RME Audio QuadMic

The RME Audio QuadMic is a four channel microphone preamplifier that is made in Germany. It is designed to be brought on the go for mobile recording, as it's small size allows you to transport it easily and quickly. However, it can be used in non-mobile situations as well. QuadMic has four dual XLR and 1/4" inputs and four 1/4" line outputs, all of which are in the back of the unit. I guess that this will fit inside a rack casing, but it is only about half the size across, so you'd need two of them to fit it in perfectly.

UTILIZATION

The make up of the RME Audio QuadMic is very straight forward and simple to follow. Each of the four mic preamps has a knob for gain and buttons for +48 volt phantom power, a lo cut option, and for phase. It also has LED meters for your signal, phantom power on/off, and clipping. There really isn't all that much to know beyond these basic parameters, so a manual won't be necessary for most users.

SOUND QUALITY

The sound quality is a bit above average with the RME Audio QuadMic, especially considering the compact nature the preamp. While designed for mobile recording uses, the QuadMic is definitely more than just a compact set of preamps, as I've only used these inside the recording studio and not on the go. Either way you use them, it is basically the same - it's just nice to have the option to move them easily if needed. The QuadMic can be used to record just about any application, as I don't feel that they favor one over another, they are in general decent enough sounding mic pres for all sorts of situations. This certainly wouldn't be my first choice for a mic pre, but if you need four extra channels of pres, the QuadMic will do the job most times.

OVERALL OPINION

For the price, the RME Audio QuadMic is a great deal. While the preamps don't sound all that much better than those you'd find on most audio interfaces, keep in mind that they are really designed just to offer an extra set of preamps to users in need. If you've got an audio interface where you have the inputs but need more mic preamps like a Digi 002 for example, the RME Audio QuadMic offers an inexpensive solution to expand. So while ideal for mobile recording, the QuadMic will help out users of all types...

4 inputs on combo XLR / jack
by entry:
- A gain knob
- A phantom power supply
- A low-cut
- A phase inverter
- An LED signal presence
- An LED indicating the engagement of the phantom
- An LED clipping a indiquand

obviously lack an attenuation pad and true VU meters. In studio use, the absence of the latter is not a big deal.

Outputs are on TRS (balanced).

External power supply with a small extended a power cable housing. Not a horrible transformer with taking it. well.

UTILIZATION

use is a biblical simplicity.

Studio (my use), the absence of the meters is not a problem since I checked the levels in the TotalMix my RME soundcard or directly into the sequencer.

If you must enter a device with no meter, it's trickier.

SOUND QUALITY

Very transparent preamp. Renowned for it. Do not seek the warmth of a tube preamp.

It does not have the cold or drought or some preamp strips. For me, the sound is right, true, pretty dynamic, without excess in one direction or the other.

If there was something to complain about, it is precisely a lack of character, sound signature. Personally, I've just taken to have rights preamps. When I want color, I have other stuff.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for years. This is my preamp "all terrain", clean, with whom I can work with confidence when I do not want to color or I need more simultaneous inputs that do not allow me my other preamps.

The price / quality ratio is very good. AC puts the preamp around 125 € / entry and I confess I do not see a lot of preamps that can offer such quality for this price.

Do I recommend it? Yes and no.

Yes someone who would like to not too expensive, a complete setup already has preamps that have a color and character.

Yes to someone who wants to first preamp quality, a very own sound, rather law, which requires 4 inputs.

Not someone looking for a first quality preamp for you to take voice or instruments isolated. To these, I would recommend to turn to models with fewer entries, but most pronounced sound signature.

For my part, if mine was burning, I would resume a. But it is the RME and it is strong.