7 Camera Preamps I've Owned and Which Is Best For Your Budget
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- čas přidán 11. 09. 2017
- Today I test 7 of the camera preamps I've owned and like to see how they stack up! Using a preamp for your camera is one of the best things you can do for your audio as it will increase the signal from the microphone without introducing more noise. At least that is the idea!
To save time in this video, I only tested the preamps noise. If you want to hear what each preamp sounds like with a voice, check out my various reviews below.
Preamps 0:41
Tests 3:57
Conclusions 4:51
Saramonic Smart Rig
Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/saramonicsmart
B&H: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...
My Review: • Great $23 Budget Pream...
My Hack tutorial: • Hacking the $23 Saramo...
iRig PRE
Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/irig
B&H: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...
Saramonic Smart Rig PLUS
Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/smartrigplus
B&H: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...
My Review: • Best Audio Accessory F...
Beachtek DXA Micro Pro
Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/beachtek
B&H: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...
My Review: • The Camera Preamp That...
Saramonic MixMic
Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/1KVNr
B&H: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...
My Review: • Slick $220 Camera Prea...
JuicedLink 222
RIP :-(
Sound Devices MixPre-3
B&H: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...
DISCLAIMERS:
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
This video was not paid for by outside persons or manufacturers.
No gear was supplied to me for this video. - Krátké a kreslené filmy
Nice comparison, Caleb. Really interesting to see the self-noise comparison numbers.
I appreciate your reviews and your thoughts on the equipment you check out. I bought the Saramonic Smartrig + and it was a good purchase.
I got the Saramonic SmartRig+ per your recommendation and have absolutely loved it! I was previously running my mics and guitar through a Shure mixer but it was bulky and much less flexible for run and gun shooting. The SmartRig+ was one of the best $100 I've spent in a long time!
Right? Probably the cheapest way to drastically improve audio!
do you not have to constantly buy big batteries that hurt the environment and pocket? what about rechargeable options
@@dslrvideoshooter Anything new out now? Better options than Smart Rig+ for Two channel XLR Phantom power? Below Mix Pre 3 Price Range
Big fan of yours. Bought a G7 camera and took your class. Bought a Roxsen Speed Booster to go with my Canon FD 50mm. F1.4. Stunning results! Bought a Saramonic SmartRig+ after your review. Added velcro and strap to attach SmartRIg+ to my monopod and connect to the camera. Also amazing. Even though the Beachtek might be a little better, that Saramonic is perfect for me because I do use both XLR on occassion and it's out of the way on my monopod. Also, I work with both the G7 and an iPhone at times, and the Saramonic works with both very nicely. THANKS so much!!!
Thank you Art! All solid tools!
Yes, this is definitely an interesting vid, thanks! Thing is, I'm a very visual person, so I'm very focused on the camera, lenses and correction of footage to get the video looking visually pleasing and impressive. But of course, audio as they say is 50% of the final form... but it's just a lot tougher to 'get'... to get a grasp on... or just to get excited or wanting to learn more about as well (willingness to spend money on isn't really there either). Videos like these really help to sorta make some sense of it all and give you a bit of an overview of what you're dealing with and which direction you might want to look. Super useful.
I've used Irig Pre for my main Dialogue Audio, from Shotgun, straight to laptop, it's serve me great in my college years as multimedia student. Great video btw.
I just subscribed. This guy will actually tell you which device he favors and why without dilly-dallying around. He and Curtis Judd give the best reviews. I watch many reviews from others but have only subscribed to him and Curtis. This would have been nice had he mentioned if any of these devices could double as a computer sound interface. Thanks mate!
I was never satisfied with the gain from my Rode NGT-2 when using the H4n or USB Art Dual Pre. I added a Cloud Lifter CL-1 to the mix and that really gave a huge boost of clean gain. I would not have chosen this path but already owned the equipment.
Decent preamps are such a lifesaver for killing that hiss. I have the Beachtek and the Smartrig and love them.
I just bought the Beachtek, based on your review. I was looking for something a little smaller that the one I have. Thank you for your review, Caleb!
Clear and concise info as always Caleb! :-) Well done, Thanks!
As usual great video Caleb. Have you ever tried out the Tascam dr60 II. I like the idea of a preamp that also records. That way in case the camera stops recording you still have a backup.
