API 512v and 512C 500 Series microphone preampsA crucial link in the audio chain is the microphone preamplifier, aka the mic preamp or mic pre. The output level of a microphone is very low and requires amplification to bring it up to line level. That’s what a mic pre does. But a mic preamp can’t drive a pair of speakers; that’s the job of the main amplifier. A key part of the job for a mic pre is to keep input noise to a minimum and to amplify without distortion. Continue reading →