Preamplifier (mic pre)

Preamplifier (mic pre): An audio technology on recorders with microphone inputs that boosts the analog audio signal from the microphone enabling the recorder to record the audio signal. Lower quality microphone preamps will add noise as it boosts the signal and are found on many lower end recorders. Higher quality microphone preamps add far less noise leading to a more “transparent” signal boost. Preamplification on a portable field recorder takes place prior to analog-to-digital conversion. [ Audio Glossary ]