Is this normal? Getting weird current noise when right knob is over 10% (need at least 20%). The mp3 file shows noise at 25% then turning to 50% then back to 25%. This nosie has nothing to do with left knob or my microphone as i already tested those two possibilities. It is coming from the right preamplification module.

 

@Adam R. K. You said it. it is not the microphone. This ultra low budget preamp is known for being ultra noisy. A friend of mine found one being sold for $10 and said that it is not even worth that much. He swaped the ultra-cheap tube inside of it for a decent one and things improved.
Here is the page in which it is discussed https://www.behringer.com/Categorie...07/Reviews?page=4&sort=First#googtrans(en|en)
Here is the website from which he purchased the better tube https://www.tubedepot.com/t/tubes/preamp-tubes/12ax7-ecc83-7025-cv4004

Edit: He said that it is not worth it to spend over $40 on a tube for it. So keep that in mind if you decide to go that route.

 

Last edited: Aug 29, 2019

I have the 200 version (for 10 Euros). Yes, depending of the use it can get noisy.
But I only wanted it for live use, so not a big problem.

On a side note, it can get very very hot, and that's a dangerous problem.
I'm not using it actually.

 

Thanks guys. What relatively low price / very low noise preamplifiers would you recommend? Optionally preamps with audio interface included.

 

I'm using one of these:
https://artproaudio.com/product/pro-mpa-ii-two-channel-mic-preamp/
It helped add some dimension. Not a lot of color using the stock Chinese tubes. Getting ready to throw some Mullards at it, which some say improves it, some say it doesn't. I consider it an entry level tube preamp.
You can run it in mid/side mode which is nice. The separate impedance controls are nice.
I'm using it to record guitars for both the DI input, and reamping the DI and capturing the mic'd up amp. For this, it's really great. I also use it for vocals. I've used it for kick/snare and overheads as well.
I'm summing through one of these too, so lots of uses for it.
Here's a write up on it:
https://thelittleredlight.com/gear-reviews/art-pro-mpa-ii/

 

The ones saying they can't hear "NO" improvement must be the same ones claiming that they can tell the difference between 44.1 KHz and 48KHz every time with 100% certainty. With the Mullards you will definitively notice an improvement. Even the JJs, costing less than half of the price of the Mullards, will be an upgrade over the Chinese made tubes that come in the MPA.

 

Yeah, I have one channel with a noise which swells, then there's a loud pop, then rinse and repeat. My best guess is the Chinese tube is done. So I was going to get a matched pair of Mullards for it. I'll probably try a JJ out of one of my Mode 4's first to be sure it's the tube.
Depending on what I hear from the Mullards, this one may get promoted to summing duties. I've actually got 2 of these. It'll be good to have several different flavors depending on what I'm doing.

 

If you are looking to use a tube mic, digitaldragon has set you on the right track. The Ultragain is a "Toob" preamp of what is called a starved tube circuit in which the voltage to the valve is not nearly enough to enjoin your ears with a pleasant tone. A decent mic for your purposes is more important than a preamp, in my opinion. If you are capturing audio, this is your next stop.