has loomed large in the pro audio community since the 1970s when their British handwired consoles became an industry standard in world-class control rooms. Today, you can access the classic sound of these legendary boards with the Rupert Neve Designs Dual Shelford 2-channel preamp.

If you need a console’s worth of preamps for multi-mic tracking of rhythm sections or chamber orchestras, then a good option would be to pack your rack with multichannel preamps, which typically include up to eight preamplifiers in a rackmount format. For studio owners with higher channel-count requirements, we’d recommend taking a serious look at the Neve 1073OPX 8-channel preamp, the Rupert Neve Designs RMP-D8 8-channel preamp, or the API 3124V 4-channel preamp, which delivers the classic, bold American sound that veteran engineers and producers have coveted for half a century. Products from these respected pro audio companies fortify your tracks with the muscular punch and massive headroom that make your mixes blast right out of the speakers.

Those with constrained budgets still have bountiful choices, which include 8-channel preamps such as the Behringer ADA8200, Focusrite Clarett+ OctoPre, and Audient ASP800 among many others. In the 4-channel preamp category, we have the Warm Audio WA-412; the AuteurQuad, B12A Quad, and B173 Quad from Black Lion Audio; and the Solid State Logic Alpha VHD. Solid State Logic is another esteemed English pro audio company. SSL consoles gained favor in the late 1970s and more or less took over the high-end studio market by the ’90s. But, if you harbor an affinity for big British sonics, then, by all means, don’t overlook the Focusrite ISA428 MkII. Focusrite, another console company founded by the late Rupert Neve, is renowned for its award-winning preamp designs, which have proven their mettle in pro studios worldwide for over three decades.

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A Range of Channel Strip Options

If you don’t do high channel-count sessions, then channel strips will make for a more compact (and possibly more affordable) setup. This approach won’t sacrifice performance when using high-end channel strips like the Rupert Neve Designs Shelford Channel; the VOXBOX, SLAM!, and Core Reference from Manley; the Universal Audio LA-610; or the Neve 1073SPX, which offers an updated classic 1073 preamplifier plus Neve’s definitive “British” EQ. The Maag Audio PREQ2 is a 2-channel mic/line/DI preamp/EQ that can input any analog signal and optimize it to achieve its maximum sonic potential. It offers unique features such as buffered Pass Thru and proprietary level-match technology that facilitate re-amplification of mic and instrument signals, individual tracks, and complete mixes through its discrete Class A transformer-coupled circuitry and EQ section featuring Maag’s famous Air Band. Another indispensable Swiss Army knife channel strip is the Hazelrigg Industries VLC. This do-it-all mic/line/DI preamp/equalizer delivers splendid results on any source, offering an all-tube signal path and transformer-balanced I/O that pumps up any signal with gorgeous, vintage-flavored euphonics while its classic passive EQ lets you quickly contour it to perfection.

Of course, Sweetwater also carries more affordable channel strips that still offer impressive performance, such as the PreSonus Studio Channel, the Black Lion Audio Eighteen, the ART Pro Channel II, the Behringer Ultravoice UV1, and the Empirical Labs EL-9 Mike-E. Budget-conscious Neve aficionados will gravitate to the Rupert Neve Designs Portico 5017, while SSL buffs will go for the XLogic Alpha. At Sweetwater, it’s a veritable embarrassment of riches with worthy entries at every price point. So, how do you choose?

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Next Steps

Start your quest by browsing Sweetwater.com for preamps and channel strips to familiarize yourself with the range of available options. Given the complexities of equipping a well-appointed pro studio, it would be wise to consult with your Sweetwater Sales Engineer, who can offer expert advice on outfitting your studio with the best gear for your particular needs. Call us at (800) 222-4700 and start designing the studio you’ve always wanted!
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