In what scenario is a backup of only audio good? I don't get the point
DSLR Video Shooter I made sure to buy my Rode mic and Pre amp from the links in the description! Great content for information about all things video! Keep it up!
I`ve started using the Saramonics Smartrig a while back, thanks to your videos on it I was able to modify it to my needs and now it`s doing a great job boosting the audio of my Rode Videomic (cause I am a Canon user and Canon`s inbuild preamps suck xD). For my needs this low budget preamp works great, and I can`t see myself needing anything more, it`s definitly a great option for everyone who`s looking to get better audio quality on a budget :)
Really fine review. Well-presented.
Great video - thank you Caleb! And the Mixpre-3 is also a recorder and an audio interface for PC and Mac!
Nice. Wish I would've known about the beachtek. Watched your "best audio accessory for your camera!" video and picked up the saramonic plus a few months ago.
I only recently reviewed the DXA Micro Pro. SmartRig+ is still a solid choice. Also those dual XLR/3.5mm jacks are great.
Damn you Caleb!! I bought the Saramonic Smart Rig Plus based on your excellent review of it a year ago. I use it with a Canon t4/3i and I must say I haven't been overly impressed with it. It certainly helps but maybe I was being unrealistic thinking it was going to make my audio crystal clear. I guess I better start saving for the Beachtek DXA Micro Pro ... and just after I buy it you'll come out with another review of a way better preamp at a similar price!! ;)
would be interested to see how using the new zoom h1n would fair in these test (given it can also record audio in WAV)
I heard that JuicedLink pre-amps have the lowest noise and they were high-quality products. And now they are gone?
Hey, Caleb!! I love your videos and have been a fan for the past year or so.
Over the summer, I purchased a Rode VidMic Pro thanks to your Rode Mic Comparison video and I have been absolutely loving it. At the moment, I have just been using it directly plugged into my mic input on my Olympus EM1 4:3 camera and it has been working pretty well, I think. But, after watching this video, I just may have to purchase a pre-amp. So... here are a few scenarios and I'm curious to which you think would work the best for a CZcams "studio" recording situation like yours (I don't have all of this equipment yet, but I am hoping to hopefully purchase it soon):
1) Rode VidMic Pro plugged directly into Canon Rebel t7i
2) Rode VidMic Pro plugged into the Beachtek DXA-MICRO PRO plugged into Canon Rebel t7i
3) Rode VidMic Pro plugged into Zoom H4N recorder (recording externally/separate from Canon Rebel t7i)
4) Rode NTG4 Plus plugged into Beachtek DXA-MICRO PRO plugged into Canon Rebel t7i
5) Rode NTG 4 Plus plugged into Zoom H4N recorder (recording externally/separate Canon Rebel t7i)
Curious to hear what you think.
Thank you so much!!
- Ari
you are the best :) you always cover exactly what i need to know
Hey Caleb thanks for all the extremely helpful videos! I would like to run 4 wireless microphones direct into my Sony a7III. Do you have any advice on how to achieve this?
Hey Caleb, two things. First, I picked up a Media Sonic 4-bay from your video recommendation. Even with import duty to Ireland, it worked out better than the 2 bay Oricco from Amazon UK. The Oricco is a noise beast though. While the Mediasonic isn't whisper quiet by any means, it's more adding to fan noise than being the fan noise..or a jet plane imitator. Love that it sees each drive individually so I can just pop in older drives as needed.
Secondly, when I saw the MixPre3, I feel in love with it. Want one. But I'm kinda torn. The MixPre6 might be a better option to allow me to do location sound work. Coming from a live sound background, it's not a major leap. Half of the job is having the gear. Seeing as previous Sound Devices stuff is 5 times the price, it's not as expensive as it seems compared to the cheapies!
Cheers for the work on the channel, hopefully the watch time pays off!
Hi Caleb,
Thanks for another great video! Really enjoyed it and I am learning more each time with your videos.
I have a question, at the moment I am struggling to find a preamp for the Rodeo Video Micro, do you know if any of the reviewed preamps would work with this microphone? If not, do you know/recommend any?
Thanks,
C
I've been using the AZDEN FMX-DSLR. I've liked it so far no issues. Very versatile.
