Mic Preamps

Mic Preamps

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Your sound, loud and clear

A dedicated preamp is a useful tool to have when you need more volume or detail from your microphone. But it’s also a great source of musical colour you won’t find anywhere else — from subtle saturation to added presence and even overdrive. That’s why Focusrite microphone preamps are designed to deliver clarity by default and character on demand.

Find the best mic preamp for you

  • ISA

    ISA

    The ISA range was born out of the original Focusrite Forte console of the late 80's. The core modules from these consoles live on with Focusrite's current range of ISA products, which have become the choice of the world's finest producers and engineers.
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  • Clarett+ OctoPre

    Clarett+ OctoPre

    Clarett+ OctoPre is the eight-channel ADAT preamp designed to bring pure analogue sound to your studio. The eight Clarett preamps have been meticulously engineered to bring authentic large-format studio sound to any ADAT enabled interface.
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  • Scarlett OctoPre

    Scarlett OctoPre

    Scarlett OctoPre is the ideal 8-channel expansion for any Scarlett — or other digital interface with ADAT inputs. ADAT is a simple and easy way of increasing the number of simultaneous recording channels available in your studio.
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  • Scarlett OctoPre Dynamic

    Scarlett OctoPre Dynamic

    Scarlett Octopre Dynamic builds on the features of Scarlett OctoPre, adding analogue compression to all input channels and eight channels of precision D-A conversion.
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Explore how artists and recording engineers use Focusrite mic preamps

  • Steph Marziano

    Steph Marziano

    We joined Grammy-nominated songwriter and record producer Steph Marziano (Hayley Williams, Sir Chloe, Vundabar) in her studio to talk about creative processes and ISA's place in the studio.

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  • Nick Mac

    Nick Mac

    Renowned recording engineer Nick Mac (Post Malone, The Kid Laroi, Machine Gun Kelly) elevates his recording setup by expanding his Focusrite arsenal.

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  • Rob Burrell

    Rob Burrell

    We invited recording engineer and mixer Rob Burrell (Carrie Underwood, Little Big Town, Martina McBride) to record duo Lance and Lea through ISA mic preamps.

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  • Christian Olde Wolbers

    Christian Olde Wolbers

    Bassist, vocalist, composer, and producer Christian Olde Wolbers builds a complete Focusrite ecosystem with the ISA One Mic Pre, Scarlett 18i20 and Scarlett OctoPre.

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  • Francine Perry

    Francine Perry

    We met producer, mixer, and recording engineer Francine Perry at Studio Mute to hear how Clarett+ OctoPre is the perfect solution for her needs.

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Frequently asked questions

A mic preamp is a piece of audio equipment that increases the level of a microphone’s signal so it can be properly recorded or amplified. Microphones alone produce a very weak signal, so a mic preamp boosts this to a usable recording level.

A mic preamp increases a microphone’s signal strength, reduces noise, and optionally adds tonal character. It can be used to ensure clean, consistent audio quality for recording, streaming, or live sound.

The best mic preamp depends on your budget, workflow, and how many inputs you need. For artists looking for premium sound and flexibility, ISA One is an excellent choice, offering clean gain with classic analogue character. If you need additional microphone inputs for recording bands, drums, or larger setups, Clarett+ OctoPre and Scarlett OctoPre each provide eight high-quality mic preamps with reliable performance.

You might need a mic preamp if your microphone’s signal is too quiet or lacks clarity for your intended use. Without a mic preamp, your microphone will sound very quiet and thin. A good preamp helps ensure your vocals or instruments sound clear, full, and professional.

Most audio interfaces, include those from Focusrite, already include built-in mic preamps. You may still want to add an external preamp if you want more gain, better sound quality, or a specific tonal character that your interface preamps don’t provide.

For vocal recording, ISA One is an excellent choice. It delivers clean, detailed gain with a smooth analogue character that enhances vocals across many styles, making it a reliable and versatile option for both studio and home recording setups.

Connect your microphone to the preamp with an XLR cable, then run the preamp’s line-level output into your interface’s line input. Make sure to bypass or turn down the interface’s built-in preamp to avoid double-amplifying the signal.

Why choose Focusrite?

  • Free delivery and free returns

    Free delivery and free returns

    Delivery on qualifying orders is completely free, worldwide*. But if one of our products isn't for you we have you covered, returns are always free.

    *Regional exclusions apply.


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  • Award-winning customer support

    Award-winning customer support

    If you need help at any point you can reach out to our award-winning global support team. We work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, so you can too – if you want.

  • Three-year warranty

    Three-year warranty

    Millions of music makers rely on Focusrite hardware every day to keep the inspiration flowing. Built to the highest standards for ultra-reliable performance, every Focusrite interface comes with the peace of mind of a three-year warranty.


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  • Certified refurbished

    Certified refurbished

    Get an amazing bit of kit at a substantial discount. All our certified refurbished products are fully functional, include all bundled software, manuals and cables, and have a full three-year warranty.


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  • Manage your account and products

    Manage your account and products

    View your past orders, access your bundled software, manage your account, and see all your registered products in one place.

  • Authentic Focusrite products

    Authentic Focusrite products

    Be sure you’re buying a genuine Focusrite product by buying direct from us, or one of our authorized dealers.

  • Studio Trade-In

    Studio Trade-In

    Thinking about upgrading your studio set-up? Exchange your eligible Focusrite equipment, no matter the condition, and save 25% on our latest gear.


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