Best Mic Preamp with Eq (2026): 4 Picks Compared
Updated Nov 11, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Ranked from listed specifications · How we rank
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The Behringer 1273 is the pick here: a 2-channel mic preamp with a 3-band EQ, 80 dB of gain and Midas transformers. The Neve 1073SPX matches the 80 dB gain figure with a 3-band EQ of its own, while the Warm Audio WA273-EQ and WA73-EQ cover two channels and one channel with the same 3-band EQ layout.
The picks at a glance
Which one should you buy?
- Recordists who want 2 channels with a 3-band EQ: Behringer 1273 2-Channel Microphone Preamplifier and Equalizer See pick 1More picks: Best 2 Channel Mic Preamp
- Buyers who want a 2-channel preamp with EQ: Warm Audio WA273-EQ Microphone Preamp EQ See pick 2
- Recordists who want 80 dB of gain with EQ: Neve 1073SPX Microphone Preamp and EQ See pick 3
- Recordists who want a 1-channel preamp with EQ: Warm Audio WA73-EQ Microphone Preamp EQ See pick 4
Want the full range? Best Mic Preamp ranks the top mic preamps for every buyer, or browse all 27 guides.
The 4 picks, ranked
1Best Overall
Behringer 1273 2-Channel Microphone Preamplifier and Equalizer
- Max gain: 80 dB
- 2-year warranty stated
It earns Best Overall with 2 channels, a 3-band EQ, 80 dB of gain and Midas transformers.
Who it suits
- Recordists who want 2 channels with a 3-band EQ
- Buyers who want 80 dB of gain
Skip it if
- You need more than 2 channels
- You need more than 80 dB of gain
The Behringer 1273 is a 2-channel Mic/Line/Instrument preamp with a 3-band EQ, a highpass filter and a tone switch. Its Class A discrete circuit with custom Midas transformers gives 80 dB of gain for studio recording, vocals and instruments. It weighs 14.3 lb and carries a 2-year warranty.
2Runner-Up
Warm Audio WA273-EQ Microphone Preamp EQ
- Max gain not stated in the listing
It pairs 2 channels with a 3-band EQ in a Mic/Line/Instrument preamp.
Who it suits
- Buyers who want a 2-channel preamp with EQ
- Recordists who record mic, line and instrument sources
Skip it if
- You need more than 2 channels
- You need more than a 3-band EQ
The Warm Audio WA273-EQ is a 2-channel Mic/Line/Instrument preamp with a 3-band EQ. Two channels take mic, line or instrument sources, and the 3-band EQ shapes the signal on the way to the recorder.
3Also Great
Neve 1073SPX Microphone Preamp and EQ
- Max gain: 80 dB
- 2-year warranty stated
It pairs 80 dB of gain with a 3-band EQ, a highpass filter and polarity reverse.
Who it suits
- Recordists who want 80 dB of gain with EQ
- Buyers who want polarity reverse and a highpass filter
Skip it if
- You need more than 80 dB of gain
- You need a unit under 15.8 lb
The Neve 1073SPX is a Mic/Line/DI preamp and EQ module with 80 dB of gain and a 3-band EQ. Its transformer-balanced Class A circuitry includes a highpass filter and polarity reverse. It weighs 15.8 lb and carries a 2-year warranty.
4Also Great
Warm Audio WA73-EQ Microphone Preamp EQ
- Max gain not stated in the listing
It pairs 1 channel with a 3-band EQ in a Mic/Line/Instrument preamp.
Who it suits
- Recordists who want a 1-channel preamp with EQ
- Buyers who want mic, line and instrument inputs
Skip it if
- You need more than 1 channel
- You want a second channel for another mic
The Warm Audio WA73-EQ is a 1-channel Mic/Line/Instrument preamp with a 3-band EQ. One channel takes mic, line or instrument sources, and the 3-band EQ shapes the signal on the way to the recorder. It weighs 10 lb.
Side by side
| Product | Max gain | 48V phantom power | DI / XLR out | Weight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Behringer 1273 2-Channel Microphone Preamplifier and Equalizer | 80 dB | Not stated | Not stated | 14.3 lb | 2-year |
| Warm Audio WA273-EQ Microphone Preamp EQ | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| Neve 1073SPX Microphone Preamp and EQ | 80 dB | Not stated | Not stated | 15.8 lb | 2-year |
| Warm Audio WA73-EQ Microphone Preamp EQ | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | 10 lb | Not stated |
How we ranked these mic preamps
Every pick ranks in Amazon's best-seller list for its category and has a listing with real specifications. The order mixes two things: how each model compares on the specs below (higher share of the best value in this group scores more), and how widely it is bought. The spec score runs from 9.0 to 9.8 and only compares these picks with each other. A spec the listing does not state is left out and the other specs are re-weighted; a listing with fewer than 2 stated specs is scored at half. We do not test gear in person. Full method.
- Max gain weight 2
- 48V phantom power weight 1
Buying advice: mic preamp with eq
Count the channels you need
Channel count decides how many sources you record at once. The Behringer 1273 and the Warm Audio WA273-EQ each give 2 channels, while the Warm Audio WA73-EQ gives 1 channel. The Neve 1073SPX is a Mic/Line/DI preamp and EQ module with 80 dB of gain. Match the channel count to the microphones and instruments you record at the same time.
Compare gain and EQ bands
Gain and EQ decide how much lift a mic gets and how much tone shaping you can do. The Behringer 1273 and the Neve 1073SPX each give 80 dB of gain, and all four preamps here carry a 3-band EQ. The Behringer adds a highpass filter and a tone switch, and the Neve adds a highpass filter and polarity reverse. Match the gain figure and the EQ bands to the microphones you use.
Check weight and warranty
Weight and warranty decide where the preamp lives and how long it is covered. The Warm Audio WA73-EQ weighs 10 lb, the Behringer 1273 weighs 14.3 lb and the Neve 1073SPX weighs 15.8 lb. The Behringer and the Neve each carry a 2-year warranty. Match the weight to the space on your desk or in your rack, and check the warranty term before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
How many channels do these preamps have?
The Behringer 1273 and the Warm Audio WA273-EQ have 2 channels each, and the Warm Audio WA73-EQ has 1 channel. The Neve 1073SPX is a Mic/Line/DI preamp and EQ module.
What gain do the Behringer and Neve preamps give?
Both give 80 dB of gain. The Behringer 1273 pairs that gain with a 3-band EQ, a highpass filter and a tone switch, and the Neve 1073SPX pairs it with a 3-band EQ, a highpass filter and polarity reverse.
Do these preamps have a highpass filter?
The Behringer 1273 and the Neve 1073SPX have a highpass filter. Check the filter against the microphones you record with.
Gear that goes with it
Best Dynamic MicrophoneTop pick: Audio-Technica AT2040 Hypercardioid Dynamic Podcast Microphone Hypercardioid
Best Audio InterfaceTop pick: Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio
Best XLR CableTop pick: Cable Matters 2-Pack Premium XLR to XLRMore mic preamps guides
Specifications and availability come from each Amazon listing on Nov 11, 2026 and can change. Check the listing before you buy.