The only audio issues I've had in general was WiFi interference. Do you ever come across that when filming?
can you gauge how the preamp on the tascam dr60 would rank with the seven you tested for this review? as always, thanks for the effort and the sharing.
Thought the Tascam DR60-D Mark 2 would've in there at £145 currently on Amazon. It also has a decent limiter which at that price point is unusual. It's not an analogue limiter like the one in the MixPre but it actually works and is quite transparent for a cheapy.
Sad about JuicedLink. I understand the gain/noise floor pre-amp comparison between these inexpensive pre and the 633 but it's a little like comparing a bike to a car - both will get you from a-to-b but the are for very different purposes. Even before features like separate gain/trim and separate source recording / mixing recording - how the 633's limiters for example controls peak distortion before it's processed by the a/d converter. Now I'm curious how those inexpensive amps handle peak distortion?
Caleb, great stuff. Have you ever tried apogee jam or irig pro (supposed ot be much better quality than pre). do they work with same rode adaptor? best
Good vid, went for the Saramonic SmartRig
What would be more useful for reducing or eliminating hiss from a wireless Lavalier mic, a field recorder or a preamp?
A important question! If I understand correctly, you cannot monitor audio with the Saramonic Smart Rig (because you need to use a app to do it, and we arent use it with a smartphone) so the first one able to do monitor audio is the Saramonic Smart Rig PLUS, right?
Just the video I was hoping for.
Super helpful, thank you so much
why not a dr60d or something of the like? 142$ for just the preamp is quite a bit considering for 8$ more you get a whole recorder?
Very helpful, thanks!
Caleb, im a huge fan of your work thanks for the constant informative content. Question i purchased the aputure deity and i needed reliable phantom power the juiced link is at this time out of my budget sam ash recommended the $70 art phantom 2 pro i noticed this amp wasnt one of the amps used in this video do you recommend the $140 amp or is the one i have good enough i need my audio to be on point
Hey Caleb I was wondering if you could check out the new Saramonic line of pre amps specifically the Pax1 (only $100) and maybe the Pax2. I just got the Beachtek and I'm wondering how they compare on noise and battery life and if they still can do safety tracks etc. Thx
Have you tried the zoom h5 or h6? Great video as always!
Can I use rode nt1 with saramonic rig plus and zoom h1n for record audio for a feature film with low budget but proffesionall audio quality plz reply and thanks in advance love from India
I would love to see a detailed review of the Mix Pre 3.
Hi! Thanks for great videos, keep up the good work.
I want to shoot indoor CZcams videos, won't be moving around. I have a Panasonic Lumix DMC-G80
with a Røde VideoMic PRO. But want to switch to a lav mic. What lav mic should I go for? And should I do it with a Zoom H5 or Saramonic SmartRig+
or Beachtek DXA Micro PRO?
Sounds quality (without noice) is the priority but would love to not have to do anything in post (such as syncing the audio with the video).
What is your opinion in these options or should I go with something else?
WHY CAN'T I HOLD ALL THESE PRE-AMPS?!
It’s interesting that only one had combo XLR and 1/4 inch. Important to me because my wireless lav receiver has quarter inch wired output. I sure do wish that a pre-amp exists with the right stereo output having a timecode generator to sync two cameras.
You look and sound very different from your videos from 6 years ago. Where does the zoom h5 fall in your results?
What is a good handheld grip mount to hold my smartphone & zoom h5 at same time? I'm also thinking of picking up the Zoom SGH-6.
That was super helpful!
Was just about to seal the deal on an H4N before you posted. Really thankful I didn't. The Saramonic seems SO much better to pair with an NTG2 than the Zoom (I've heard that the pre's on the H4N don't boost quite enough for that mic) Thanks!
I own the H4N (not Pro) and the NGT-2 . Love the quality of the NGT-2 but the low output of this mic coupled with the rather weak H4N preamp makes for a lot of noise on my 6D. A Cloud Lifter CL-1 brought redemption to the combo and now I have a huge amount of quiet gain to work with. I also use the Art USB Dual Pre with the Cloud Lifter. The CL-1 is like dynamite, amazing!
