Sound Mixer Advice
All microphones need a preamp and all condensor mics also need phantom power. This can be obtained a couple of ways. One way is to buy a standalone preamp. There are several decent models for budget minded home studio users. Here are a few:
| Model | Manufacturer | Approx | Comments |
| Tube MP V3 | ART | $70 | I haven't owned one, but |
| TPS II | ART | $180 | Excellent Tube Pre |
| VTB-1 | Studio Projects | $120 | I don't have one, but these come highly recommended. Only 1 channel Tube Pre |
| TUBEPre | Presonous | $100 | Same as above, excellent reviews, 1 channel Tube Pre |
Unfortunately, a standalone preamp doesn't allow you the flexibility that a mixer does. Mixers can give you the monitoring ability at near 0 latency as well as offers phantom power for condensor mics and gives you instrument preamps usually several in a small package. A mixer is a really good tool for the home studio.
| Model | Manufacturer | Approx Cost (USD) | Comments |
| Xenyx 802 | Behringer | $60 | Excellent starter mixer. |
| Compact 4 | Soundcraft | $100 | |
| MG12/4 | Yamaha | $150 | |
| Compact 10 | Soundcraft | $180 | |
| 1202-VLZ3 | Mackie | $300 |
You can probably find a older model Mackie like the 1202-VLZ on eBay for less than $200 and would probably do you well. Mackies are very good for home studio - excellent clean pres, well constructed - great equipment.