I was searching for a USB preamp with more gain than the M-Audio Mobile-Pre I bought a few years ago. Some mics don’t have sufficient Sensitivity to provide ample gain.
Take the Rode NTG-2, for instance. I would have to amp up the gain on the Mobile-Pre all the way. This raised the noise floor, and sounded less then ideal. However, the NT1-A would sound ok. Mostly, because that was for close-talking setups. Otherwise, the gain was almost at max setting.
Enter the Behringer UMC202 USB Preamp.
I liked its looks, features, and already use Behringer mixers. Except for one thing. I wasn’t able to locate any information on the amount of input Gain it would provide.
Was I going to face the same situation as I did with the Mobile-Pre?
That’s when I decided to write and ask. Novel thought, don’t you think? 🙂
Here’s what they wrote back:
Dear Joe Pena,
Thank you for your email! The gain attenuation is not listed although after some consultation I have found gain pot to offer 60dB of gain. This is a variable ratio for all UMC interfaces. I hope this helps, please let me know if you have any questions!
Kind regards,
ROSS, Zac
Administrator, Care Prosumer Division
MUSIC Group Services NV Inc.
Tel:+1 702 800 8290 ext 5728
Email: CARE@music-group.com
Web: www.music-group.com | www.midasconsoles.com | www.klarkteknik.com | www.turbosound.com | www.behringer.com | www.bugera-amps.com
They got back to me the next day with the answer to my question… AND it looks like the UMC202 is a serious contender for my next pre.
Do you use one? Let me know what you think.