Love Your channel 💪💪💪
Yep. The Beachtek Micro is great and worth the moderate cost. Excellent preamp. With that great headphone volume. For the rare times I need 2 XLR's, use my Zoom H4n.
thanks. well done and useful
Isn't the amount of noise added by the 6D the limiting factor? Might you have heard a difference between the MixPre and the BeachTek if you used a higher end recorder?
I have a Canon M50, what do you think is the best budget option for a rode videomicro setup? I just hate that hissing noise haha, gonna boom it over my head.
How does the Tascam DR-70D compare to the Saramonic Smart Rig PLUS and the Beachtek DXA Micro Pro? I am considering purchasing it, but wondered if you have ever tried one and what your thoughts were.
I strongly suggest a Sound Devices Mix Pre-D ( used) . Ive seen them sell for 500-600 bucks on craigslist and ebay. I sold mine for 700 bucks. I got a Sound Devices 702T because I needed a recorder. The Mix Pre-D is an awesome, awesome very low noise pre-amp device for your DSLR or Mirrorless camera. Analog limiters too! Research it !
Nice comparison. Of course, as well as being the best performing preamp, the MixPre-3 is also a very good 3 track recorder. In view of that, it better justifies the price.
Most definitely! So much more than just a preamp, but since I had it, I thought I'd throw it in the mix.
I have a NTG-3 and the GH5 and considering the iRig to get the audio straight in to the camera and for a light setup. I also have the old version of the Rode Videomic. Which setup would be best?
Later I want the Tascam DR-60 Mark2 for a heavier setup
the video is a little bit older, but can you recommend me one for my canon eos m50?
The form factor of the MixMic is my favorite because it includes the shock mount for the mic and a coldshoe...they should let you buy it without the crappy mic and just bring your own. It's just so convenient to put on top of your camera. Too bad it doesn't sound so great.
The Beachtek would be a no-brainer if it had two XLR inputs. Only having one could be a problem.
What do you think about the Sound Devices MM-1 Single Channel Portable Microphone Preamp?
Great video!
A great review. Very helpful. !!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks Dana!
If I already have the Saramonic Smart Rig Plus, is it worth upgrading to the Beachtek DXA Micro Pro? Thanks!
Can you please make a sample off audio on Canon whit SmartRig and Video Micro Rode?
Is there a way to split the XLR input on the Beachtech so you can get 2 xlr inputs into it?
4th! :D
Thank you for the guides! keep `em coming!
Thanks Bae!
DSLR Video Shooter I thought I was already subscribed. Oh well. SUBBED
Is it necessary to get a preamp for run gun indie filmmaking...or having a zoom h1 recorder with rode video mic pro should be fine
that was very helpful thanks
What do you think of this pre amp. Marantz PMD-602A 2-Channel DSLR Audio Interface
Been waiting for this 🙌🏿🍾
Caleb,
if you get a chance, you should take a look at the Saramonic SR-PAX2. I own one, and it's an awesome preamp considering the cost ($140-150ish).
Thanks for the heads up! I'll have to check that out some day.
Do these pre-amps work for non xlr microphones like the Rode Video Mic Pro that has a 3.5mm connection?
I really enjoy your video. I am a complete beginner and have purchased an inexpensive camera. I hope to produce music and video for CZcams. What is your opinion of the Tascam DR-60 or the Marantz PMD 602A camera interace? Again, thank you for your great productions and expertise.
Stephen Cullen
Is the Saramonic iRig Plus compatible with Protools video editing software?
Thank you. Stephen Cullen
can you do a updated video and thoughts on the Zoom AMS-22
Can you do live monitoring with the Saramonic?
Hi Caleb, what are your thoughts on the Saramonic SR-PAX2, ?
What is better - to use preamp for $100 or to use external recorder like Tascam DR-05?
Can this work for a Sony a6000, kindly let me know thanks.
Question.
I have a Rode NTG-2.
Now that the Saramonic Mix Mic is $148 on Amazon instead of $200+, making the both of them the same price.
Which would you prefer, Beachtek DXA Micro Pro vs. the Saramonic Mix Mic?
(I don't care about the mic that comes with the Saramonic since I have my own.)
Thanks and great video as always!
Bro can I use pream with condenser mic?
How about saramonic smart rig vs comica linkflex AD2?
any good preamps that use AA batteries, especially NiMH?
