One console function which is routinely immolated is the microphone preamplifier. As a result, engineer's often find it desirable to bypass console mic amps in favor of dedicated, external preamps. To derive the most benefit from your audio path, it helps to have an understanding of different microphone preamp designs, what they sound like, and what designs are currently available. In just a few years, the professional audio market has seen a rapid upturn in manufacturers producing stand-alone mic amps. Outboard mic preamps are not for everybody, though.
Some engineers simply track through the console most of the time for convenience.
Likewise, in a hectic production facility, a staff engineer simply may not have the time to configure a rack of outboard pres. However, when sonics are the key consideration, outboard mic preamps are almost always the best choice. Within these categories are found FETs, bipolars, IC function modules, IC opamps, discrete opamps, and so forth. Irrespective of which active devices are chosen for a mic amp, a key design consideration remains the coupling of input, interstage, and output circuits. Common coupling methods include transformers, capacitor, servo, and direct.