Greetings mate and Welcome aboard!
Stuart Charles here, HomeStudioBasics.com helping YOU make sound decisions, so…
Made in Holland and boasting +27dB of clean gain, Triton Audio’s Fethead is a cost-effective inline preamp designed to boost the signal of dynamic (and ribbon) microphones before they reach your audio interface.
Despite being 3″ in length and weighing around 2 Oz. (57g), this durable, all-metal chassis is extremely powerful and easily fits in the palm of your hand.
One side contains an XLR 3-Pin Female Balanced Input. Plug this side into a mic like the Shure SM57.
The other side contains the XLR 3-Pin Male Balanced Input. Plug this side into the XLR cable that connects to your audio interface.
I’m using a Universal Audio Volt 2 and highly recommend it!
Without the Fethead, I have to turn the gain up to around 95%+ to get a decent signal. This is because the Volt 2 has 55dB of gain and the SM57 needs roughly 56 at minimum.
This isn’t ideal, as it can introduce unwanted noise, ambiance, artifacts, etc. into your recording.
With the Fethead employed, I’m only at 50% on the interface and can effectively get a loud, clean take with zero hassle.
And it doesn’t get much simpler than that.
Demos
Here I recorded a couple of demos; the first without the A81WS/Fethead combo and the second one with.
Demo #1
- Record Date: 01/2024
- Interface: Universal Audio Volt 2
- DAW/Sequencer: FL Studio
- Pop Filter/Windscreen: Yes, Generic Windscreen
- Gain: 95%
- Post dB Boost: Yes.
- Mic Stand: InnoGear Scissor Arm
- Shockmount: No
Demo #2
- Record Date: 02/2024
- Interface: Universal Audio Volt 2
- DAW/Sequencer: FL Studio
- Pop Filter/Windscreen: Yes, A81WS.
- Preamp: Triton Audio Fethead.
- Gain: 50%
- Post dB Boost: Normalized.
- Mic Stand: InnoGear Scissor Arm
- Shockmount: No
Notice how much better it sounds with the A81WS and Fethead combo; in effect providing that warm-ish (but still very clear), broadcast-type sound:
Demo #3
Same as above, only at a 45° angle.
Impressions
I think Demo #2 sounds the best, and found that speaking into it at a 45-degree angle (above, Demo #3) kind of just renders it a bit anemic – similar to Demo #1.
If you’re wondering why I tried it at 45 degrees, it’s because I read somewhere that it can work and sounds good. I happen to prefer speaking directly into it, but your mileage may vary.
What do you think? Let me know in the comment section down below!
Closing Thoughts
Triton Audio’s Fethead is a perfect solution for those like me who don’t want to spend heaps of cash on a separate preamp.
Not only is this unit affordable and built well, but it’s mega convenient, works incredibly well in an SM57 setup, and is also a breeze to use.
Highly recommended? You bet your buns it is!
Learn More:
Specifications
- In-Line Accessory Type: Preamplifier
- Input/Output Level: Input: Mic Level, Output: Mic Level
- Number of Channels: 1
- Gain: +27dB (3-Kilohm Load)
- Circuit Type: Class-A JFET
- Controls: No
- Inputs/Outputs: 1x XLR 3-Pin Female Balanced Input, 1x XLR 3-Pin Male Balanced Output
- Operating Voltage: 28 to 48V (Phantom Power)
- Shielded: Yes
- Package Weight: 0.165 lb
- Box Dimensions: 6.3 x 4.3 x 1.75″
Triton Audio Fethead
Price: Check Amazon! | Check B&H!
In The Box
Fethead Preamp
Carrying Bag
Well, that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you’ve enjoyed this Triton Audio Fethead Review and came away with some valuable insight.
Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Please let me know down below or Contact me!!
Are you doing fist pumps like me at checkout? I would love to hear from you. Until next time…
All the best and God bless,
-Stu
2 comments
Great profesional reviews and great quality content video and sound. goofy jokes with sharp edge. Love it
Sami,
Thank you so much! Stop by anytime and reach out if you ever need a hand with audio stuff.
-Stu