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Behringer MIC100 Tube Ultragain Microphone Preamp with Limiter

The Tube Ultragain Mic100 is a vacuum tube mic/line preamplifier with integrated limiter for studio, live and hard disk recording applications. It features a carefully selected 12AX7 vacuum tube with UTC technology for exceptional warmth and lowest noise. Thus, the Mic100 can be used to eliminate the "dull" sound of standard digital recorders and sound cards. Learn More...

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Overall User Ratings

Overall:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10

Individual User Ratings

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
Its a simple 1 channel preamp, how many features does it need? What you do get is important though.

Quality:
Been my first stage preamp, directly after my bass and before my Tech21 SansAmp, for over two years now. It goes with me on the road, I just toss it in back of the rack with the cables. Works every time I pull it out. Great for being able to adjust the level of different basses, even switching to an upright, so I can use one rack with all the rest of my gear without having to change a hundred knobs to get the right sound. As long as the meter on this is peaking at 0, I know my effects will sound like I want them. Don't listen to the retard who says the tube isn't hooked up. It is, just only operational on the models with the "warmth band" next to it. On neutral its just a transparent buffer/level converter. Don't believe me? Take it apart and pull the tube, set the model on "valve". Any idiot holding the manual could tell you this :)

Value:
Cheap and it works!

Sound:
Swap the tube, it makes a huge difference. I put in a electro-harmonix 12AX7EH, really improved the sound and reduced hum quite a bit. Going back to the stock tube would reduce my rating from an 9 to a 7. I'm going to scrap the stock opamps and go with something a bit more cleaner. If that works like it did on my 3630 compressor, I would have to change my sound rating to an 11. The limiter really ruins the sound and keeps me from even thinking of anything higher than an 9. In fact I'd be really ticked if I couldn't turn it off. Avoid any setting with the limiter engaged. It just brings in the mud, wipes out any clarity at all levels. (You should know that this is just about par for any kind of limiter, IMHO, just not normally this bad at really low levels.)

Ease of Use:
Once again, single channel, gain and level knobs, easy... Just watch out, you're not using the tube on any modeling setting that doesn't have the "warmth band" beside it.

Support:
The best support is the kind you never had to use!

Overall:
Great size, just wish it had a power switch and mute switch. Neither of which is a deal breaker and if I needed that bad enough there is enough room to install one myself. Quick side note: I currently use the "20dB pad" button as some kind of mute when I switch instruments, this works well enough that I have not added a pure mute switch.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * . . . . 6 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * . . . . . 5 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * . . . . . 5 out of 10

Feature:
Nothing fancy. standard preamp features. gain, phantom power, limiter. pretty basic

Quality:
I would have given this more than a 6 if it hadn't crapped out on me after just over a year of having it. I thought the tube may have burnt out so I replaced it to no avail. I guess you get what you pay for. Don't expect this product to last forever......you're probably lucky if you get a few years out of it

Value:
I guess the value isn't that bad considering how cheap it is. The sound quality is not that bad either considering it is such an inexpensive unit. So while it was working I was pleased, but don't expect it to last for you cause it's not durable at all

Desirability:
It's a good paper weight on my desk I guess also a drink coaster multiple functions...

Sound:
It does add some warmth to the tone. Although I noticed that you will inevitably have some low background hiss. I spent some time adjusting the gain until it wasn't too bad. It does reproduce the sound quite clear however

Ease of Use:
2 knobs and a few buttons. you should be able to figure it out in a few minutes

Support:
I wrote some emails and got nothing back

Overall:
Overall, if you're a solo musician just lookin to throw together a few recordings to see what you sound like, it will do the job. Just remember you're getting what you pay for

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Overall:
* . . . . . . . . . 1 out of 10
Features:
* . . . . . . . . . 1 out of 10
Quality:
* . . . . . . . . . 1 out of 10
Value:
* * . . . . . . . . 2 out of 10
I Want It:
* . . . . . . . . . 1 out of 10
Sound:
* . . . . . . . . . 1 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* . . . . . . . . . 1 out of 10

Feature:
It makes a good drink coaster.

