Note: Does not allow phantom power to pass through to the microphone
The FetAmp, made by Thomann’s eponymous in-house brand, is a small, compact microphone preamplifier that can be plugged directly into the microphone before the XLR cable. This is particularly handy for dynamic microphones as well as for ribbon mics that need more power for sufficient amplification. It is supplied with electricity via phantom power and ensures that this does not reach the microphone, thus making sure that ribbon microphones are not damaged during operation. Conversely, however, this feature makes the FetAmp incompatible with condenser microphones.
The FetAmp is a Class A JFet amplifier, a design generally considered to be particularly low-noise. These amplifiers have a high input impedance - in this case 20 kOhm. The associated impedance matching reduces the load on the microphone and gives it a better transient response. The FetAmp consists of two matched JFet transistor pairs. These allow the signal to be amplified by 28 dB at a source impedance of 3 kOhm. The frequency range of the FetAmp is 10 Hz to 50 kHz with a tolerance of +/- 1 dB. In combination with the low-noise signal amplification, the usable range of the ribbon microphone is extended so that mellower sound passages can be recorded without any problems. The input consists of a balanced female three-pin XLR connector, while the output is a male XLR socket.
Whether in the studio or on stage: Thanks to its small length of 7.7 cm, the FetAmp fits into any travel bag – making it ideal for musicians on tour. The FetAmp’s weight is also comparatively low, tipping the scales at a mere 35 g. The FetAmp is made for those musicians and recording engineers who have long been looking for a space-saving preamplifier solution for the stage or studio which also allows them to get more power out of their dynamic microphone. Incidentally, this handy preamplifier is developed and manufactured in Germany.
Thomann-brand products enjoy an excellent reputation, which also extends to the field of accessories. Hundreds of products from a wide range of different categories are built to the highest levels of quality and offer an excellent price/performance ratio. The use of high-quality and durable materials and the implementation of sophisticated features usually reserved for products in considerably higher price segments make Thomann accessories go-to products in many instances.
With Thomann's transistor-powered FetAmp, the sound of any dynamic microphone becomes fuller, more dynamic, and warmer due to the direct pre-amplification behind the microphone. Thanks to the low noise level, background noise - which is otherwise noticeable with different methods of pre-amplification in the form of a humming or buzzing sound - is significantly reduced. This is not only beneficial for musicians, but also for podcasters and content creators, because they can give their voices more impact with the compressor connected behind the microphone and the FetAmp. The FetAmp’s convincing features can be summarised above all in its simple and uncomplicated application as well as in its outstanding quality.