I use the smart rig plus recording video lectures does the job.Very easy to set up
be interested in how battery life compares. mixpre sound terrific, but are a pain to power in the field.
I’d like to see a comparison between these Pre-Amps and recorders such as the Zoom H6, Tascam DR-60D and Tascam DR-70D.
Can u plz tell me is to possible to record from condenser mic by preamp??
would it be a waste of time to run a rode link receiver thru a beachtek or is it pretty much the same output. Thanks!
What preamp am I able to use with the Takstar sgc-598? Thanks.
No love for the Tascam DR-60 MkII? I know a LOT of people love it and it's within the price range of these models that you tested.
I looked at the smartrig plus, but appears to have a trrs jack for input to the dslr....I thought dslr used a trs jack input ?
Can you use any of these on a Facetime call or Zoom meeting? (Can you hear audio coming out of the phone?)
Can anyone explain me what would be the best way to use my Neumann TLM102 over XLR on my SONY FX30? i also have a FOCUSRITE SCARLETT 18i20 .. so many videos.. and ways which can be confusing for someone who has never dealt with "CAMERA AUDIO". I would be grateful for tips
This vid is now 6 years old. Do you have any newer ones on mic preamps? Thanks!
Can I use a Tascam DR-05 as a pre-amp? Like plugging the mic into the Dr-05 and the recorder into the DSLR? If so, how good would it be compared to those options you showed us? Thank you.
Aurélio Soares I would not recommend connecting to headphone/output from dr-05 recorder. From my experience output is too noisy. I use the smartrig with adapter in my dr-05. Play with settings for lowest background noise.
what's the difference between mixer and preamp? I'm using a Rode Vid Condenser Mic on a NIkon D700 setup but it's picking up too much noise. The goal is to film interviews, and interested in budget set-up to playing around with doc filming. Is this noise issue more of a mic situation or do I need mixer/preamp?
Why don't you recommend audio recorders such as zoom h4n pro or h5 which is also could be used as preamps for your camera + it's recording sound. I am new to sound world, so please explain
+1 I would like to see recorders added to this kind of comparisons. I understand the H4N Pro and H5 have very good preamps, pretty close to the JuicedLink.
Many audio recorders won't give you as clean of preamps compared to these dedicated preamps. Also, if you just want to improve your audio quality without needing a recorder, a preamp can do that for you.
What would you suggest for Sony a6500?
Is it possible to use a Tascam Dr-05 as a pre-amp? @DSLR Video Shooter
I'm tired of using syncing up audio in post. Thanks!
I believe you can. Most handy recorders (Zoom and Tascam) are able to work that way. Just get a 3.5mm jack cable (male-to-male) and connect the recorder's headphone jack to the camera's microphone jack. You should be able to record directly into camera while controlling the input signal with the recorder (you can even phantom power the mic through the recorder).
I’m wondering what the advantage of purchasing a Beachtek is, for example, if you already had a Zoom recorder? Is it just form factor?
How you're looking straight to the lens...?
Hi Caleb, i know this video is a bit older but i'm a young(Ok young maybe not but definitely a noobie haha) film maker and i'm looking for a sound recording solution. I need your pro opinion on this one since i'm watching all your reviews btw great content, keep going. Unfortunately i'm also on a budget and i wanted to ask if i should rather invest/buy in a Saramonic smallrig+ or record on a external recorder like the Tascam dr-40 witch is pretty affordable for a 2 xlr inputs. My intentions are to use it on a boompole with a Rode Nt2. What is the most versatile and audio quality pick. Tank you Caleb ✊
Forgot to mention that in that case i have to use my phone to record. So is it not a pain in the A$$ if i need to clamp both on the boom pole. I mean if the sound quality is better than yeah i would!
Will a focusrite Scarlett work as a dslr interface? If possible, it would be money spent to kill two birds. I Seems like I need to lower the camera gain and up the interface gain to reduce noise for in camera sound recording...can focusrite provide enough gain?
any advice very much appreciated!
Technically if you add a pre amp your gain will increase obviously you have to lower camera gain remember the camera itself had a built-in preamp which is common not good and you really need a good preamp for greater quality audio signal a preamp with audio recorder has an advantage than the preamp alone like tascam 70d or zoom h6 which is more versatile audio recorder compare to tascam