Quality:
Cheap Chinese junk. I opened it up, and the tube does not even run through the circuitry.

Value:
For 30 bucks I could build a cheaper one.

Desirability:
Heck no! Its an ugly white box and not even rack mountable.

Sound:
This thing sounds like a toy. Thin, dull, and cheap. I would much prefer an art tube MP or anything for that matter.

Ease of Use:
I suppose it is self explanatory.

Support:
Behringer in general is crappy.

Overall:
This thing is a toy. Do not waste your money. It is actually annoying to my ears. Most of the people who have left decent comments have probably never used anything else.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10

Feature:
It seems to have and do everything that the ART Tube MP Studio V3 has but for less money. I don't own the ART unit but I would assume that their quality would be about the same. I wish it had a power switch though.

Quality:
I think you get what you pay for. However I have several other Behringer products that I have been using for over six years without any problems whatsoever. 'Most' of their gear works well. I don't anticipate any difference with this tube pre. I had the luxury of trying a $2000.00 UA 610 pre at the same time and I can tell you that it's worth every penny and more. I plan on getting one. However this little puppy also makes a great stage DI for my acoustic guitar so when I can afford a "real" Mic Pre in my studio this unit will still be paying for itself on stage.

Value:
It's a smokin' deal for the price and as long as it holds up' I'll probably buy more as DI units for stage

Desirability:
The knobs sold me in five seconds. The sound actually surprised me instantly and it actaully looks quite nice. I practically bought it before I tried it.

Sound:
As a mic pramp it's a bit noisy but actually really sounds good for the price. Remember, it costs less than a hundred bucks! A good pre will set you back a couple of grand!

Ease of Use:
absolutely simple to use. The knobs have a good feel and a cool classic look. Watch your output level, it gets noisy real fast.

Support:
I've never had to call for any support for any reason before. So I can't answer. Everything they make, usually come with a fairly comprehensive manual, printed in about 20 languages!

Overall:
If it lasts for even a year as a DI box then I will never use a passive DI box again. My studio doubles as a 'mobile unit' and I don't know how I feel about dragging my studio rack around with a mic pre that costs more than my DAW itself. this unit is small, portable, sounds pretty decent and is 'disposable'. Any studio could use a unit like this at some point. The best hundred bucks I spent in a long time!

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * . . . . . 5 out of 10

Feature:
More features than my Tube MP. I assume that Behringer Copied the design very closely. As with most low priced gear its componats could use some upgrading(better tube, ect ect). but these can be done by local shops.

Quality:
Good Build, Behringer makes a good product that keeps working and is tough as nails.

Value:
Very Very good value, I plan to get another.

Desirability:
I like the case and the vibe of it. The Chicken head knobs give it a retro vibe.

Sound:
Clear sounding, No real coloring to the sound which is what its suposed to do. I own a Tube MP(ART). This sounds the exact same.

Support:
Five here since I have never in my 5 years of using behringer products had to contact them for support.

Overall:
I cant realy say how long I would stay satifyed with anything as I like to use multiple brands of simular things as they all sound diferent. So I will say its a good piece that will stay in my collection. As we can see some people dont know how to use something as simple as a Mic pre. DOnt listen to their ignorant ramblings. This realy is a great product for a dirt cheap price.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10

Feature:
It does get quite warm to the touch - I'm going to add a small fan on the outside to aid in venting.

Quality:
Well built and small enough to fit in my crowded shelf.

Value:
Does the job as advertised. It provides more than enough gain for any circumstance.

Desirability:
Nothing spectacular - it just works!

Sound:
Excellent sound quality - using to power a condenser mike and connect to a ham radio.

Overall:
Overall, very pleased.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * . . . . . 5 out of 10

Feature:
Once again - noiseless - strong construction - especially for the price. If i had to fault it - it would be the limiter, but everything else no problems. The knobs at first feel kind of weak - but after a couple of months that still work perfectly.

