[drumn00b]

Hey, does anyone know anything about mic amps(or pre-amps)?? I'm looking to buy one, nothing special, but I don't know much about them. I see pictures, but they call it an amplifier, but it doesn't seem like it can actually make any noise. I know a pre-amp can't, but I don't understand. Could someone please explain anything you know about mic amp? Please no Wikipedia, cuz it's always easier when someone explains it to you personally.

[Paulo]

Well, a preamp IS actually an amplifier. It's just nowhere near as high-powered as a normal instrument amp. Basically, they either have a small vacuum tube or transistor that is powered by a battery to provide a small boost (or gain) to the signal.

If you amplify the signal a little bit, straight from the mic, you are effectively raising the signal further from the noise floor. Plus, the tube ones usually impart a little bit of 'personality' to sound.

So, you are correct, you couldn't run a speaker cab with one of these, but when connected to a full amplifier, it can help the right sounds cut through. Kinda like active pickups on a guitar.

[drumn00b]

So could I use just a regular, say, guitar amp, for my mics?

[Paulo]

Technically, yes. However, I wouldn't recommend it.

What are you actually wanting to do?

Are you trying to boost the signal going into a PA or mixer (pre-amp)? Or are you talking about wanting an actual PA to run vocals?

[drumn00b]

Um I just want a mic for my band. We don't really have a high budget, and all we want is something to sing into. I want the actual PA, not a pre-amp