Quality:
Seems well made - after 2 months of constant use it is not looking like falling apart or anything like that - still looks brand new and acts like it is the first time out of the box. It does get a little hot once you leave it on for a few hours, but you would expect that considering the tube in the middle of it all. It has taken a few hard knocks and a couple of falls - and has travelled with me a lot, overall very sturdy and still in perfect shape.

Value:
For what it does - i would easily pay triple, and previously did. I have a few other Behringer products i have purchased after this one, and so far the value of all is outstanding.

Desirability:
The looks are not going to set the world on fire - but the sound sure makes up for it - so that's why i am rating this one 7 - aesthetically it is bland, who knows though - slap some glossy paint on it and it may just get sexy - i doubt it though.

Sound:
Sounds Great! Have used it in multiple locations running into several different systems, always has a consistent sound and makes Vocals sound much, much warmer - it also improves the awful sounding SM58's and other dynamic mic's i have used with it considerably. Used with a low noise condenser like the NT-1A it is phenomenal. It Warms up everything you patch through it. Noiseless - which is a major feature.

Support:
Never needed it - doesn't look like i am ever going to.

Overall:
At this point if i lost this baby i would definitely replace it. It will most likely always have a place in my setup - for its sheer simplicity alone. I will be supplementing my setup with a multiple input pre-amp in the not too distant future - but i can't see going a day recording without getting some sort of benefit from having this one along. Before i bought this i tried out a couple of other pre-amps - one being the Prosonus TubePre - which 3 times the price - and it went straight back to the store because it was awful sounding and noisy - this little puppy in comparison is a dream come true - noiseless and more sturdy construction.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
I really like the features of this little device. I can use it with or without the 48V phantom power for my mic, simply by pressing the button. It has a button for 20db boost, and I really like the mechanical (analog) control it gives me outside of my computer sound setup. No mouse needed to set the gain or output.

Quality:
Outstanding quality, build, fit, and finish.

Value:
I would say it's well worth the money. I actually paid list because I needed it, and it's well worth the money.

Desirability:
It's not something you might think you want until you have it. It's not a sexy product by looks or specs, but by sound, you can't beat it!

Sound:
Amazing little instrument. I bought this because I needed a quick way to connect my shock mounted voice mic to a sound card that didn't provide the 48V phantom power needed to run the mic. What I got was incredibly enhanced sound that really extended the feature set of my mic system. The warm tones and clean sound alone, make this a great piece of equipment for the money.

Support:
Haven't needed the support yet.

Overall:
Don't see trading it, but I might buy more of them.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10

Feature:
Gain, Output, Phase Reverse, etc... Limiter has no controls, only on & off. Not very useful, as it sounds unnatural.

Quality:
Well built and sturdy. Not really road worthy, but not designed for that. I was skeptical bout how "good" the stock preamp tube was. It's probably some OEM 12AX7A, labelled Behringer. So I replaced it with a Sovtek 12AX7LPS. Turns out the stock tube sounds much warmer & smoother.

Value:
At that price...

Desirability:
Already own it. Several similar problems on the market, by Art & dbx. Behringer is known to be rip offs, but this time, did Art rip off dbx or vice versa?

Sound:
Nice tube tone. Running this for electric guitar. Between external preamp & the guitar amp. Gives the solid state preamp/amp a nice warm tube tone. However, this is not a overdrive box, gives a nice crunch when cranked, but not wat would expect from a tube amp. Set clean, it nicely warms up the input signal into a nice thick glassy tube amp tone.

Support:
Never needed to. Haven't own this long enough to warrant it as well. I wasn't happy with one of their products I bought in the past, and the dealers allow for exchange to other products, no questions asked.

Overall:
Well worth the money just for guitar alone. Several other good reviews on it running as a mic preamp.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
Just your basic plug it in and go features. Not many options.

Sound:
This is the first pre-amp I have owned, and I can say for $30... I am very pleased. Has a nice sound when combined with my condensor.

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